Retiling a bathroom costs $2,000 on average, but it can cost between $250 and $10,000, depending on bathroom size, materials, labor costs, and the project's scope.
Few things are more striking in a home than a newly retiled bathroom. The cost to retile a bathroom is $2,000 on average, and most people pay between $450 and $8,000. For a full bathroom retiling with high-end materials, you could end up paying $10,000 or more. You can expect to pay between $10 and $50 per square foot for bathroom retile costs.
Replacing worn and cracked tile with a sleek, modern new look can really add a "wow" factor to your home's interior—and it could be part of a bathroom remodel that raises your home’s value. This guide breaks down the costs and all the factors that affect it.
As you can see, bathroom retile costs can vary greatly because of the different variables involved. For a more accurate cost estimate for your bathroom retiling project, it’s always best to consult a tile installer, but below are some key factors that will affect your price:
You can expect to pay much more to retile a huge 200-square-foot primary bathroom than a little guest bathroom under the staircase. Since you're paying for material by the square foot, you'd multiply those costs based on size. On average, the cost of materials to retile a bathroom runs between $2 to $30 per square foot, plus the extra labor cost of $8 to $20 per square foot.
| Bathroom Size | Average Total Cost (Materials and Labor) |
|---|---|
| 25 sq. ft. | $250–$1,250 |
| 50 sq. ft. | $500–$2,500 |
| 75 sq. ft. | $750–$3,750 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 125 sq. ft. | $1,250–$6,250 |
| 150 sq. ft. | $1,500–$7.500 |
| 175 sq. ft. | $1,750–$8,750 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $2,000–$10,000 |
The type of tile material you choose may be just as important in terms of material costs as the size of the bathroom. Inexpensive vinyl tile can run from $1 to $15 per square foot, but an expensive glass tile option could set you back between $10 and $100 per square foot. Below, we’ve listed more details on tile material pricing to help you decide what is best for your budget.
Believe it or not, the shape and size of your tile can significantly impact the price of your overall bathroom retile cost. If you have large square tiles and a perfectly square bathroom, that’s a much easier job than a bathroom with many edges and small, irregularly shaped tiles to lay.
The tile patterns can transform the look of your tiling materials. Whether you want something standard like the straight set or running bond or something more eye-catching like herringbone or diagonal will depend on your preferences.
The more intricate the installation, the more costly it will be.
| Tile Pattern Type | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Straight set | $3–$30 |
| Running bond | $3–$35 |
| Mosaic | $3–$36 |
| Diagonal | $4–$36 |
| Herringbone | $4–$36 |
To get a general idea of your installation costs, see how much you can expect to pay for tiling, depending on the location.
Installing a tile floor in a bathroom costs $7 to $25 per square foot. This comes out to about $800 to $7,000 total. Of all the different flooring options, tile is one of the best choices for your bathroom. It’s durable, looks great, and is easy to clean— a must for a bathroom floor. Even though you might pay less labor costs due to the easy installation, the glue used to secure these to the floor is more costly than average.
It costs $7 to $25 per square foot to tile your bathroom walls or about $800 to $8,000 total, depending on the size of your bathroom. You don’t have to tile every wall in your bathroom, but it’s a good choice since tile can withstand moisture better than drywall. And since so many options are available, you can showcase your bathroom walls in practically any design.
While you may mix different materials for your flooring and walls elsewhere in your bathroom, tile is one of the most sensible choices for a shower.
Bring your shower tile ideas to life for $5 to $25 per square foot. The shower flooring costs $500 to $1,000, while the walls range between $800 to $2,600. If you have a walk-in shower, that number can be slightly higher, running $800 to $3,000.
Tile costs $1 to $15 or more per square foot for the materials alone. The price can vary widely depending on the tiles' type, design, and grade.
Labor costs fluctuate depending on the ease or difficulty of installation. Bathroom floor tile installation is easier than shower tile installation, simply due to the space. And vinyl and ceramic, for example, are easier to install than natural stone like marble or granite. You can expect labor costs to run $4 to $8 per square foot for ceramic and porcelain, while natural stone installation costs $6 to $15 or more per square foot.
Besides the size of the space you’re looking to tile, one of the biggest cost factors in your bathroom retiling project will be the tile type you choose. There are many options in a wide range of budgets, so you should be able to find the right fit for your needs.
| Tile Material | Cost Per Square Foot, Installed | Benefit of Material |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $1–$15 | Most affordable tile option |
| Terracotta | $5–$15 | Scratch-resistant; different finish styles |
| Slate | $9–$38 | Adds resale value to home |
| Ceramic | $10–$45 | Non-allergenic and extremely durable |
| Glass | $10–$100 | Eco-friendly and mold-resistant |
| Granite | $11–$42 | Available in a range of styles |
| Marble | $11–$54 | Elegant appearance |
| Travertine | $12–$53 | Easy to replace if needed |
| Porcelain | $14–$45 | Low maintenance |
| Pebble | $30–$40 | Easier application process than other tiles |
Vinyl tiling is a popular bathroom choice because it’s cost-effective and works well. It’s also the easiest type to install since you can cut it with a tile utility knife. So if you’re thinking of doing a DIY job, especially if you’re a beginner, this could be your best bet.
If you pass this job along to a pro, expect to pay $1 to $15 per square foot.
Terracotta is another eye-catching tile option that’s not always the best for bathrooms. It costs $5 to $15 per square foot, making it more affordable than most ceramic or porcelain tiles.
However, the sealant won’t last under heavy traffic, and its porous and stain-prone properties mean you should look at other options.
Slate tiles cost $9 to $38 per square foot. Unlike other options, you can’t install slate tiles anywhere. Generally, you should choose a different material for your bathroom since it’s porous. Some slate types, even with sealant, won’t do well in moist areas.
You may find suitable slate tiling for your bathroom walls, but avoid using it in your showers. If you’re really into the visual appeal of slate tiles, consider porcelain with a slate look instead.
Ceramic is a solid choice for your bathroom because there are many color and design options. It costs $10 to $45 per square foot. For the best results, consider ceramic for your walls and opt for a more durable material, like porcelain, for the flooring.
Most glass tiling in bathrooms is done with mosaic glass tiles. They add a level of class and beauty to walls and floors. If you use glass tiles on your floors, ensure they’re rated for floor traffic.
Although they’re beautiful, the downsides are that glass tiles are hard to install and prone to scratches. They can also break if you drop something heavy onto them, so if you have children in the home, go with a different option.
These tiles cost $10 to $100 per square foot.
Granite, like marble, requires regular sealing but isn’t as porous. It costs $11 to $42 per square foot, and you can use it for your walls and flooring. It’s a beautiful option to add sophistication to your bathroom.
Bring a touch of luxury to your bathroom with marble tiles. You can use it for your floors or walls as long as it’s properly installed and sealed. Marble is porous, so it requires regular sealing every three years.
If you’re OK with the higher costs, specific cleaning requirements, and maintenance needs, marble is one of the most beautiful options at $11 to $54 per square foot.
Travertine is another natural stone option that can elevate your bathroom. It costs $12 to $53 per square foot. It’s not as hard as marble or granite but can withstand daily wear and tear. It requires proper sealing since it’s porous.
Porcelain is more durable than ceramic and offers higher resistance to water and stains. It costs slightly more, however, at $14 to $45 per square foot. Use this for your walls or floors, and enjoy how easy it is to maintain and clean.
The wide range of options, including porcelain tile that mimics different materials like wood, stone, and metal, makes it an excellent choice to recreate the latest bathroom tile trends.
Pebble tiling is a unique way to infuse natural elements into your bathroom. You can use it for the floors or the walls, costing $30 to $40 per square foot. It’s a very durable option, although it can be harder to clean and maintain than other tile types. Pebble tiles also require sealant since stones are naturally porous.
When making a budget for your tiling project, consider these additional costs.
Removing your existing tile or flooring costs $1 to $7 per square foot, depending on the material.
Tile removal is the most costly, costing $2 to $7 per square foot. This is because removing tile is time-consuming and laborious. Each tile piece and grout line must be removed completely before a new installation occurs.
On the other hand, carpet removal is the most affordable at $1 to $1.50 per square foot. Other flooring materials cost $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot to remove.
Proper tile installation requires a clean, level floor. If you need subfloor repair or replacement, it can cost $40 to $65 per square foot. Commonly, people need subfloor repairs due to water damage.
The cost of tiling a bathroom can also vary depending on the room layout and accessibility. Some bathrooms have odd curves or bends, which require extra care and tile cutting during installation. Other bathrooms may be more challenging to access. You can expect to pay more for labor costs in these situations.
Doing your bathroom tile installation will cost you materials only, including tiles, grout, and sealer. You should also factor in the cost of leveling your floor, which will require a leveler. And depending on what’s already in your toolbox, you may need to run to the store to grab tiling tools.
Generally, you can expect to pay $1 to $15 per square foot for materials while saving on labor costs, which are $4 to $15 per square foot.
It’s best to stick to DIYing materials that are easier to install, like vinyl, porcelain, or ceramic. For high-cost materials like natural stone, hiring a tile installer near you is always best. Making the wrong cut or doing a poor installation job could lead to additional costs, severe structural damage, or even reinstallation.
Additionally, it takes extra care to properly seal all of the tiles in your bathroom, especially in your shower. Proper tile shower waterproofing is essential for a long-lasting installation. So unless you have experience, it’s best to hand this job over to the pros.
Depending on the state of your bathroom and budget, you might want to consider upgrading more than just your flooring or walls to make your most essential room of the house a true room of luxury. If you’re having trouble deciding what projects to tackle (and in what order), consult with your tile installation pro before starting the job.
Bathtub refinishing cost: $340–$630
Bathtub replacement cost: $1,910–$9,140
Shower installation cost: $4,100–$11,880
Tub-to-shower conversion cost: $1,200–$8,000
Toilet replacement cost: $230–$540
There are a lot of different things that could signal the end of your bathroom tile as you know it.
A lot of tiles are cracked or chipped: Having one or two chipped or cracked tiles isn’t a huge deal, and it’s not particularly difficult or expensive to fix. However, if you notice tile damage everywhere you look in your bathroom, it’s a better use of your money to completely retile it than to try and repair 20 or more singular tiles.
The grout stays moldy: You’ve followed the right protocol for cleaning mold in your bathroom, but it just keeps creeping in. There could be moisture stuck under your tiles, or it could be a different problem entirely. Either way, the best way to eliminate the issue for good is to have a pro check out the situation and retile your bathroom.
Tiles are covered in stubborn stains: Your bathroom should be a place of rest and rejuvenation, not a stain-filled space that stresses you out. If your tiles are clinging to serious stains no matter what cleaning methods you use, it may be time for replacement.
You’re tired of the aesthetic: Your own feelings about your tile are important, too. If you’re just not loving the vibe lately, start shopping for new tile, even if your tile isn’t at the end of its life span yet (we don’t judge).
The best way to save on retiling a bathroom is to get quotes from three providers before signing a contract.
If you’re willing to budge on your first choice of tile materials, you can save a lot by simply going with another, more cost-effective material. For example, if the quoted cost for porcelain tiling in your bathroom is too high for your budget, you might just go with vinyl instead.
Another option is to choose materials that are of a lower grade. Be careful when doing this, however, and make sure that the grade is still high enough to withstand the expected wear and tear, especially for flooring.
You might also take on part of the job on your own. Instead of having the pro do everything for you, you could do the tile removal yourself.
Unfortunately, retiled bathrooms don't always get a lot of mileage. Because these tiles are constantly being walked on, they can wear out more quickly. However, a well-done tile job can last many decades, and with proper care and regular resealing, it can last 10 years or more before needing a retiling.
When working on your bathroom floor tiling, you should always tile the floor first and then refit the toilet afterward. This has both practical and visual advantages—the tile will have a better seal, and the installation will look cleaner.
On the other hand, when you try to cut the tiles to fit around the toilet, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. It’s a lot more work, it’s hard to be precise, and mistakes or miscalculations can lead to future moisture damage to the tiling, grout, and subfloor.
The time it takes to retile a bathroom includes the installation time for the grout and tile, prep work, and waiting time. The waiting time allows the mortar, grout, and caulk to cure correctly.
A professional tiler can finish your bathroom tiling in about 6 to 8 hours. Add another 24 hours in-between steps, for 2 to 3 days before the tiling is done.
Your tiles will have a significant visual impact on your bathroom, so you’ll want to make a thoughtful decision. Once you land on the tile material that’ll work best for your needs and budget, you can think about the color schemes you want to use. Consider whether you want something modern, classic, or eye-catching.
Yes, you can tile over tile. However, the original tiling job has to be clean and flat with no damage like mold or mildew. Removing existing tiles is time-consuming and expensive, so it might make sense to skip this step.
Remember that when you tile over an existing layer, your walls or floor will get that much taller. It might not work, depending on your door height.
