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 |
Besides the space size 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 |
Believe it or not, the shape and size of your tile can significantly impact the cost of your overall bathroom retile. 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.
Tile patterns can transform the look of your tiling materials. Your preferences will determine whether you want something standard, like the straight set or running bond, or something more eye-catching, like herringbone or diagonal.
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.
Location | Cost per Square Foot | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Bathroom floor | $7–$25 | $800–$7,00 |
Bathroom wall | $7–$25 | $800–$8,000 |
Shower floor | $5–$25 | $500–$1,000 |
Shower wall | $5–$25 | $800–$2,600 |
Walk-in shower | $5–$25 | $800–$3,000 |
Installing a tile floor in a bathroom costs $7 to $25 per square foot, or about $800 to $7,000 in 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. Although you might pay less labor costs due to the easy installation, the glue used to secure the tiles 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 cost $800 to $2,600. If you have a walk-in shower, the cost can be slightly higher, running from $800 to $3,000.
Labor costs fluctuate depending on the ease or difficulty of installation. Due to the space, bathroom floor tile installation is more straightforward than shower tile installation. Vinyl ceramic, for example, is 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.
When making a budget for your tiling project, consider these additional costs.
Depending on the material, removing your existing tile or flooring costs $1 to $7 per square foot.
Tile removal is the most costly, costing $2 to $7 per square foot. This is because it is time-consuming and laborious. Each tile piece and grout line must be removed before a new installation begins.
On the other hand, carpet removal is the most affordable at $1 to $1.50 per square foot. Different 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. People commonly 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.
The cost of installing bathroom tiles will be materials only, including tiles, grout, and sealer. However, you should also factor in the cost of leveling your floor, which will require a leveler. 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.
Sticking to DIYing materials that are easier to install, like vinyl, porcelain, or ceramic, is best. Hiring a tile installer near you is always best for high-cost materials like natural stone. 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 leave this job to the pros.
Depending on the state of your bathroom and budget, you might consider upgrading more than just your flooring or walls to make your most essential room of the house a proper room of luxury. If you’re having trouble deciding what projects to tackle (and in what order), consult your tile installation pro before starting the job.
Bathtub refinishing cost: $340–$630
Bathtub replacement cost: $1,980–$9,350
Shower installation cost: $4,450–$12,370
Tub-to-shower conversion cost: $1,500–$8,000
Toilet replacement cost: $230–$540
Many different things could signal the end of your bathroom tile as you know it.
Many 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. The problem could be moisture stuck under your tiles or a different problem entirely. Either way, the best way to eliminate the issue is to have a pro check out the situation and retile your bathroom.
The 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 severe stains no matter what cleaning methods you use, it may be time for replacement.
You’re tired of the aesthetic: Your feelings about your tile are also important. 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).
Retiling a bathroom can get pricey, but there are ways to reduce the project's costs. Here are a few money-saving tips:
The cost of labor and materials can vary by supplier. To find the best deal, get quotes from at least three tiling companies before choosing one.
If you’re willing to compromise on your first choice of tile materials, you can save a lot by choosing a more cost-effective alternative. For example, if the quoted cost for porcelain tiling in your bathroom is too high for your budget, you might choose vinyl instead.
Another option is to choose lower-grade materials. However, be careful when doing this and ensure 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. You could remove the tile yourself instead of having the pro do everything for you.
Unfortunately, retiled bathrooms don't always get much mileage. Because the 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 suits your needs and budget, you can consider the color schemes you want. Consider whether you want something modern, classic, or eye-catching.
Yes, you can tile over tile. However, the original tiling job must be clean, flat, and free of damage, such as 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, so it might not work, depending on your door height.