Tile floor installation costs $1,900 on average, but it can cost between $800 and $3,000, depending mostly on material costs and project size.
The cost to install tile floors ranges between $15 and $20 per square foot or roughly $800 to $3,000 for entire projects—but it averages $1,900 for the typical tile installation. A handful of factors will help you determine what to budget for, including the size of your space, the type of tile you choose, and even where you plan to install it.
The cost of tile installation varies greatly because of the different factors that can impact the overall price. Find out more about these factors below and how they influence what you will pay.
Though porcelain and ceramic tile are two of the most common types of tile flooring, many other options come at different price points. In general, porcelain and natural stone tiles are more expensive and extremely durable, while budget-friendly options like ceramic and vinyl tile are more susceptible to damage.
There are a couple of reasons why project size has an impact on your final bill. Professional contractors typically charge by the hour, so the larger the tile installation, the more you’ll pay in the end. Additionally, larger projects also require more materials to complete than smaller ones, and it can cost anywhere between $0.50 and $35 for every extra square foot of tile.
| Room Size in Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 70 | $1,050–$1,400 |
| 130 | $1,950–$2,600 |
| 216 | $3,240–$4,320 |
| 300 | $4,500–$6,000 |
Installing a tile floor costs $3 to $15 per square foot for labor, but some professional tile contractors charge an hourly rate between $30 and $120.
Your tile floor installation costs will also vary by location. If you compare two projects of the same complexity and square footage, you’re likely to pay more for an outdoor installation than an indoor installation. This is because generally, you need thicker tiles or pavers outside so the material can withstand heavier foot traffic and wear and tear from the weather.
Also, certain locations will require more labor hours. Tiling your bathroom floor will require more tile cuts to accommodate your sink, tub, shower, and other fixtures. On the flip side, a tile installer can get a job done quicker in an empty, rectangular space.
Generally speaking, outdoor installation costs more than indoor. This is because you may need to purchase thicker pavers for exterior installations for walkways, patios, and pool areas. Also, outdoor installation may require more preparation like excavation or regrading of the ground.
For example, slate tile flooring costs are $10 to $16 per square foot for an indoor installation but can cost $9 to $40 per square foot for an outdoor installation.
Strength classifications range from I to V, and lower-ranked options are typically weaker or more fragile than higher-ranked ones. Here are the five strength classifications and exactly what they mean.
Class I: Suitable only for walls
Class II: Ideal for walls and flooring in low-traffic areas
Class III: Good for countertops and moderate foot traffic
Class IV: Ideal for flooring in all parts of a home
Class V: Extra durable and long-lasting, great for high-traffic zones
Similarly, tiles also have a porosity rating that will tell you both how much you should expect to pay for certain types and how well they block out moisture. Here are the four different types of tile based on porosity.
Non-Vitreous: This type of tile has the highest absorption rate and isn’t ideal for any area with a high moisture level, like the bathroom, mudroom, or exterior. The cost of non-vitreous tiles ranges from $1 to $5 per square foot.
Semi-Vitreous: This tile has a slightly lower absorption rate and can be used in moist areas but only if protected with a multi-layer glaze. On average, semi-vitreous tiles cost between $4 and $8 per square foot.
Vitreous: These tiles have an even lower absorption rate and typically include most ceramic and porcelain tiling options. They also cost between $4 and $8 per square foot.
Impervious: As the name indicates, this kind of tile can work just about anywhere. It has an absorbance rate of less than 0.5%, is frost-proof, and performs inside or outside successfully. It’s also the most expensive option at $5 to $10 per square foot.
The tile size may play a part in your tiling project costs, especially if you decide to go with slabs. Slabs are considerably more costly in any material, but you may prefer their appearance over smaller-sized tiles.
For example, regular marble tiles are $5 to $25 per square foot, while marble slabs are $10 to $50 per square foot. Common floor tile sizes are 12 inches by 12 inches, 16 inches by 16 inches, and 12 inches by 24 inches.
| Tile Size in Inches | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 12 x 12 | $0.50–$25 |
| 16 x 16 | $2.50–$30 |
| 12 x 24 | $3.50–$50 |
If you already have pre-existing tile floors, they need to be removed before you can begin your new installation. The cost to remove tile floors is about $5 per square foot. This includes tile removal and repairing any subfloor damage that may occur during removal.
Having a sturdy, uniform surface to work on is the secret to a successful tile floor installation. Sometimes subfloors aren’t in an ideal state for this kind of work and, in these cases, will need to be repaired, replaced, or resurfaced before new work can begin. The cost to repair or replace subfloor ranges from $40 to $65 per square foot. Resurfacing costs are an additional $3 to $10 per square foot on top of that.
In most cases, your flooring will likely need leveling before installers can move ahead with the tiling. A properly leveled floor is important for a seamless tile installation, so you don’t want to skip this part. Floor leveling costs $2 to $30 per square foot.
If a space is oddly shaped or exposed to uncommon elements—maybe next to a fireplace, for instance—it can cost more to install a tile floor there. Consult a tile contractor to find out how much more you’ll need to spend depending on the intricacy of your space.
The cost of tile per square foot ranges widely depending on the material type and quality. Keep reading to find an option that’s right for your budget and personal preference.
| Type of Tile Floor | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | $0.50–$7 |
| Porcelain | $3–$10 |
| Vinyl | $1–$3 |
| Natural stone | $5–$35 |
| Marble | $5–$25 |
| Granite | $2–$40 |
| Slate | $10–$16 |
| Travertine | $3–$17 |
| Wood-look porcelain | $3–$12 |
| Cement | $10–$30 |
| Glass | $200–$300 |
Here’s more in-depth information about the different types of tile:
Ceramic tile flooring costs $0.50 to $7 per square foot and looks similar to porcelain.
Porcelain tile flooring costs $3 to $10 per square foot and is impressively durable.
Vinyl tile costs $1 to $3 per square foot and isn’t actually tile but mimics the look of it.
Natural stone tile flooring costs $5 to $35 per square foot and is complex to install, but its aesthetic appeal cannot be understated.
Marble tile flooring costs $5 to $25 per square foot, and Italian marble tile costs $10 to $30 per square foot.
Granite tile flooring costs $2 to $40 per square foot and comes in low, mid, and high grades.
Slate tile flooring costs $10 and $16 per square foot, but the highest-quality version can cost as much as $40 per square foot.
Travertine tile flooring costs $3 to $17 per square foot and is durable with an attractive light peach or beige tone, most commonly.
Wood-look porcelain tile flooring costs $3 and $12 per square foot and is a great option is you have your heart set on hardwood but don’t have the budget for it.
Cement tile flooring that’s polished costs $2 to $16 per square foot and is incredibly durable. Basic concrete costs $10 to $25 per square foot.
Glass tile flooring costs $200 to $300 per square foot, so it definitely isn’t the best choice for budget-conscious households. However, it is incredibly sleek and modern.
You can expect to pay between $9 and $50 per square foot by going the DIY route, as opposed to the $13 to $80 per square foot you might pay a pro.
However, tile installation requires investing in sometimes pricey and difficult-to-use tools, like a tile cutter. Plus you’ll need personal protective equipment to stay safe during the job. A pro has all of this on-hand already. Even if you do make all the necessary (and costly) purchases, there’s still no guarantee that you’ll be able to complete the project correctly or safely.
Hiring a local floor tile contractor can remove these worries from your mind so you can simply enjoy your new tile floors.
Now that you know a bit more about the costs involved in installing tile floors, here are a few tricks to help you stay within your budget.
If you can’t afford the finest natural stone tile on the market, there are plenty of more wallet-friendly options that are equally aesthetically appealing and won’t break the bank.
Not sure if you want to commit completely to a certain type of tile? Test it out in a small space first before committing. That way, if you realize it’s not the right fit, you haven’t already spent a lot of money on a style you don’t like in your space.
Large tiles require less labor and time to install than smaller ones, and you can save a bit on costs by picking them for your floors.
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Tile flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years and even up to 30 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
You can help your tile floor achieve a longer lifespan by maintaining it properly. This includes cleaning it regularly (including cleaning the tile floor grout), keeping the floor dry, and not setting super heavy items on it to keep it from cracking. You'll also want to regrout your tile floor every 10 years. Using a grout sealer will help your floor last longer.
The difference between floor and wall tiles is that floor tiles generally have higher strength and porosity ratings than wall tiles. Wall tiles are typically weaker and more likely to crack or become damaged under sustained pressure like high foot traffic.
For this reason, avoid using wall tiles on floors and vice versa.
Tile floor installation usually takes about 16 hours of active work along with a couple of days of drying time between tile and grout applications.
The amount of time it takes your installer will depend on many factors, including the square footage of the space, the tile material type, and if they need to make intricate tile cuts.
Regrouting is cheaper than retiling, and it involves less work. Grout is available in a wide range of colors, making it a cost-effective way to improve the look of any tiled area in your home.
