How Much Does Tile Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $400 - $4,250
The average cost of tile installation is $2,000, but it can cost between $300 and $6,500, depending on tile type and project size.
Tile installation costs an average of $2,000. You'll likely spend between $400 and $4,250 or more, depending on where you’re installing the tiles, the type you use, and whether you’re confident enough to tackle the task yourself. Tiles are a long-lasting and low-maintenance choice in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and more. Their moisture resistance and ease of cleaning make them the perfect choice in high-traffic areas of homes with carefree kids and muddy mutts.
- Average
- $2,000
- Low end
- $300
- high end
- $6,500
Tile Installation Cost Breakdown
The typical cost of tile per square foot is somewhere between $5 and $45—but there is a very large range of potential project prices. Here are some other cost factors that affect your overall costs.
Size of Area
The larger the size of the space, the more the tile installation will cost, and tile sizes can make a difference, too. The cost to install a small bathroom backsplash might come out to less than $400, whereas tiling an expansive 700-square-foot kitchen floor could set you back well over $6,500.
Once you’ve taken your measurements, don’t forget to order 10% to 15% more than you think you need. Breakages are inevitable during installation, and spares are handy to replace damaged tiles further down the line.
Type of Tile
The type of tile—including material and finish—will affect the final price of tile installation. Ceramic, porcelain, or travertine tile costs as little as $1 per square foot, while the highest-end cuts of marble could cost up to $350 per square foot—and that’s before you factor in labor.
Tile Durability Rating
Think you’ve found a bargain? Check the durability rating first. Tiles are rated from Class 1 (the least durable) to Class V (the most durable). Class I tiles, which are typically the least expensive, aren’t suitable for floor use. Class II can only handle light footfall. You won’t need to go for costly Class V tiles, as these are for industrial or commercial projects.
Tile Porosity Rating
In addition to a durability rating, tile has a porosity rating. The more vitreous (glass-like) a tile is, the more expensive it is. Only go for non-vitreous tiles, like untreated porous terra cotta, for decorative touches—otherwise, it can absorb unsightly stains and moisture. Imperious water-resistant tiles cost more, but they’re the best solution for tile installation on bathroom floors or walls that get splashed with lots of water.
Site Prep
If your contractor has to remove old tiles or subfloors, smooth surfaces, or make repairs before tiling, they will charge more. Cleaning and surface prep typically runs $1 to $5 per square foot, but full floor replacement costs considerably more.
Location
Installing floor tiles tends to be less expensive than wall tiles because they’re usually larger, and pros can lay them in less time. You’ll spend more on durable tiles for high footfall areas and places like kitchens and bathrooms where the tiles need a high degree of water resistance.
Labor Cost for Tile Installation
Labor costs for tile installation are around $3 to $15 per square foot, depending on the above factors. Some contractors charge hourly rates, ranging from $30 to $120 per hour.
Cost of Tile Installation by Type
Tiles come in a wide variety of materials. The type of tile you opt for depends on your available budget, the design aesthetic you want to achieve, and where you're installing them. Check out the costs and benefits of some of the most common tile types.
| Tile Type | Average Cost per Square Foot* |
|---|---|
| Glazed ceramic | $4–$15 |
| Unglazed ceramic | $4–$35 |
| Porcelain | $2–$15 |
| Wood-look porcelain | $3– $12 |
| Stone | $5–$45 |
| Vinyl | $1–$12 |
| Glass | $10–$180 |
*Materials only
Tile Installation Cost by Project Type
Want to tile a specific area? Let’s take a look at some typical costs. Keep in mind, you’ll end up paying less to tile a very small space vs. a very large space. If you have a very large kitchen or bathroom, leave extra room in your budget.
Cost to Install Kitchen Flooring
The cost to tile a floor depends largely on the material, but most homeowners can expect to spend between $870 and $6,100 to tile a floor in an average-sized kitchen. Ceramic and porcelain are two of the most popular choices, though vinyl can save a pretty penny.
Cost to Install Backsplash or Countertop Tile
Most homeowners can expect to spend around $1,500 on tile countertop installation costs—but costs vary dramatically based on material. Ceramic tile can cost as little as $500, while marble tile can cost around $3,000. Either way, tile countertops are a popular option because they’re more affordable than stone slabs but you can still get the look of natural stone.
For a backsplash, expect to spend $600 to $1,300. Make sure whichever backsplash you choose goes with your countertop. It doesn’t need to be an exact match, but the tile you choose should look intentional.
Cost to Install Bathroom Flooring
The typical cost to tile a bathroom floor is between $300 to $1,300, though the average homeowner spends $2,400. Costs will rise for large bathrooms or luxury tiles—and there are a lot of different bathroom tile trends to consider.
Keep in mind that oversized tiles have less grout, so they typically cost less to install. Subway tile is a very trendy look, but can cost slightly more because the installation process is more time consuming.
Cost to Tile a Shower Wall
For most homeowners, the cost to tile a shower is around $900, though it could cost as little as $225 for a small area (like a single tile wall) or more than $2,000 for the whole thing.
Tile is a higher-end material for shower walls, so popular shower tile ideas often include natural stones like granite, limestone, or marble. Patterns like herringbone or pinwheel will add to labor costs, and you’ll need to waterproof the tile.
Additional Cost Factors to Consider
It’s not just the tiles and their installation that you need to budget for. Keep these other elements in mind when forecasting your figures.
The cost of removing old tile flooring is $2 to $7 per square foot.
The cost of removing other existing flooring, like carpet or laminate, is $1 to $3.50 per square foot.
Waterproofing shower tile costs $450 to $750 on average.
Subfloor repair or replacement costs $10 to $20 per square foot for resurfacing and $40 to $65 per square foot for patch repairs.
Disposing of old flooring costs $150 to $200.
Maintenance, like regrouting and tile repair, costs $250 and $650 on average.
Cost to Install Tile Yourself
If you’re a well-versed weekend warrior that loves to tackle difficult DIY projects, installing tiles on your own won’t be out of your reach. You can make big savings by tackling this task, slashing around 30% off your overall tile cost.
But, unless you can borrow some tools, there will be a significant investment in tiling tools for big jobs. Tile cutters range from $50 to $1,000, but the least expensive options aren’t great for completing big jobs with heavy tiles. Renting the tools is another option, costing about $20 to $70 daily.
DIY Costs vs. Hiring a Pro to Install Tile
Tiling requires patience and an eye for detail to get the job done effectively. If you make mistakes when cutting or fitting, you might have to call out a pro to correct things, especially if you’re working in moisture-prone areas.
If you’re keen to try it, why not install a simple backsplash above your kitchen sink and leave the full wall or floor project to a tile installer near you.
5 Tips to Reduce Costs While Installing Tile in Your Home
Try these tips to help keep your tile installation budget on track.
Shop around and hit the sales to get a bulk tile bargain.
The most expensive materials, like natural stone, aren't the longest-lasting, and more economical options can look good while being durable.
Carry out the prep work, like removing old tiles, yourself.
Basic and bigger are better for your budget. Small, intricate tiles are more time-consuming and costly to install.
You don’t have to cover every wall in your bathroom or kitchen with tile. Why not go for a feature wall or just tile the bottom half of the walls?
Frequently Asked Questions
If your budget can stretch to it, opting for porcelain tile over ceramic tile makes sense if you need something hard-wearing for a busy, moisture-retaining space. However, the cost of installing ceramic tiles is less expensive. They’re a little softer and easier to work with, making them a good choice for small, decorative DIY projects.
To ensure an even and unbending surface to lay tiles on, you’ll typically need to put a subfloor under a tile floor. Fiber cement backboards are the most common choice, but using plywood is also possible. Don’t neglect this step, or you could risk water damage and grout or tiles prematurely cracking or crumbling, especially in an area with high foot traffic.
It’s not a good idea to lay tile and grout on the same day. The adhesive or thin-set that sticks the tiles to the surface needs plenty of time to dry before you can grout. Wait for 24 to 48 hours, depending on moisture levels in the space. The tiles can become misaligned and more prone to damage if you don’t wait.
You can let the tile sit without grout. Don’t panic if there’s a delay between installing the tiles and grouting. A substantial stoppage isn't a problem, provided you keep the tile surface clear of dust and debris. Also, avoid walking over less stable ungrouted floor tiles as they are more prone to premature cracking and shifting.
The tile spacing you should use will depend on the tile and where you’re installing it. Choosing the right tile spacers to maintain a consistent gap between your tiles is tricky. Generally, tile spacing shouldn’t be less than 2 millimeters on walls and 3 millimeters on floors because of stress relief requirements. Getting it wrong can result in uneven tiles and early repairs.
The easiest tile size to install is large tiles, and they’re easier to install than small tiles—the job is faster and simpler when there’s less placing, adhering, and grouting to do. However, when tiles get really big, they’re more difficult to handle, cut, and fit. Standard floor tile sizes are 12-by-12 inches, 18-by-18 inches, and 12-by-24 inches.