Tile Installation Cost: Budgeting Smart for Your Project

Choosing the right material is only one aspect of installing new tile; determining how much your project will cost is another. Like any home improvement undertaking, having a clear-eyed plan and budget is essential to ensure you stay on track and attain the success you desire. So what exactly does tile installation cost encompass and how can you get fair and competitive rates without sacrificing quality and style?

Adding tile to your space is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make to up the value of your home. Whether a kitchen wall tile in a newly built property or refreshing outdated bathroom flooring, tiling delivers unmatched durability and effortless maintenance. But how much does it typically cost to install tile floor?”

In this blog, we’ll discuss tile installation cost, explore the factors that impact pricing, and ways to achieve lasting results without draining your finances.

Tile Installation Cost Breakdown

Due to the ever-changing nature of trends, tile designs continue to expand, offering both high-end luxury and budget-friendly solutions. With so many options sitting at varying price points, understanding what costs what can be a tricky thing to navigate. Worry not; we’ll break it down for you!

According to Angi home expert, tile installation cost typically range between $400 and $4,250 depending on the type of material and complexity of the job. This range covers both materials and professional labor. The average cost is around $2,000, which is for a surface area of about 175 square feet.

Tile is priced per square foot, with prices ranging from $5 to $45. Premium materials like glass and natural stone can attract a higher price tag, while ceramic tiles generally stand as the most accessible and affordable option. Porcelain tiles can mimic the look of natural materials, such as hardwood, terrazzo, and marble, at a fraction of the cost. These tiling options often range in price depending on the type of printing technology used.

• National average cost: $2,000
• Typical price range: $500 and $5,000
• Extreme low end: $300
• Extreme high end: $6,500

It’s worth mentioning that tile installation is a broad blanket term. Both the material and the scope of the project, including the size of the area, labor, and prep work, must be specified for accurate budgeting.

1. Tile Installation Cost by Material

What materials are available to you when shopping online for tile and how much does each cost? Ceramic and porcelain tend to be the most budget-friendly, while glass and natural stone like marble often come at a higher price point.

• Ceramic tiles: A classic choice for its versatility and affordability, ceramic tile is a great addition to traditional and modern kitchens and bathrooms. Glazed tiles cost between $4 and $15 per square foot and $4 and $35 per square foot for unglazed tiles. Designs like our Matte Green Ceramic Subway Tile – 1.97 x 7.87 in. are a budget-friendly pick that allows you to create a look that's uniquely yours.
• Porcelain tiles: Commended for its robustness and resilience, porcelain tile delivers long-lasting performance in wet and high-traffic areas. On average, tile installation cost per square foot ranges between $15 to $50 depending on the size and pattern.
• Glass tiles: Material and cost to install tile is $20 to $100 per square foot, on average. Glass mosaics, which are commonly used for shower flooring, backsplashes, and wall accents, are time-consuming and take precision and specialized labor to execute properly.
• Natural stone tiles: Popular stones like marble tile cost $10 to $50 per square foot for material and installation. These tiles are delicate and their maintenance is a little more involved than other flooring options. Regular sealing is required to enhance marble’s durability, which can increase long-term costs.

2. Tile Installation Cost by Project

How much you spend on tile installation will also vary distinctly across different rooms. This is because each area presents its own set of requirements and challenges. For instance, laying backsplash tile in the kitchen requires that you take into account the cabinets, appliances, and other fittings, while entryway and living room floor might have minimal obstacles to deal with. Showers, on the other hand, demand careful attention to have a proper drainage slope. With that said, let’s look at the tile installation cost for the following areas:

• High traffic zones: When selecting high traffic tile for areas such as entryways and living rooms, durability and wear resistance are key. Porcelain is a revered choice for its strength and ability to stand up to daily footfall and heavy furniture. Most homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $12 to $40 per square foot or around $800 to $3,000—but it averages $1,900 for a typical tile flooring installation.
• Kitchen tile installation: Depending on the material, kitchen wall tile installation typically ranges from $10-$50 per square foot or $435 to $1,265 due to the precision required. Floor tile installation cost typically ranges from $8 to $12 per square foot or $870 to $3,850.
• Bathroom tile installation: The average cost of tile installation for bathroom flooring is $2,400, but small spaces can run from $300 to $1,300 or $10 to $30 per square foot. To install tile flooring in a standard-size shower is around $15 to $50 per square foot or $2,700, on average.

3. Removal of Old Tile and Subfloor Repair

Another added tile installation cost is removing and disposing of existing flooring, which can run an additional $2 to $7 per square foot. In some cases, the subfloor may require surface preparation, such as leveling, patching, or waterproofing, which can cost another $5 to $8 per square foot.

Labor Cost to Install Tile Flooring

Labor costs are a significant factor when setting your tile installation budget. Professional installers can charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $30 to $120. Tile installation cost per square foot is common, and prices typically range between $4 and $32. Ultimately, labor cost will depend on the type of tile, complexity of the job, surface preparation needed, and the tiler’s experience.

Intricate designs like herringbone tile or custom inlays take more time to install, with a cost range of $17-$47 per square foot. Large format porcelain and ceramic tile installation cost is around $18-$45 per square foot. Make sure communication with your chosen contractor about costs and payment terms is clear before starting the work to avoid surprises.

While labor makes up a large part of the tile installation cost, enlisting a professional tiler offers many perks, especially if you don’t have the skills and tools needed for a successful project. Tile pros are equipped with the training and workmanship for an excellent and quality finish.

They have the skills to create beautiful custom designs and the right tools to cut different materials to fit hard-to-reach spaces. Fixing mistakes can quickly add to your expenses, so it’s better to get it right the first time around by hiring a seasoned contractor.

Cost Factors Affecting Budgeting for Tile Installation

Several factors can affect the total cost to lay tile. Approaching your project with a clearer understanding can help you get a bang for your buck.

1. Size & layout of the project

The first step when setting a budget for your project is to measure the area where the tiles will be installed. The larger the square footage that needs to be covered, the higher the cost of tile installation. While large format tile cover more area than small tiles, they are typically more expensive and require specialized tools, skills, and effort to handle, cut, and apply.

Smaller areas, on the other hand, while appearing less costly, may necessitate additional time and skill due to intricate cuts and assembly, elevating the overall cost. You'll need to budget accordingly and consider whether mesh-backed mosaics, mid-size, or bigger tiles are the ideal fit for your project.

Once the square footage and the number of tiles have been determined, it can be helpful to slightly overestimate and invest in at least 10-15% more product to allow for cuts, waste, and mistakes. Extra tiling material also comes in handy down the road in case of replacement.

2. The type of tile material

The type of tile you choose impacts durability, longevity, and maintenance. As outlined earlier, materials needing special treatment, such as marble and travertine tile, will command a higher price. In addition, complex patterns and decorative trims can increase tile flooring installation cost considerably.

3. Additional materials and essentials

The foundation of any successful installation is having quality materials that bring everything together: grout, adhesive, underlayment, trim pieces, and sealant. These essentials can add $1 to $3 per square foot to the total project cost.

4. Labor costs for professional installation

While going the DIY route may save money, professional installation guarantees a flawless and long-lasting outcome. There are a few variables that impact the rates contractors set, including:

• Location: Tile installation cost may vary from one state or city to another based on the cost of living, level of competition among service providers, and local regulations. Getting multiple quotes is a prudent decision that ensures effective budgeting.
• Experience: Highly skilled and reputable contractors may charge more for their expertise.
• Installation complexity: If your tiling request is incredibly complex and demands a lot of prep work, expect to see these factors play into your overall labor cost.
• Travel and accommodation: Traveling a distance to reach the project location can also affect pricing. This may include the tiler’s transportation costs and accommodation if necessary.

Tips for Cost-Effective Tile Installation

Ready to add tile to your space? With strategic planning and smart choices, you can achieve both style and function without straining your finances. Below are some invaluable tips to help you out:

• Explore different tiling materials and compare their properties, prices, and labor costs. While opulent materials like marble are undeniably beautiful, other alternatives offer the same aesthetic at a fraction of the price. Case in point: wood look tile.
• Meticulous planning and budgeting will help prevent unexpected expenses. The last thing you want is to change course mid-stream.
• Buying tile in bulk or at reduced prices makes a difference, especially if you are working on multiple areas. Take advantage of sales so you can snag high-end options at a fraction of the original cost.
• Lock down a contractor during the slower periods for lower rates. You can also save on labor costs by getting multiple estimates from different tilers.
• If you have the skills and confidence, tackling a simpler DIY tiling project can cut down on labor costs. Many tiles come with easy-to-follow installation instructions to help you along the way.
• Blending budget-friendly and pricier tiles to attain a high-end look allows you to allocate your budget more effectively.

Tile Installation Cost Vs Long Term Value

While the initial tile floor installation cost of premium material may seem expensive, the long-term savings make it a cost-effective option. This means minimal upkeep and maintenance, as well as reduced replacements or repairs. With proper installations, tiles are generally more durable and resistant to wear and tear, giving you peace of mind and beauty to last for decades.

Conclusion

After reviewing tile installation cost, along with the different factors that impact rates, you now have insider knowledge to navigate your project efficiently. With a plan and a budget in place, you can keep expenses in a reasonable range and bring your vision to life without compromising on quality or style. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can fluctuate based on material selection, the complexity of the layout, and any customizations required.

At Apollo Tile, the success of your project is our priority. Join our Pro Membership for exclusive benefits so you can save every time you shop with us. Sign up with your business details and get access to your account in 24 hours. Our perks include a 5% discount on all your orders, expedited shipping options, and custom discounts on pallet orders. Get in touch with our customer service team for more details!

FAQ

1. How do you calculate cost of tile installation project?

When calculating tile installation cost, you’ll need to account for material and professional labor. You can get an installation estimate by researching various tile options and comparing prices, as well as getting quotes from different tilers to choose the best rate.

2. How long does it take to tile 1000 square feet?

Two seasoned tiling contractors with excellent skills can complete 1000 square feet of flooring per day.

3. Is it cheaper to DIY a tiling project or should I hire a pro?

If you have the experience and time, it is cheaper to lay tile yourself than enlist a professional tile setter. DIY tile installation cost is $9.50–$51 per square foot on average, while hiring a pro costs $13.50–$83 per square foot on average.

4. Is large tile more expensive to install?

Larger tiles are heavier and require special handling and cutting. For this reason, the cost of tile installation can be higher. Unless you are confident in your ability to do the job well, a botched DIY can result in costly mistakes.

5. How long does tile installation take to complete?

How long tile installation takes depends on the size of the project. Professional tilers can take a few days to complete a large area.

6. Is the cost to install tile indoors the same as outdoor installation?

Outdoor applications require more preparation and thicker tiles that can stand up to the elements. This means outdoor tile installation cost is higher than indoor.