Tile can beautifully transform your home, but like most home upgrades the installation cost is a major factor. In this guide, we’ll explore the key considerations that impact tile installation cost, so you can set realistic budgets and expectations for your project. If you’re tiling floors, kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, or countertops, understanding what goes into the tile installation price is essential.
Careful planning and research can help keep tile installation costs in check. We’ll review labor rates, material costs, subfloor prep, and additional factors that drive bottom-line pricing. Be an informed consumer by asking countertop stores and tile contractors the right questions. Get insider tips for keeping your tile installation affordable while achieving the desired look.
Table of Contents
How Much Does Tile Installation Cost?
The total cost of installing tile can really vary. Angi says most jobs range from $400 to $4,250. However, the average cost is around $2,000. Some jobs, like kitchen countertops or small backsplashes, cost way less. Depending on your project, you could pay between $300 and $6,500 or more.
The average tile installation cost of $2,000 is for about 175 square feet. For a small bathroom floor or backsplash, you’ll pay toward the low end. For a big kitchen floor, shower enclosure, or many surfaces, it’s closer to the high end. The exact price depends on the tile you pick, the prep work needed, and the tilers in your area. Next, we’ll explain what causes tile installation costs to go up or down.
Factors Affecting Tile Installation Cost
Several key factors determine your overall tile installation cost.
Size of Area and Square Foot Costs
The size of the area being tiled is one major cost driver. Tile is typically priced per square foot, ranging from $5 to $45 per sq ft on average. A small backsplash may cost under $400 while a large kitchen floor could exceed $4,500 for materials and labor. In general:
- Small bathrooms under 10 square feet cost $50-$450
- Kitchen backsplashes around 25 square feet cost $125-$1,125
- Shower walls up to 50 square feet cost $250-$2,250
- Large floors of around 200 square feet cost $1,000-$9,000
It’s smart to order 10-15% extra tile to allow for cuts, wasted pieces, and future repairs. Keep the per tile size, and layout simple to minimize installation work too. Get an accurate measure of surfaces to tile so you can budget accurately. The square footage makes a big difference in your final tile installation cost.
Type of Tile and Material Costs
The type of tile you select also affects the installation price average labor cost per square foot. Different tiles have different material costs and labor requirements:
- Glazed ceramic tile costs $4-$15 per square foot
- Unglazed ceramic tile is $4-$35 per square foot
- Porcelain tile runs $2-$15 per square foot
- Wood-look porcelain tile is $3-$12 per square foot
- Natural stone tiles like marble or slate cost $5-$45 per square foot
- Vinyl tile is just $1-$12 per square foot
- Glass tile ranges from $10-$180 per square foot
In general, ceramic, porcelain, and vinyl tiles tend to be the most budget-friendly options. Stone, glass, and special finishes or shapes cost more in materials and installation. Simpler tiles also take less time and waste for the installer to cut and place. Get tile samples to see the quality and make price comparisons.
Tile Installation Cost By Project
In addition to area size and tile type, the specific project also impacts tile installation cost. Here are typical costs to tile some common project areas:
Kitchen Flooring – $800 to $3,000
Installing tile flooring in a kitchen often costs between $800 and $3,000. The exact price depends on the size of the kitchen, tile choice, and any subfloor preparation needed. A small galley kitchen tile floor installation may only cost $1,000 while a large open-concept kitchen could be $2,500 or more. Using more expensive tiles like natural stone also raises costs over standard ceramic or porcelain. Any repairs or leveling needed for the subfloor adds expenses too. Get an itemized estimate for your specific kitchen size and tile selection.
Kitchen Countertop Prices or Backsplash – $500 to $3,000
Tiling a countertop or backsplash often ranges from $500 to $3,000. Simple ceramic tile can cost as little as $500 for installation, while marble tile can cost around $3,000 or more. Standard backsplash installation is $480 to $1,500 depending on the size. Make sure quotes specify the tile type and linear or square footage being covered. This helps avoid budget surprises. Selecting more intricate tiles, designs or specialty tiles raises the price over the standard subway or single-format tiles.
Bathroom Flooring – $300 to $1,300
The cost to install tile flooring in a small bathroom often runs from $300 to $1,300. The exact price depends on the bathroom size, tile type, and subfloor condition. Tiny half-bath floors may only be $500 while larger master bathrooms with tile accents or borders can be $1,300 or more. As with kitchens, natural stone floor tile often raises the price over more affordable porcelain or ceramic. Simple layouts also help keep project costs down.
Tile a Shower – $2,700
The average cost to tile a standard-size shower is around $2,700. This includes tiling the walls and shower floor. Small shower stalls may only cost $2,000 while large custom showers with niches, tile accents, and multiple showerheads can exceed $5,000. Curved or irregular showers also cost more to tile. Be sure your tiler itemizes costs for materials, labor, layout, and other project particulars. This helps avoid unexpected add-ons during your shower tile installation.
Removal of Old Flooring and Subfloor Repair
If you’re replacing existing tile, the cost to remove and dispose of the old tile averages $2 per sq feet to $7 per square foot. Preparing the subfloor adds $3 to $10 per square foot depending on if patching, leveling, or full replacement is needed.
Removing and replacing damaged subfloor materials takes more time and work than simply tiling over a clean wood or concrete slab subfloor. Tile installers may charge hourly rates for subfloor repairs or bid this work separately from the tile job for setting rate. Be sure to have existing flooring and subfloors assessed in advance so you can budget accurately.
DIY Installation of Bath or Kitchen Countertop Options
DIY can potentially save you 30% off your overall tile installation cost. However, DIY tiling requires time, physical labor, and tile knowledge. You also need to purchase or rent the necessary tools. Tile cutters range from $50 to $1,000 to buy. Or you can rent tools for $20 to $70 daily.
Key steps like properly preparing the substrate, using mortar, cutting tiles precisely, and grouting take skill and practice. Messing up can mean redoing work or living with uneven floors cracked tiles, or walls. Many homeowners find hiring a professional tile installer worth the price for their experience and perfect results.
Consider your comfort level before deciding to DIY tile installation. Check that your planned tile follows a simple layout and standard size. Irregular, large tiles, or niche accents add complexity. Doing the demolition and substrate prep yourself can save on labor costs. But leave the actual tile setting to the pros for flawless finished results.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
Here are some additional points on the advantages of hiring a professional tile installation contractor:
- Experience and expertise – Tile pros have years of training and experience for excellent results. They know all the tricks and techniques for a quality job.
- Correct tools – Pros own or rent specialty tile cutting, setting, grouting, and finishing tools that most DIYers lack. The right tools make the job easier and turn out better.
- Neat and efficient – Contractors keep the workspace tidy and work quickly with minimal disruption to your home. DIY projects often drag out.
- Avoid problems – Pros get installations right the first time and can spot potential issues before they happen. Fixing mistakes is expensive.
- Materials knowledge – Experienced tilers know how to properly prep substrates, use mortars and grouts, make sound flooring choices, and calculate the materials needed.
Contractors have trade discounts and relationships with suppliers. They know the best sources existing materials for your specific tile. While DIY tile installation can save on labor costs, there are many perks to hiring an experienced professional contractor for your project.
Tips to Reduce Tile Installation Costs
Here are some tips to help reduce tile removal and installation costs:
- Shop sales and clearance sections – Look for discounted tile and be flexible on your tile choice to save. Off-season buying can mean better deals too.
- Standard size and simple layout – A typical 12×12″ tile in a grid pattern cost less in materials and labor than intricate designs.
- DIY demo and subfloor prep – Doing the tear out of old flooring yourself saves on labor fees.
- Buy extra tile – Ordering a bit extra allows for cuts and symmetry without needing to buy more later at higher prices.
- Get multiple bids – Compare several installer quotes to find the best rate.
Being flexible on tile choices and layout, doing some work yourself, and researching costs helps minimize expenses. A pro tilers’ experience makes DIY tile setting risky and time consuming for novices. But you can save significantly with preparation and planning.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the key factors that influence tile installation costs, you now have insider knowledge to plan and budget for your next tiling project. With preparation and research, you can keep expenses in a reasonable range even for large jobs. Lean on the experts at Granite Asap – our quality stone products and professional installation services will bring your design vision to life beautifully while avoiding budget pitfalls.
Contact Granite Asap to get started designing your ideal tile project with confidence. Our expertise combined with your thoughtful preparation will result in a space you’ll love coming home to.
