Offering a clean and modern look, tiles are ideal for those who want to upgrade their home’s interior flooring. But how much will a tile floor installation project cost you? Depending on several factors, the installation cost can become extensive.
Tile Floor Installation Cost Based On Tile Type
The type of tile you select directly impacts the floor tile installation cost.
The most widely used types of tiles are as follows:
Porcelain
Porcelain is one of the most popular floor tile materials.
The price can range from $2.85 to $9.50 per square foot for indoor porcelain tile.
For outdoor tiles, the cost can go up to $33.75 per square foot.
Thin porcelain is more expensive than thick tiles because of its manufacturing process. Although light, the porcelain tile is incredibly durable.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering installing porcelain tile, try to learn the product’s PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) wear rating.
Porcelain tiles receive a rating from one to five, and the number indicates their durability and the best installation area.
Tiles rated one and two are suitable as a backsplash or for bathroom walls. Higher-rated tiles are excellent options for countertops and flooring.
Porcelain tiles are stain resistant and fare well in areas with elevated moisture levels.
Ceramic
Another sought-after option, ceramic tiles average $0.45 to $6.75 per square foot.
Although not as durable as porcelain, ceramic is more budget-friendly.
Additionally, installing ceramic tile over a wood floor costs less than installing it over cement flooring.
These floor tiles are resistant to dents, scratches, and stains and can retain their colors even when exposed to direct sunlight.
Porcelain Wood
Porcelain floor tiles mimic the appearance of wood and costs between $2.75 and $11.60 per square foot.
For installation of outdoor floor tiles, the price can rise to $33.50 per square foot.
Porcelain wood floor tiles are an excellent choice for those who appreciate the warmth and charm of wood grain but want a more durable solution.
Vinyl
This type of floor tile is available in various colors, wood grain finishes, and stone patterns.
It creates a reliable walking surface and averages $0.95 to $2.85 per square foot.
Stone
Ceramic may be more tough, but stone floor tiles provide a unique look and are cut to create a custom fit.
Installing natural stone floor tiles costs between $4.75 and $33.35.
Homeowners often install this attractive floor tile option for bathrooms, flooring, countertops, and backsplashes.
Bear in mind that stone floor tiles require annual sealing to prevent water damage, staining, scratches, and chips.
Popular natural stone floor tile options include limestone, granite, pebble, marble, basalt, onyx, slate, sandstone, and travertine.
Rectified Tile
Rectified floor tiles feature precise edges and are available in multiple materials such as porcelain and ceramic.
For indoor floor tiles, the installation price can range from $0.45 to $14.25 per square foot, while it goes up to $33.35 per square foot for outdoor floor tiles.
Rectified tile is the way to go if you’re looking for larger tiles.
Rectified tiles usually exceed 15 inches.
Slate
Slate floor tiles feature an earthy texture and a high-end look.
Although dark gray is the most sought-after option, slate comes in multiple attractive colors.
Slate floor tiles sometimes have undertones of purple, green, brown, and tan.
This durable material is available in a sanded-smooth or grooved texture and can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Homeowners usually install slate floor tiles in bathrooms and kitchens because they aren’t susceptible to scratches.
However, the slate floor tile installation process can be challenging because of the sheer weight of the tiles. Consequently, installation costs are often three times more expensive than the price of these tiles.
Be prepared to pay between $4.75 and $14.35 per square foot for indoor slate floor tile installtion.
Glass
Glass tile installation costs between $4.75 and $14.35 per square foot.
Glass tile isn’t a flooring material, nor is it recommended for outdoor projects. Glass tiles work as a countertop or backsplash material.
Glass comes in numerous earthy tones, including red, yellow, brown, and green. The 12 x 12-inch tiles usually contain intricate shapes that resemble the appearance of bricks.
Did you know? More than 1 million tiles cover the exterior of the Sydney Opera House. The project took over 14 years to complete.
| Tile Material | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Porcelain | $2.85-$9.50 |
| Ceramic | $0.45-$6.75 |
| Porcelain Wood | $2.75-$11.60 |
| Vinyl | $0.95-$2.85 |
| Stone | $4.75-$33.35 |
| Rectified Tile | $0.45-$14.25 |
| Glass | $4.75-$14.35 |
| Slate | $4.75-$14.35 |
Tile Floor Installation − Cost Breakdown
On average, homeowners spend around $1,750 on tile floor installation. However, the figure may change based on the tile floor installation project’s scope, prep work, labor, installation site, and the tile type.
Several other aspects also come into play.
Scope Of The Tile Floor installation Project
Most contractors will assess the project area and base their tile floor installation rate on the square footage.
The installation cost per square foot drops if you’re tiling a larger area.
Before the contractor arrives, you can calculate the size of the project to know what to expect. Multiplying the length by the width will give you a reasonably accurate figure.
For example, if you want to tile a 10-foot by 13-foot room, that’s 130 square feet. Remember that it’s better to overestimate to ensure you’ve got enough material. This precaution prevents broken tiles and oddly sheared cuts from reducing the number of tiles you have on hand.
Labor
In this phase, you should expect to spend between $3.80 to $29.50 per square foot.
Contractors typically charge between $3.80 and $13.30 per square foot for tile floor installation and between $23.85 and $29.50 per square foot for tile countertops and backsplash installation.
Although most professionals base their tile floor installation rates on the project’s square footage, some may have a set hourly rate. If you’ve hired a contractor who charges by the hour, you can expect to pay between $28.50 and $114.
Prep Work
Area preparation is another factor you should consider.
The more prep work the project requires, the more expensive it will be. Tile floor installation on smooth and even surfaces is less costly and time-consuming than tiling on uneven floors.
Additionally, if you have old or damaged flooring, you’ll need to remove and replace it before tile floor installation, which raises the project’s total cost.
Wall and countertop repairs can also increase the overall price.
Type of Floor Tile
The type of floor tile you select significantly impacts installation costs.
Think about the installation location and aim for a product with the best balance of strength, performance, and quality.
Keep in mind that some tile types aren’t suitable for flooring but work well for backsplashes and countertops.
Tile Rating
Tile rating indicates where you should install the product. The rating system has five classes, and the most durable tiles fall into Class V.
The classifications are as follows:
- Class I: Tiles with this rating aren’t tough enough to work as flooring, so homeowners should only use them as wall tiles.
- Class II: This rating indicates you can use the tiles in low-traffic areas such as guestrooms or bathrooms.
- Class III: You can use Class III tiles in areas with moderate foot traffic and for walls and countertops.
- Class IV: Tiles with this rating are suitable for any home area.
- Class V: These tiles boast peak durability, and contractors use them for both residential and commercial projects.
Did you know? Tiles have been around for centuries. The earliest known example was uncovered in Egypt and is believed to date back to approximately 4,700 BC.
Another classification system is based on porosity.
Porosity indicates how many air pockets the tile contains.
Tiles with higher porosity are more absorbent and are a good option for areas without much moisture.
Based on their porosity, we can classify tiles into four groups:
- Non-vitreous: This type costs between $0.95 and $4.85 per square foot. Popular examples of this absorbent tile include bisqueware and terra cotta. Non-vitreous tiles work best as well tiling and decorative elements due to their high porosity.
- Semi-vitreous: This tile is typically found in areas outside and around the bathroom. It usually costs between $1.80 to $5.70 per square foot.
- Vitreous: The price of this type runs from between $3.80 to $7.60 per square foot. It’s often installed in bathrooms. However, it’s not the best choice for shower areas. While the surface of this tile is water resistant, that’s not the case with its sides or back. Continuous exposure to moisture can impact its water resistance.
- Impervious: This is the least absorbent and most glass-like type of tile. It’s suitable for areas with high moisture levels and direct water exposure. It runs from $4.75 to $9.50 per square foot.
Installation Location
Where you want to place the tile is another factor that impacts pricing.
Kitchen countertop or backsplash installation is usually more expensive than flooring tile.
Plus, installing tiles in high-moisture areas calls for nonporous products. As mentioned, vitreous tiles are costlier than their absorbent counterparts.
Additional Materials
Homeowners with a wood subfloor need to install a backer board to create a solid base for the floor tile.
Wood warps when exposed to moisture, but the backer board provides an even foundation for the floor tile.
Backer board prices range from $4.75 to $7.40. Contractors usually include it in the overall labor cost.
Subfloor Repair
On average, repairing an existing subfloor cost between $38.00 to $61.00 per square foot.
But if a concrete subfloor requires resurfacing, be prepared to pay an extra $2.85 to $9.50 per square foot. Plus, you’ll need additional materials to level the floor.
The contractor will inspect the subflooring, ensure it’s dry and smooth, and repair any cracks and holes.
Next, they’ll apply a latex primer to prep the surface for tile installation.
If necessary, they may use a self-leveling compound.
This process increases overall labor costs.
Subfloor Installation
If the contractor determines the subfloor is damaged beyond repair, they’ll recommend replacing it.
Installing a new subfloor typically costs between $9.50 and $19.00 per square foot.
Geographic Location
The cost of living in densely populated areas is higher, significantly affecting labor costs.
If you live near the coast or in an area with high humidity, expect to pay more since floor tile installation is more challenging in those conditions.
Tile Floor Installation Cost By Location
Let’s look at how the installation location impacts overall costs.
Kitchen Floor
If you have a 160-square-foot kitchen, the cost to install tile floor ranges from $1,100 to $2,300.
The exact price depends on the tile material, the condition of the subfloor, and the kitchen layout.
Kitchen Countertop or Backsplash
On average, homeowners pay between $23.45 and $30.40 per square foot for tile installation on a countertop or backsplash. The tiles are smaller, which complicates installation, hence the higher price.
Bathroom Wall
Tiling bathroom walls runs between $6.45 and $23.45 per square foot.
Bathroom Floor
Depending on the type of floor tile, installation costs range from $520 to $1,050 for an average-sized bathroom.
Shower
Tiling a 90-square-foot shower wall costs approximately $1,900.
The price usually included backer board installation and prep work.
Benefits Of Tile Floor Installation
Tiles are available in different shapes, styles, and textures and can enhance the appearance of your patio, kitchen, bathroom, or living room.
Besides their visual appeal, tiles offer several other benefits.
Require Minimal Upkeep
Tile requires minimal maintenance, so you needn’t use special cleaning products.
Durability
When installed correctly, tiles can last for years.
Tiles are incredibly durable, and sealing ensures they remain scratch and stain-free.
The materials maintain their color even when exposed to direct sunlight, and porcelain tiles are one of the most long-lasting options.
Allergen-Free
Tile resistant to mold, germs, dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies.
Increase the Home’s Value
Installing tiles is one of the simplest ways to increase a home’s value.
Most potential buyers will appreciate the longevity and durability of tiles.
Did you know? February 23 is National Tile Day. It highlights the role tile plays in design and architecture. Coverings, the country’s leading tile and stone trade show, founded the event in 2017.
Tile Installation − Is It Worth the Cost?
Tiles are attractive and available in multiple materials, catering to the needs of different homes.
They add value to the property, but their value surpasses the return on investment.
Depending on the material you choose, tiles can make a room look and feel more spacious and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Total cost to install tile floor depends on several factors, including how much work on the project you can do without professional assistance and the materials used.
Bear in mind that tile floor installation is no easy feat, and experience is required for proper gout application and avoid breakage.
Also, intricate tile designs are more costly since the installation requires a higher level of expertise.
If you want to save floor tile installation costs, you should be able to remove old flooring yourself without difficulty.
