Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tara Farmer
Tile installation cost
Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot or $2,000 to $10,000 total on average for 200 square feet, depending on the tile material, labor cost, and location. Tile floor installation typically costs more than tile walls. Common tile materials include ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass.
| Square feet | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $500 – $2,500 |
| 100 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 150 | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| 200 | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| 250 | $2,500 – $12,500 |
| 300 | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| 350 | $3,500 – $17,500 |
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Average cost to install tile
The following table shows the average total cost to install 200 square feet of tile, including labor and materials.
| National Average Cost | $6,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $500 |
| Maximum Cost | $17,500 |
| Average Range | $2,000 to $10,000 |
Choose a standard tile size and basic shape to save money on your installation. Intricate tilework costs more than average.
Tile cost by material
Stone and glass tiles typically cost the most to install. Porcelain and ceramic are both made of fired clay, but they vary slightly in cost and durability. Vinyl and linoleum are the cheapest options but are only used on floors.
| Tile material | Average cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $12 – $40 |
|
| Porcelain | $15 – $50 |
|
| Vinyl | $2 – $16 |
|
| Linoleum | $4 – $11 |
|
| Stone | $10 – $50 |
|
| Glass | $20 – $100 |
|
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tile installation costs $12 to $40 per square foot for labor and materials, depending on the area size, location, and whether the tile is glazed. Installing ceramic tiles on floors or in showers typically costs more than on walls.
Porcelain tile
Porcelain tiles cost $15 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on the size and pattern. Porcelain tiles are made of finer-grain clay than ceramic, are fired at higher temperatures, and are less porous. Ceramic tiles cost less but are not as naturally water-resistant.
Vinyl tile
Vinyl tile flooring costs $2 to $10 per square foot, while luxury vinyl floor tiles cost $4 to $16 per square foot installed. Luxury floor tiles (LVT) differ from normal floor tiles in thickness and durability. Vinyl tiles often look like ceramic and stone tiles.
Linoleum tile
Linoleum tile flooring costs $4 to $11 per square foot installed. Linoleum is an inexpensive flooring material that requires sealing to be waterproof and stain resistant. Click-together linoleum tiles cost more but are much easier to install than glue-down tiles.
Stone tile
Stone tiles cost $10 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on the material. Popular stones like slate and limestone cost less, while high-end materials like granite or marble cost more than average. Travertine is a type of limestone that is commonly used to make tiles.
Glass tile
Glass tiles cost $20 to $100 per square foot with installation, depending on the size, pattern, and color. Mosaic designs made with small tiles are time-consuming and take precision to complete. Unlike other materials, glass does not require sealing and is relatively low maintenance.
Terrazzo tile
Terrazzo tile costs $15 to $35 per square foot installed or $8 to $20 per square foot for materials alone. Tile sizes range from 8"x8" to 24"x48". Terrazzo tiles are cheaper but do not provide the limitless customization or the smooth, seamless look of poured terrazzo flooring.
Cost to install tile by location
The cost to install tile varies by location and job size. Tile setters may charge different labor rates for backsplashes and countertops than walls or floors. Some have minimum service fees for small jobs, so combine projects when possible.
| Location | Average size (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen floor | 130 – 184 | $1,300 – $9,200 |
| Kitchen backsplash | 20 – 40 | $200 – $2,000 |
| Kitchen countertops | 30 – 66 | $300 – $3,300 |
| Bathroom floor | 40 – 160 | $400 – $8,000 |
| Shower | 42 – 120 | $420 – $6,000 |
| Bathroom walls | 104 – 274 | $1,000 – $13,700 |
| Living area floor | 200 – 320 | $2,000 – $16,000 |
Floor tile
Installers typically charge more to install a tile floor than a wall. Floor tiles are generally easy to put into place, but the adhesive contractors use to lay the tiles is extra-strength and costs more than average.
When selecting tile for your floors, choose a tile with a textured surface instead of a smooth, glossy surface to provide more traction and prevent slipping.
Backsplash tile
Backsplash installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material. Installing a tile backsplash typically costs more than other projects because measuring, cutting, and fitting in a kitchen requires more precision.
Shower tile
Thecost to retile a shower or bathroomis$7 to $25 per square foot, depending on the material, size, and design. Installing tile in a shower can be difficult if the space is small or hard to access. The installer may also need to add a new waterproof membrane behind the tile to prevent leaks.
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Tile installation cost calculator
Tile prices depend mostly on the material you choose as well as the labor fees, which are determined by the individual contractor.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $30 |
| Labor | $8 – $20 |
| Total cost | $10 – $50 |
The following factors affect the cost to install tile:
Tile patterns – Complex patterns like mosaic, herringbone, Versailles, wood-look, or basketweave cost more to install than a basic pattern or design.
Area size – Larger tile projects cost more, but your contractor may charge more for working in small, hard-to-reach areas like shower stalls.
Location – Tile floors typically cost less in labor fees to install than backsplashes but more than walls.
Tile materials – Most tile installers include adhesives, grout, and underlayment in their material costs. The total cost will vary depending on the type and quality of these materials.
Tile porosity – The more vitreous or waterproof a tile is, the more expensive it will be. Porous ceramic or terra cotta is cheaper but not as durable.
Tile rating – Tiles are rated on their durability. Class I tiles cost less but are not durable enough to be used on floors. Class II to III tiles are used on light to moderate traffic, while Class IV and V can be used in any area of a home or workplace.
Heated floors – Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed. If you are considering adding radiant floor heating, install it before laying new tile to avoid the expense of removing the new tile floor and redoing it later.
Tile labor
The labor cost to install tile is $8 to $20 per square foot on average, depending on the tile location and type. Tiny, intricate designs or ceramic tile floors typically cost more to install because they're more difficult and time-consuming.
Removing old tiles or flooring materials typically costs extra but may be included in your estimate. Tile removal costs $2 to $7 per square foot. Carpet removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot.
If the floor or wall beneath the tile is damaged or you're trying to salvage old tile rather than replace it, you may face these additional costs:
Tile repair costs $10 to $50 per square foot on average.
Reglazing tile costs $4.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
Tile and grout cleaning costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Replacing the subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot. If the panels are damaged or no longer level, part or all of the subfloor may require repairs or replacement before tile is installed on top.
Tile shape
Tile prices vary depending on the shape. Square and rectangular tiles cost less than irregular shapes, hexagonal tiles, or mosaic designs. Custom or hand-cut shapes cost much more than prefabricated tiles. Rectangular or subway tiles cost $7 to $35 per square foot installed.
Tile installation FAQs
Can you install new tile over old tile?
You should remove tiles before installing new materials unless the old tiles are level and in good condition. Layering new tiles, carpet, vinyl flooring, laminate, or linoleum over broken tiles can result in an uneven floor and cover up mold or damage.
You may also want to remove tiles if the new material will increase the size of the floor or wall so much that it causes problems with door thresholds, cabinets, or baseboards.
Can you install tile directly on concrete or drywall?
In most cases, you can install tile directly on concrete or drywall without underlayment. However, you will need to install a vapor barrier and cement board under the tiles in your bathroom or outdoor areas. This will prevent mold, water damage, and pests.
Do I need a permit for tile installation?
Tilework typically does not require a permit unless it's part of a greater remodel project or you're moving plumbing fixtures or electrical outlets around. Check with your contractor or local building codes to make sure your project doesn't need a permit.
Do you tip tile installers?
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Tile installers, like most other contractors, typically do not expect or require a tip. However, if you feel they provided excellent service or exceeded your expectations, consider giving them a 10% to 20% tip.
Getting estimates from tile contractors
Before hiring a tile installer near you, follow these steps:
Get at least three similar tile estimates to compare.
Look for tile installers certified by one or more of the following organizations:
National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)
Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)
Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA)
Tile Council of North America (TCNA)
Read reviews for their tile installation services on HomeGuide and Google.Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured tile company that's been in business 5+ years.
Ask to browse their portfolio for pictures of recent tile projects.
Avoid suspiciously low quotes, which usually indicate poor quality tilework.
Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.
Never pay in full before the tile installation begins.
Questions to ask tile installers
Make sure you hire a high-quality tile installer by asking the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
Do you have any certifications for working with tile?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will it take to install the tile?
What type of grout do you recommend?
How long should I avoid using this room?
Does this estimate include cleanup and disposal costs?
What other fees can I expect?
What should I do to prepare the room before you start?
How we get this data
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.
