Tile floors are equally elegant and functional. They are sleek, durable, and keep water from seeping into your subfloor. Yet, these upscale floors can come at a higher price.
Tile installation costs can range from just $1 per square foot to $45, so the cost of your project depends on several factors that we’ll discuss shortly. To ensure you have the most accurate cost data possible, we use actual data from reputable databases, such as RS Means, and review dozens of tile companies and brands to source our information.
If you’re ready to get started on your tiling project, use the tool below to get connected with a flooring expert in your area.
- Most homeowners spend $10 to $15 per square foot for tile installation.
- Tile floors can cost as much as $45 per square foot or as little as $1 per square foot.
- Tile installation is labor-intensive, so the cost per square foot can be high.
How Much Does Tile Floor Cost?
Depending on the material you choose and how much space you plan to tile, you can pay up to $45 per square foot for new tile. However, tile floor costs range from $1 per square foot to $45, and most homeowners pay between $10 and $15 per square foot.
| Low Cost | National Average Cost | High Cost |
| $1 per square foot | $10 – $15 per square foot | $45 per square foot |
Cost data include material costs and labor, if applicable. All cost data in this article were gathered from RSMeans construction materials and labor database and bids from top contractors.
How Do Tile Floor Costs Differ By Material?
Porcelain and ceramic tile may be the most common type, but tiles can be made from many other materials. Some materials — such as vinyl and linoleum — are much more affordable than others. Yet more luxurious materials, like natural stone tiles, result in an upscale look.
The table below summarizes the material and labor cost of tile installation.
| Material Type | Tile Cost (sq. ft.) |
| Ceramic | $7 – $45 |
| Cork | $5 – $12 |
| Glass | $15 – $35 |
| Granite | $15 – $30 |
| Limestone | $9 – $27 |
| Linoleum | $3 – $9 |
| Marble | $15 – $24 |
| Porcelain | $12 – $40 |
| Terracotta | $7 – $14 |
| Vinyl | $2 – $14 |
Cost data include material costs and labor, if applicable.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a common tile material due to its durability and water resistance. This type of tile can be affordable at $7 per square foot, but high-end ceramic can be as expensive as $45 per square foot. You can get ceramic tile flooring with either a glossy or matte finish, and there are nearly unlimited design options to match any home. Even though you don’t have to do much to clean your ceramic tile, the downside to ceramic is that it does chip easily when it’s not installed correctly.
Want to learn how to install ceramic floor tiles? Check out the video below:
Cork
Cork tiles have a spongy texture, which makes them great insulators and sound barriers — and a great tile for your living room or bedroom. Unlike ceramic or porcelain tile, cork tile isn’t cold underfoot, so it may be a good choice for homeowners in colder climates. It’s also soft and makes great flooring for children’s playrooms. However, cork floors are not water resistant and absorb water, so it’s not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens. You can expect to pay between $5 to $12 per square foot for cork tile. Explore our article to find out the benefits and drawbacks of cork floors.
Glass
Most glass tile types are unsuitable for flooring, as they can scratch if exposed to foot traffic, abrasive cleaners, or other abuse. Additionally, glass tile requires professional installation for two reasons: cutting the tile is difficult, and comb marks and grout imperfections will be visible through the tile. Still, some owners of high-end homes use glass tile for border accents.
Granite
Granite floor tiles are an excellent choice for spaces that get high traffic, like an entryway or kitchen. This natural stone tile is waterproof, easy to maintain, and rarely shows signs of fading. However, granite tiles are expensive to install at $15 to $30 per square foot.
Limestone
Limestone is a natural stone tile that’s made from calcium carbonate and is available in a variety of colors and textures. Because limestone is a softer stone, it’s easily cut and shaped to the cut and size of your choice. Limestone is a porous rock; to prevent stains and damage, you must apply a coat of sealant. On average, limestone tiles cost between $9 to $27 per square foot.
Linoleum
If you’re looking for an affordable tile option, then linoleum is the way to go. At just $3 to $9 per square foot, linoleum is made of eco-friendly materials, including linseed oil, cork dust, and limestone. Linoleum has a soft feel, making walking on it more comfortable. It’s also easy to clean and water resistant, making it a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Marble
Marble tile is an expensive natural stone to install at $15 to $24 per square foot, but it’s a good choice for bathrooms and entryways. Even though it’s durable and water resistant, marble does stain easily — so it probably shouldn’t be installed in your kitchen.
Porcelain
Made from fired clay, porcelain tile can have a smooth or textured surface. This type of tile comes in dozens of colors, sizes, and styles, from large white tiles to wood-look porcelain planks. Porcelain tile is durable, water resistant, and excellent for any kitchen, bathroom, or entryway. On average, porcelain tiles cost $12 to $40 to install.
Terracotta
Terracotta tiles are durable, low-maintenance, waterproof, and resistant to scratches. These tiles are made from clay and come in beautiful natural colors. You can expect to pay between $7 to $14 per square foot for terracotta tiles.
Vinyl
Vinyl tiles are similar to linoleum in that they’re comfortable to walk on and budget-friendly at $2 to $14 per square foot. Vinyl is easy to install and comes in various colors and styles. However, these tiles are easily scuffed, so they’re not the best choice for high-traffic areas like an entryway or mudroom.
How Does Your Home Improvement Project Affect Tile Floor Pricing?
Some tile flooring projects are more expensive than others, and further tiling can add hundreds of dollars to your total cost. If you’re getting tiling done, you might as well do it all at once so you don’t have to have the crew return a second or third time. For instance, if you’re redoing a bathroom, you may tile the floors, shower wall, and shower pan.
We’ll break down project costs in the sections to follow.
| Project | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Kitchen floor | $900 – $2,800 |
| Tile backsplash | $400 – $1,500 |
| Bathroom floor | $300 – $3,200 |
| Shower pan | $300 – $3,000 |
| Shower wall | $300 – $3,000 |
| Tub surround | $200 – $3,500 |
Kitchen Floor Tiles
On average, you’ll pay between $900 to $2,800 to tile a kitchen floor. Most kitchens are between 130 and 225 square feet, but some modern kitchens can be twice that size. To tile the floor in a small kitchen, you’ll pay between $900 and $2,200; larger kitchens will cost between $1,400 and $2,800 on average.
Tile Backsplash
Tile backsplash can be installed in a bathroom or kitchen to give the space more dimension. Like all tiling projects, backsplash installation is labor-intensive and costs $400 to $1,500 on average. But if you have a large area to tile, your up-front cost may be more.
Bathroom Floor Tiles
To tile your bathroom floor, expect to pay between $300 and $3,200. Bathroom square footage ranges from 40 square feet to more than 200 square feet, and the total cost to tile your bathroom will depend on the size of your bathroom. The average 75-square-foot bathroom floor costs between $600 and $1,200 to tile, but powder rooms typically cost $300 to $600, and large primary bathrooms can cost $1,500 to $3,200 or more.
Shower Pan Tiles
If you’re tiling the bathroom floor and shower wall, you might as well tile the shower pan too. The shower pan is essentially the floor in your shower and costs between $300 and $3,000 to tile. Shower pans don’t often have large square footage, so choosing a cheaper tile can easily keep this project within a tight budget.
Shower Wall Tiles
If you’re tiling your bathroom floor, you may also tile your shower wall. On average, this project will cost between $300 and $3,000 to complete. Showers can have either a square or rectangular shape and can have up to three walls that need tile. If you only tile two walls, you’ll pay between $300 and $2,000 on average, but if you have a third wall, your cost can jump to $3.000.
Tub Surround Tiles
If you have a large bathtub, you can tile around the tub from $200 to $3,500. This can add glamor to your bathroom and serve as a waterproof edge. But to avoid this cost, you may want to consider a standing bathtub — those won’t need tile.
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Which Factors Impact Tile Floor Cost Estimates?
The type of tile you choose will most impact your total cost, but other factors can absolutely influence how much you’ll pay in total. These additional cost factors mainly include how much square footage you plan on tiling, the mortar and grout cost, and the PEI rating of your tile.
Square Footage
The more space you need to tile, the more expensive your tiling project will be. For instance, if you plan to tile your entire kitchen floor, you’ll pay significantly more than someone tiling a guest bathroom.
The good news is that most bathrooms range from 40 to 200 square feet, and many kitchens are between 130 and 225 square feet. So for many tiling projects, you aren’t working with thousands of square feet. But if you have a 500+ square foot kitchen, you’ll pay more than double the cost to tile the entire space compared to the average homeowner.
| Square Feet | Price Range |
| 40 square feet | $120 – $1,800 |
| 60 square feet | $180 – $2,700 |
| 80 square feet | $240 – $3,600 |
| 100 square feet | $300 – $4,500 |
| 150 square feet | $450 – $6,750 |
| 200 square feet | $600 – $9,000 |
| 250 square feet | $750 – $11,250 |
| 500 square feet | $1,500 – $22,500 |
| 1,000 square feet | $3,000 – $45,000 |
Cost data include material costs and labor, if applicable.
Mortar and Grout Cost
A bag of mortar costs between $15 and $50 and can cover around 24 square feet of space, which means the cost of mortar is about $0.60 to $2 per square foot without the cost of labor. However, most flooring quotes will include the cost of the tile, mortar, and labor — so unless you are tiling it yourself, you won’t have to worry about the cost breakdown.
To finish a tiling project, you should grout between each tile. The average cost to install grout is $2.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Similar to the cost of mortar, this cost is often included in the quote you’ll get from your flooring contractor and provides for the cost of material and labor.
PEI Rating
The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating measures a tile’s durability and abrasion resistance. This rating is from zero to five, with zero being the least durable and five being the most. You’ll want a PEI rating of 4 or 5 for tile flooring, but for lightly trafficked areas, you may use a tile with a PEI rating of 3.
You can expect tiles with higher PEI ratings to be more expensive than tiles with low PEI ratings, but some specialty tiles can still be costly with lower PEI ratings if those tiles are meant for backslash and decoration.
| PEI Rating | Applications |
| 0 | Not the best for floors but perfect for wall accents |
| 1 | Not durable enough for floors but ideal for backsplash and accents |
| 2 | Ideal for walls but also used for lightly used floors, such as in a guestroom or guest bathroom |
| 3 | The lowest PEI rating for flooring, but also suitable for countertops and walls |
| 4 | This type of tile is perfect for high-traffic rooms, such as the kitchen. |
| 5 | This is the most durable tile and can be used in high-traffic areas and even commercial settings. |
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3 Tips for Saving Money on Tile Floor Costs
There’s no hiding that floor tiles are expensive to install — so, like many homeowners, you’re probably wondering how to save money on your installation. The best way to save money is to install the tile yourself, but DIY tiling can lead to cracked tiles and poor installation if you don’t have experience. Instead, use the following tips to save money on your next tile project.
1. Install a Larger Tile Size
If you have fewer tiles to install, you’ll save money on labor costs. Even though the price per square foot may be the same, tilers will take significantly less time to install one 12-inch by 24-inch tile versus several 12-inch by 4-inch tiles. Since this will take fewer hours to install, you’ll save money on labor hours.
2. Opt for Inexpensive Tile
One of the easiest ways to save money on tile is to choose a less expensive tile per square foot. The cost of saltillo tile and other expensive material can run about $6 per square foot. Even if you choose a tile that’s only $4 per square foot versus $5, you could save $200 or more on a kitchen or bathroom tile project. Because tiles come in many designs and styles, you won’t have to give up luxury if you opt for a cheaper tile. You’ll find that all colors and styles exist in every price range.
3. Buy Larger Quantities
It’s better to buy all your tiles and supplies in bulk than to do one small section at a time. This is because you can often get bulk pricing depending on the size of your project. If you’re tiling your entire main floor, contact the tile supplier and ask about bulk pricing — you may save a few hundred dollars.
Professional vs. DIY Tile Floor Installation
Although you can install tile floors yourself, we recommend you work with a professional flooring company — they will ensure your tiles are installed right the first time.
Installing Tile Floor Yourself
You can tile your floors yourself if you’re on a tight budget. The tiling process is, in theory, straightforward. All you have to do is cut the tile, lay mortar on the ground, lay mortar on the tile, lay the tile, and continue to the next one. Once 24 hours have passed, you can grout and clean the tiles. However, we don’t recommend DIY tile installation because a lot of things can go wrong, and you could end up with a bad tile job, such as:
- Cracks in your tile
- Not enough space between tiles
- Not enough underlayment
- Uneven grout lines
- Uneven tiles
Hiring a Professional for Tile Floor Installation
If you want the best results and beautifully laid tile in your home, we recommend you hire a professional tiler to do the job. Flooring companies have trained installers who know how to install tiles correctly and efficiently, leading to an immaculately tiled kitchen or bathroom floor.
To get in contact with an expert tiler, follow these easy steps:
- Find local experts near you: Use the tool below to get connected to a professional tiling company.
- Measure your space: You can do this beforehand, but your tiler will also measure the square footage of the area you plan to tile.
- Choose your tile: You have many options, so choose the tile that best fits your needs and budget.
- Gather quotes: It’s always a good idea to get at least two quotes before you choose one. You may be surprised at differences in labor and materials cost.
- Choose your quote: After getting a few quotes, choose the estimate that fits your budget and timeline.
- Install your tile: Choose a date and time for your tile installation. It usually takes one to three days to have tile installed.
Ready to get your tile installed? Use the tool below to get started:
So, Is Tile Flooring Worth the Cost?
Tile floors may be expensive, but they are worth an average of $10 to $15 per square foot. Not only do tiles look upscale, they’re also durable and water-resistant — which makes them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways. Additionally, these rooms and spaces often have less square footage, so you won’t have to pay thousands of dollars to install tile (unless you tile your entire living space).
The downside to this flooring material is that it’s expensive to install and not the easiest DIY project. If you want it done right, you should work with a professional tile installation company that can complete your project quickly and well. That way, you can enjoy your tile for years to come.
FAQs About Tile Floor Cost
How much should I budget for the tile?
Most homeowners spend between $10 and $15 per square foot for their tiling project, costing an average of $800 to $2,600. You can estimate your cost by measuring the square footage of your floor and multiplying it by the price per square foot. So, if you want to tile a 100-square-foot bathroom, expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500.
How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of tile floors?
On average, you’ll spend between $10 and $15 per square foot for a tiling project. This means a 1,000-square-foot tile project will cost between $10,000 and $15,000.
Is tile cheaper than hardwood?
Although it depends on the exact tile and hardwood floor you choose, the average hardwood flooring cost is cheaper than the average tile cost. The average tile cost is $10 to $15 per square foot, while the average hardwood flooring cost is $6 to $12 per square foot.
Is it expensive to tile floors?
At anywhere from $1 to $45 per square foot, tiling is expensive. The most expensive materials to use are marble and granite, but even porcelain and ceramic tile can cost more than $30 per square foot if you choose a luxury tile. The materials are only one aspect of the total cost — tiling is incredibly labor intensive, which leads to higher total costs.
