How Much Does It Cost to Install Tile Floor? – Bob Vila

Whether installed in a formal entryway, a gourmet kitchen, or a spa-inspired bathroom, a tile floor can be a luxurious and beneficial style element for nearly any space within a home. The cost to install tile floor depends on a variety of influencing factors, including room size, tile material, tile type, labor, installation location, and the overall scope of a tile installation project. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $5,000 for a tile floor, with an average installation cost of $1,910.

For those considering a tile installation project in their home, determining an accurate project quote is typically the first step. Get to know what goes into estimating a tile floor installation and what benefits this coveted type of flooring offers homeowners.

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Tile floors are a beautiful and versatile choice for multiple areas in the home. Tile has proven to be durable and is available in multiple sizes, several types, and countless designs. Tile floors are also hypoallergenic and low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for single dwellers, large families, and those who are choosing to age in place in their homes. But just how much is a tile floor installation? It depends on a variety of factors, including the following.

The size of the room being tiled greatly affects both the material cost and labor cost. Generally speaking, the larger a room, the more expensive a tile job will be. Tile installations are typically charged by the total square footage of a space. So a small bathroom floor may cost as little as $500 to tile, while a large kitchen floor may cost closer to $5,000 to tile.

When a homeowner is estimating a tile installation job cost, its best to start by measuring the room and calculating the square footage. Then, as they explore different tile materials and designs, it will be easier to see what falls within the budget and what to eliminate based on material costs alone.

Tiles can be made from a multitude of different materials. Each type offers benefits and potential drawbacks, and each has a unique price range. Ceramic tile is the most affordable, starting at just $1 per square foot, though some sizes and designs can reach $30 or more per square foot.

Travertine is another popular choice, costing between $2 and $30 per square foot. Other affordable materials include marble, porcelain, and slate. Stone has a large price range, falling between $2 and $200 per square foot.

For homeowners with a larger budget (or a very small space to tile), both granite and glass tiles may be an option. Granite tiles have a range between $10 and $200 per square foot, while glass tiles cost between $5 and $15 per square foot.

Some tile materials are also available in different types or finishes. Different types allow homeowners to customize the features of the space, whether its a slip-resistant floor or a detailed focal point on a bathroom wall.

A glazed tile offers better color protection and makes it easier to clean a tiled space. Tiles with a glazed finish cost between $3 and $30 per square foot. Unglazed tiles are more affordable at $2 to $15 per square foot.

Polished tiles can be slippery, which makes them better suited for countertops and backsplashes than floors. There are additional steps in the manufacturing process to give these tiles their smooth and shiny finish, which raises the price range to between $5 and $30 per square foot.

Finally, there are mosaic tiles to consider. Theyre much smaller than a standard tile, yet they cost more than most at an average price of $20 per square foot. Mosaic tiles are used to create more complex patterns and are great for eye-catching shower floor designs.

Porosity refers to how water absorbant a tile is. When a tile is less dense, water can more easily soak into it, which can lead a tile surface to prematurely break down. But whats also a concern is liquid other than water, which can permanently stain a porous tile. Also, porous surfaces can hold on to bacteria. This can be especially concerning when a porous material is being used for a countertop where food is prepared.

Tile porosity is rated and classified into four different categories. Non-vitreous tile is the most absorbent type of tile with an absorption rate of 7 percent. This type of tile is best suited for dry locations and should generally not be used on floors. It costs between $1 and $5 per square foot.

Semi-vitreous tile costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. This type of tile has a water absorption rate of 3 percent to 7 percent and is recommended only for flooring areas that experience very light traffic. Semi-vitreous tile can be used in bathrooms if a multilayer glaze is applied, but the tile must be resealed if the glaze cracks, which makes it a high-maintenance tile type.

Vitreous tile has an absorbency rating of up to 3 percent and costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. Most porcelain and ceramic tiles are vitreous and can be laid on the floor. Finally, impervious tile is the least absorbent at 0.5 percent, and as can be expected, costs the most at $5 to $10 per square foot. Impervious tile is frost-proof and can be used in outdoor settings as well as indoor ones.

Porous tiles should always be sealed before and after grouting. This is an additional material and labor cost to take into consideration, which will be dictated by the square footage of the job. In most cases, homeowners can expect to pay between $0.90 and $1.60 per square foot to seal grout, based on the size of the tiles.

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Tile manufacturers use a specific rating system to classify tiles by strength. These different ratings help contractors know where a certain tile can be installed. The rating system includes five levels, denoted by class I through V.

Class I tiles are the weakest. They cant handle the weight of heavy foot traffic and should be avoided as a floor tile. They are great as wall tiles, though. Class II tiles are a bit stronger and best suited for low-traffic areas like laundry rooms or bathrooms. This type of tile is also well suited for walls. Class III tiles are fairly strong and ideal for walls, countertops, and areas with average foot traffic like a bedroom or office. Class IV tiles are quite durable and can be used anywhere in a home, including high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, living rooms, and kitchens. Finally, Class V tiles are the strongest. Theyre mainly used in industrial or commercial spaces rather than residential.

In general, higher-rated tiles cost more. Its important to use a tile with a rating strong enough to handle the job, but theres no need to bust a budget over tile rating if a lower rating will suffice for the area being tiled.

Tile size, type, and location affect total labor costs. On average, installation costs fall between $3 and $15 per square foot, which translates to a per-hour rate of $60 to $120. Where a tile installation job falls within that range is mainly impacted by the size of the tiles. For example, larger tiles tend to cost more to install because they require extra steps, such as applying extra mortar to the back of each tile. Tiles measuring between 18 inches and 24 inches cost around $10 to $12 per square foot for installation.

Glass and mosaic tiles can also increase labor costs. They both require a smooth mortar surface, additional mortar, and a keen eye to detail for the job to come together in the end. The cost of labor to install glass and mosaic tiles can run between $12 and $14 per square foot. Traditional, smaller tiles, such as 12-inch porcelain tile, come with more affordable labor rates.

Floor tiles can be installed in nearly any room of a home. This also extends to outdoor spaces. Homeowners may want to keep in mind that not all tile types are suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, though, and tiles should be placed accordingly.

The price to install a tile floor will vary depending on the location and the type of tile used. For example, the average cost to install tile in a 161-square-foot kitchen floor is between $1,208 and $2,415 depending on the tile material. The cost to tile a 75-square-foot bathroom floor runs between $563 and $1,125. Installing tiles outdoors can involve more prep work, as spaces need to be cleared and leveled beforehand. While indoor tiles can cost between $1 and $200 per square foot, outdoor tiles start at double the price and have a cost range between $2 and $200 per square foot.

Not all tile installation jobs have the same number of steps. Generally speaking, a project that takes longer to complete will be more expensive. If tile is being installed for the first time in a new-construction build, the surface is likely level and in great condition. Tile installation is quick and relatively easy in situations like this. But if existing tile or another type of flooring needs to be removed before installation can begin, this expands the scope of a job. Since more steps require more time and potentially more workers, labor costs can raise the cost of a tile floor installation.

The same theory applies to complex tile designs or uniquely shaped rooms that require extensive measuring and cutting compared with a standard square or rectangular space. When tile jobs require more experience and skill, the price can quickly go up.

Location can affect the cost of tile installation, and not just by room; even geographic location can make a tile job more or less expensive than average. There are a few reasons for this.

Cost of living varies by location. In densely populated urban areas, the cost of living is typically higher. This can result in higher material costs and labor charges. In more rural areas, a lower cost of living may reduce the cost of a tile installation job. Geographic location can also affect the cost of material due to shipping costs. Shipping materials to certain areas of the country costs more than it would to ship materials to other areas. Finally, certain areas of the country experience higher humidity levels. This can make it more difficult to install tile and may raise the cost of labor.

Though not applicable to every tile job, there are additional costs and considerations that may come into play when estimating the total cost of a project. Is there old flooring that needs to be removed? Is the floor level? Are there customizations in the works? The following cost breakdowns can help a homeowner more accurately estimate their tile installation cost.

Sometimes tile can be installed over tile or a different type of existing floor. But most flooring manufacturers and tile contractors will recommend that the old flooring be removed before a tile installation begins. By stripping away old hardwood, laminate, or tile, the subfloor is exposed and can be inspected.

While this may be an additional cost to absorb, it can ensure that the new flooring is being installed on a safe and level surface. This can help extend the lifespan of a tile floor and add value to a homeowners investment. The cost to remove old flooring varies by type and condition. The cost to rip out existing tile and make any necessary subsurface repairs costs between $3 and $7 per square foot, or $5 per square foot on average.

Tiles cannot be installed on an uneven floor. If an uneven surface is present, it will have to be leveled before installation can continue. If the problem is minimal, a homeowner can usually tackle floor leveling on their own using a self-leveler, which is a type of concrete underlayment that creates a flat and smooth surface with minimal effort.

But for more severe uneven surfaces, a professional may need to handle the job. This is especially true if subfloors need to be replaced, beams need to be installed, or joists need to be repaired. Homeowners can expect to pay between $2 and $30 per square foot for professional floor leveling.

The subfloor is the very important middle layer of a flooring system. It offers a structurally sound flat surface to hold up the underlayment and finish floor. Because tile needs to be laid on an entirely flat surface, the subfloor needs to be in pristine condition.

Plywood is the traditional material used for a subfloor, and its an affordable and reliable choice. However, over time plywood can begin to break down. If the existing subfloor needs repair during a tile installation job, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $40 to $65 per square foot for a basic plywood construction. If a subfloor is made of concrete and needs to be resurfaced, the average cost is between $3 and $10 per square foot.

If the subfloor is too damaged to repair, a contractor is likely to recommend a full replacement at an average cost of $1,500 to $1,650.

Most tile jobs are fairly straightforward. However, there are a few customizations that homeowners may choose that can alter the final cost.

The first is tile patterns. These include diagonal, running bond (or offset), herringbone, step, cut corner, ashlar, and Versaille. When tiles are laid in any pattern other than straight-set rows, the total cost of the project can increase by 10 percent to 20 percent. This price increase includes additional materials needed for cuts along with the additional hours in labor. Patterns will almost always take more time to lay than straight rows of tile.

Heated flooring is another common customization. The national average cost to install heated tile flooring is $6 per square foot, falling within a range of $4.75 to $7.25 per square foot.

Tile flooring comes in a wide variety of materials. There are also many subtypes, finishes, colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from even after a tile material has been decided. Listed below are some of the most common natural and man-made tile materials, along with descriptions of their unique characteristics and varying cost ranges.

A rectified tile is one that has been finished on all sides so that each one is identical, making the tiles precisely uniform. With minimal grout showing, rectified tiles can provide a uniform look thats common in commercial spaces but can look great in a residential space as well.

Rectified tiles tend to be larger, typically measuring at least 15 inches square. The cost for rectified tile is between $0.50 and $15 per square foot for an indoor installation. Installing rectified tile outside will cost at least $35 per square foot.

Ceramic is a man-made material crafted from clay. It is fired once or twice for durability and then given a glaze that can be either glossy or matte in appearance. In most cases, glossy glazed ceramic tile is not rated for floor use since it is slippery.

Ceramic tiles are common and come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and designs. Theyre available in large-format size as well as small mosaics. For the homeowner who wants a lot of choices without going over budget, ceramic tile flooring is a great place to start. On average, ceramic tiles cost between $0.50 and $7 per square foot.

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Travertine is a unique stone material commonly used for tile flooring. Its similar to limestone in composition, formed inside hot springs, and contains small holes throughout the stone that need to be filled either before or during installation to prevent damage long term.

Travertine has a distinctive and striking appearance. Its available in four basic styles or textures, including brushed, honed, polished, and tumbled. Brushed has a matte finish, while polished is glossy. Honed is somewhere in between, and tumbled is treated to look aged and rustic. Travertine is a great modern tile option, costing between $2 and $30 per square foot. Like all stone construction materials, travertine should be sealed before grouting. This can add extra material and labor costs to the overall cost of a tile installation job.

Stone is a type of tile material with many subtypes, including travertine, slate, granite, and marble. Theyre all great as tile flooring but can be used around fireplaces or as a backsplash tile as well.

Compared to other types of tile, stone tiles require a bit more prep work and some ongoing maintenance. Sealing during installation ensures water doesnt reach any holes, pits, or tunnels that naturally occur during the formation of stone materials. Homeowners should also keep in mind that some types of stone are more likely to stain than others, like white marble. This can increase the cost of this type of tile when repair and replacement costs are taken into consideration.

Because of the different subtypes, sizes, and installation methods, the price range for stone tile installation is wide. A stone tile installation costs anywhere from $2 to $200 per square foot.

Tile that looks like wood is usually made from porcelain. This type of tile is great for spaces where water can be an issue (like bathrooms or kitchens) or for homes in warm climates where homeowners want the cooling benefits of tile but prefer a more traditional flooring look. On average, these authentic wood-looking tiles cost between $3 and $12 per square foot for indoor tile and up to $3 per square foot for outdoor tile.

To enhance their wood look, these tiles are typically cut into a rectangular shape to mimic traditional hardwood planks. However, theyre still priced by the square foot. For a homeowner who wants the rich warmth of hardwood floors but the durability and easy maintenance of tile, porcelain wood tile is the perfect compromise.

Porcelain is one of the most common tile materials. Its also one of the most affordable, coming in with a range between $3 and $10 per square foot for indoor tiles and a minimum of $3 per square foot for outdoor tiles.

Porcelain is stain-resistant and fairly dense, making it a great choice for areas of the home where high levels of moisture can be an issue for more porous materials. Porcelain tile is available in a wide variety of colors, designs, and styles. Its a tile material that can actually help an installation job stay on budget while exceeding design expectations. Contrary to typical assumptions, thin tiles are actually more expensive than thick ones because of the manufacturing process they go through to keep them durable despite the thinner profile. This is where knowing the rating of a tile comes in handy.

Marble is a metamorphic rock thats commonly composed of calcite or dolomite. These grains are locked together like jigsaw puzzle pieces, making marble quite porous in nature. This means that water, other liquids, and even bacteria can work their way through marble, leading to staining and potentially weakening the material over time.

Marble isnt known as a low-maintenance tile material, but it is stunning, so its aesthetic impact is what tends to attract homeowners. While it does have its weaknesses, marble flooring is still durable compared to other types of flooring.

Available in a wide range of colors and styles, marble tile can be cut and shaped to perfectly fit a space or design. It can also be glossy, matte, or tumbled. It does require a bit more prep work and may need to be sealed as ongoing maintenance. Marble tile costs anywhere from $3 to $50 per square foot.

Slate tiles tend to lend an upscale aesthetic to a design. When most people think of a slate tile, gray comes to mind, but its actually available in a multitude of colors. While slate has a naturally grooved texture, homeowners can opt for smooth, sanded slate tiles as well.

However, slate tiles do scratch easily. Although this can add a personal touch to some areas of a home (depending on the overall design), scratched slate tile can make other areas appear unsightly. Its considered one of the best tile options for bathroom floors because of how easy it is to clean. However, slate is porous so it will need to be sealed to prevent staining.

Slate tiles are on the high end of the price range when it comes to materials and installation. Homeowners can expect to pay between $4 and $20 per square foot for slate tiles.

Granite isnt a common tile choice for flooring, but it is often used on countertops or backsplashes. Compared with other types of stone tiles, granite tends to be the most durable. Its available in a wide range of colors and while typically polished, it can be found in a honed finish as well.

Because its easy to clean, granite is a popular choice. Its also a natural material and is resistant to scratches. All stone tiles are porous, but granite is one of the least. When properly sealed, granite tiles wont stain, though they may need to be resealed over time. Granite tile ranges from $10 to $200 per square foot.

Glass tiles are commonly used for backsplashes or focal walls, and they shouldnt be used for flooring or outdoor spaces. Theyre commonly found in shower wall designs and can even be used for countertops.

Its common to find glass tiles in earth tones, so they can also be used as complementary tiles to more intricate designs. Glass tile is very hygienic and easy to clean; grease, grime, and fingerprints are easily wiped away with an all-purpose cleaner. Many glass tiles are also made from recycled materials, making them a great eco-friendly choice. Once installed, glass tiles are hard to break, though they can scratch.

Glass tiles cost approximately $5 to $15 per square foot, making them a more expensive option. But compared to other tile materials, they offer many design and functionality benefits.

Cement tile offers fun, bold patterns that fit nearly any color palette. While this type of tile is a great bathroom floor tile option, its not perfect for every tile job. One benefit of cement tile is that its incredibly durablewith proper care, cement tiles can last a lifetime. Regular sealing is a must, though.

Cement tile installation differs from that of porcelain. When homeowners are searching for tilers near me, they will want to ensure the contractors theyre considering are experienced with cement tile; its important to note that dark grout is not recommended for cement tiles, as it can permanently stain the design.

Cement tiles are made from natural materials, so theyre environmentally friendly. However, theyre also a bit pricey, coming in between $30 and $70 per square foot. But they can offer a homeowner a truly custom look thats sure to outlast nearly every other type of flooring out there.

Tile is a popular flooring choice among homeowners, and for good reason. Listed below are just some of the benefits tile flooring offers when it comes to a familys lifestyle and a homes value.

Tile floors are versatile, making them suitable for nearly every room in a home. There are also a plethora of options when it comes to color, patterns, and designs. The fact that tile is easy to install compared to other types of flooring is what really sets tile flooring apart from other options.

With a bit of research on how to install a tile floor, some experienced homeowners may be able to complete the task themselves. Even if they decide to hire a tile contractor, very little base floor preparation is needed. This can save on labor costs. Finally, the low maintenance and durability of tile flooring means that after an easy and affordable installation, tile flooring will look good for years to come.

Floor tiles are impact-resistant. Depending on the material, a tile floor can last for decades. In fact, porcelain tile is harder than granite. Whether its used on a high-traffic floor or on a kitchen countertop, tile can withstand years of abuse without showing any signs of wear and tear.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are produced using clay, which is a sustainable resource. Stone tiles also last a very long time. So while a highly durable tile floor may be a smart financial investment for homeowners, its also a great eco-friendly option.

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Tile floors are simple to maintain. Basic cleaning methodslike sweeping and moppingkeep tile flooring free of dust and debris while also eliminating bacteria. Theres no need for harsh detergents or chemical cleaners with tile flooring either, making them a greener choice when it comes to flooring material.

While other flooring types require routine maintenance and sealing to keep it looking good, tile flooring can look just as beautiful after several years as it did when it was initially installed.

Tile flooring is great for nearly every geographic location and climate, but its especially suitable for warm or temperate climates. Since tiles tend to feel much cooler and dont retain heat, they can help keep a home as energy efficient as possible. A tile floor paired with a couple of ceiling fans can be all a space needs to stay cool, even with the air conditioning turned off.

And for those worried about tile floors being too cold in the winter, theres always the option to add underfloor heating during installation. This is usually more efficient than forced-air heating as it eliminates the loss of energy from heating ducts.

Allergies and asthma are common health struggles for many. While its impossible to control triggers outside of the home, it is possible to keep living spaces as hypoallergenic as possible. Tile flooring is one way this can be accomplished. Because of their hard and slick surfaces, tiles dont trap dust or other allergens. Theyre also resilient to water, making them less likely to develop mold and mildew.

Tile floors also dont require the use of harsh chemicals or cleaners. This can help improve the air quality in a home, which is not the case with other flooring types. For example, carpet fibers trap pollen, dust, dirt, and pet dander that can be released back into the air. Laminate flooring can release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, including formaldehyde and methylene chloride.

For homeowners who already know how to lay tile, this project can be a DIY job. The steps for different types of tile can vary slightly, but when it comes to installing ceramic floor tile, the steps are fairly simple. However, homeowners without tile installation experience may find themselves quickly out of their depth when it comes to installing a tile floor.

Even homeowners who feel confident they can install a tile floor on their own can run into unexpected roadblocks. First, the cost of tools can quickly add up. To complete the job safely and efficiently, a homeowner needs safety goggles, a tape measure, a level, a tile cutter, a notched trowel, a rubber grout float, a tile nipper, and potentially even more. All of these tools can cost more than $450, which adds to the DIY budget unless the homeowner happens to have these tools on hand. For the average homeowner, this is not a realistic prospect.

Theres also experience to consider. When someone has never laid tile before, its easy to make mistakes. This can add up to lost time and wasted materials, both of which come at a price. Homeowners who tackle tile floor installation to save money may find themselves paying more than they anticipated if they need to call in a professional to help fix any mistakes they made. The cost to fix an improperly installed tile floor at some future point can be expensive, even if the initial installation was cheap.

Finally, tile floors with intricate designs or customizations such as radiant heat will be too difficult for many homeowners to attempt. Additionally, if the project requires subfloor repair or any other type of construction, a professional can ensure the job is done right the first time. Searching for floor installation near me is the best way to find a contractor who can handle all the different aspects of a tile installation quickly and safely.

Tile floor installation if no DIY job

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A tile floor installation can be a large financial investment. Thats why its always important to look for areas where money can be saved without sacrificing overall quality and design. The following tips can help homeowners stay within their budget on a tile floor installation project.

While searching for tile installation near me is the first step for homeowners to take when considering a tile installation job, the next step is to narrow down their options. This can be done quickly and efficiently by asking the appropriate combination of any of the following tile contractor questions.

A tile floor can improve a homes aesthetic appearance and monetary value. The cost to install tile floor depends on a variety of factors, but the investment is always worth it. For the homeowner who still has concerns about installing tile in their home, the following list of common questions and answers about tile installation may be helpful.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install Tile Floor? - Bob Vila