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2020 Tile installation prices

All prices and remodeling costs revised and updated for 2020

Read about remodeling costs and estimating labor expenses first

How much does it cost to install tile?

On average cost of tile installation vary from $4.70 to $18 + per square foot and will be determined by a number of factors.

Tile installation cost comparison chart (prices per square foot)
Type of tile
Average cost of installation1
Cost in %
Difference in cost2
"Man-made" tile installation prices
Ceramic tile
$4.70 / Sq. Ft.
92%
- 8%
Porcelain tile
$5.10 / Sq. Ft.
100%
Base price
Mosaic tile (set on the mesh)
$9.00 + / Sq. Ft.
176% +
76% +
Glass tile (not mosaic)
$7.65 / Sq. Ft.
150%
+ 50%
Stone tile installation prices
Marble tile
$6.30 / Sq. Ft.
124%
+ 24%
Granite tile
$6.75 / Sq. Ft.
132%
+ 32%
Slate tile
$6.55 / Sq. Ft.
128%
+ 28%
Onyx tile
$7.20 / Sq. Ft.
141%
+ 41%
Travertine tile
$6.95 / Sq. Ft.
136%
+ 36%
Limestone tile
$6.30 / Sq. Ft.
124%
+ 24%
Pebble tile (set on 12” x 12” mesh)
$6.60 / Sq. Ft.
129%
+ 29%
Loose pebble tile (or standing)
$18.0 / Sq. Ft.
353%
+ 253%
Sandstone tile
$6.75 / Sq. Ft.
132%
+ 32%

1 Tile installation prices were calculated accounting 180 ft2 minimum job order. Smaller projects will be priced at a higher rate and won’t be quoted as tile installation cost per square foot. Average labor cost of tile was estimated based on standard installation excluding preparation work and installation of backer boards.

2 Difference in cost to install tile indicates you savings or how much more in % you should expect to pay for different types of tile installation in comparison with a cost to install porcelain tile. Due to distinction variations in work complexity and diversity in dimensions as well as materials tile made of tile settler will issue an itemized estimate with detailed cost analysis only after onsite inspection.

wall-tile-installation-vertical

Does the tile grouting will be included in the cost to install tile?

Grout application is a part of tile installation process and the cost has to be included in the price quote you will get from a tile contractor.

Does the sealing of tile or grout will be included in the cost of tile installation?

Any stone tile will require periodical sealer application after tile installation. First time tile installer will apply sealer on the tile and grout at no additional cost, but in a while after installation it is a responsibility of homeowner properly maintain the tile.

Initial factors affecting the cost to install tile per square foot

Type of tile

Because of huge variety of tile products available the price for installation differ significantly. Installing 12” x 12” ceramic tiles on the wall normally cost $5.45 - $5.80 per sq. ft, but at the same time glass mosaic tile installation might double or even triple the price. Stone tile such as granite or marble much more expensive to install and bathroom remodeling cost might increase significantly if choosing pricy tile options.

Project size

Most contractors will charge small tile installation projects at higher rate. For example, price for the installation of 45 sq. ft. porcelain floor tile in a small hallway will be around $450 to $550, which makes it $11.25 - $12.30 per square foot. But if it is a 700 ft2 basement has to be tiled with the same porcelain tile, an installer typically offers much better deal on labor per square foot and will price the project at $2,800 - $3,100 or $4.0 - $4.4 per sq. ft.

Difficulty of work

Design and layout will have significant impact on the tile installation prices. Usually cheapest option is a strait layout with a minimal cutting require. Installation of borders, medallions, mosaic, building shelves in the shower or any other custom elements will lead to adding extras to gross labor expenses. Also installation of tile on walls or ceiling will be more expensive than on the floor.

Area where you live

The same as with any other project, if you live in the area where living expenses are higher, most likely, you will pay for tile installation higher price. But even in the same city prices will vary. In residential house with easy access and no associations’ requirements you will not pay any extra charges. Prepare to extra fees for tile installation if you live in an apartment building with an elevator, no free parking and certain association requirements.

Who will perform the work

Hiring local handymen is the most cost effective solution unless you are considering do it yourself. But while looking for the biggest savings and making a decision based on least expensive estimate always make realistic expectations about work quality. There are a lot of small companies which specialize in tile installation and can do really good work without overcharging. Most of bigger home improvement retailers also offer installation of their products. They are usually charge more and tile has to be bought from them. But good thing they can offer financing if you cannot afford to pay whole amount right away. Big contractors or construction companies might not a cheap option and typically worth to consider if tile installation is a part of a whole home remodeling project.

New construction vs remodeling estimates

It is easier to price tile installation on a new construction where everything is much more predictable, but if it is a home improvement project prior in home inspection require for estimating the project accurately.

Typical extra charges

There are number of additional factors which will increase labor cost for tile installation and typically this work priced separately by installer. Demolishing of an existing floor or walls tiles, fixing or even replacing a subfloor (in older houses), preparation for tiling (installation of backer boards), and removing garbage from job site (ordering dumpster). All these tasks could greatly affect overall cost.

Tile installation costs breakdown by type and size of tile

Cost to install ceramic tile

Area of installation
Size of tile
Pattern
Price
- on the floor
14" x 14" - 24" x 24"
strait
$3.85 - $4.10 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$4.10 - $4.40 / Sq. Ft.
8" x 8" - 13 ¾" x 13 ¾"
strait
$4.40 - $4.90 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$4.90 - $5.20 / Sq. Ft.
6" x 6" - 7 ¾" - 7 ¾"
strait
$5.20 - $5.70 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$5.70 - $6.30 / Sq. Ft.
2" x 2" - 5 ¾" x 5 ¾"
strait
$6.20 + / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$6.70 + / Sq. Ft.
- on the walls
14" x 14" - 24" x 24"
strait
$4.35 - $4.80 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$4.80 - $5.20 / Sq. Ft.
8" x 8" - 13 ¾" x 13 ¾"
strait
$5.20 - $5.80 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$5.80 - $6.20 / Sq. Ft.
6" x 6" - 7 ¾" - 7 ¾"
strait
$6.20 - $6.70 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$6.70 - $7.30 / Sq. Ft.
2" x 2" - 5 ¾" x 5 ¾"
strait
$7.30 / Sq. Ft. and up
diagonal
$8.20 / Sq. Ft. and up

Cost to install porcelain tile

Area of installation
Size of tile
Pattern
Price
- on the floor
14" x 14" - 24" x 24"
strait
$4.05 - $4.55 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$4.55 - $5.00 / Sq. Ft.
8" x 8" - 13 ¾" x 13 ¾"
strait
$5.00 - $5.15 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$5.15 - $5.65 / Sq. Ft.
6" x 6" - 7 ¾" - 7 ¾"
strait
$5.65 - $6.15 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$6.15 - $6.75 / Sq. Ft.
2" x 2" - 5 ¾" x 5 ¾"
strait
$6.75 / Sq. Ft. and up
diagonal
$7.25 / Sq. Ft. and up
- on the walls
14" x 14" - 24" x 24"
strait
$4.50 - $5.05 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$5.05 - $5.45 / Sq. Ft.
8" x 8" - 13 ¾" x 13 ¾"
strait
$5.45 - $5.80 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$5.80 - $6.40 / Sq. Ft.
6" x 6" - 7 ¾" - 7 ¾"
strait
$6.40 - $7.00 / Sq. Ft
diagonal
$7.00 - $7.50 / Sq. Ft.
2" x 2" - 5 ¾" x 5 ¾"
strait
$8.00 / Sq. Ft. and up
diagonal
$8.50 / Sq. Ft. and up

Why porcelain tile is more expensive to install than ceramic?

Even though, ceramic and porcelain tile very similar in appearance there is a big difference in properties. Porcelain tile is much harder to cut and work with. In many cases for ceramic tile installation it is enough to have a simple tile cutter and may be a grinder for couple complicated cuts. But for installation of porcelain tile it is necessary to have a tile saw.

Cost to install marble tile

Area of installation
Size of tile
Pattern
Price
- on the floor
12" x 12" - 18" x 18"
strait
$5.10 - $6.40 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$5.60 - $7.10 / Sq. Ft.
- on the walls
12" x 12"
strait
$5.70 - $7.40 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$6.50 - $8.10 / Sq. Ft.

Cost to install granite tile

Area of installation
Size of tile
Pattern
Price
- on the floor
12" x 12" - 18" x 18"
strait
$5.45 - $7.00 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$6.00 - $7.50 / Sq. Ft.
- on the walls
12" x 12"
strait
$6.25 - $8.00 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$7.00 - $8.30 / Sq. Ft.

Cost to install slate tile

Area of installation
Size of tile
Pattern
Price
- on the floor
12" x 12" - 18" x 18"
strait
$5.30 - $6.70 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$5.70 - $7.25 / Sq. Ft.
- on the walls
12 x 12
strait
$6.00 - $7.75 / Sq. Ft.
diagonal
$6.75 - $8.20 / Sq. Ft.

Additional costs

Cost to install tile baseboard
3.5" x 12"
$2.0 - $3.5 / Ln. Ft.
Cost to install backer boards
3' x 5'
$18 - $25 /each
Cost to install tile backsplash
$15 - $45 / Sq. Ft.
ceramic-wall-tile-installation

All numbers in the charts are prices to install tile, apply grout and sealer if necessary excluding materials cost. If installer will buy thin-set or mortar, grout and screws for installing cement backer boards the labor fee will increase at $1.5 - $2.5 per square foot. All custom work will be estimated based on its complexity. Building shelves, installation of borders, or any other specific design as well as preparation work might double or triple the total price for tile installation.

Why bigger tile is cheaper to install than smaller?

Wider and longer tiles cover bigger area at a time and typically will be installed faster meaning reduction in labor cost. Other thing is it might be longer to apply grout when installing small tile.

Why stone tile such as granite or marble are more expensive to install in comparison with ceramic or porcelain tile?

Installation of stone tile such as granite, marble or limestone is a more precise and time consuming process. Using a good tile saw is essentially important while working with a stone. None of the stone tile can be cut with a tile cutter. It is also better to use higher quality (usually more expensive) thin-set to avoid problems with already installed tile later. Also unlike glazed ceramic or porcelain, stone tile require sealing after installation. In most cases marble tile will be around 20 - 25% more expensive to install compare to porcelain, and the difference in price will be even more noticeable between ceramic and granite tile.

How much did you spend or think it is a fair price to pay for tile installation?

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remodeling-estimates-Chicago-Rempros

* The numbers are a general idea what expect to pay for a particular remodeling project. The data was analyzed based on hundreds of home improvement projects, but on the national scale it is NOT enough to say the accuracy is high. Exact labor cost will be estimated only after contractor or installer inspects the area.