How much does Tile floor installation cost?

Based on 2,130 real quotes from businesses in United States.

$850

TYPICAL

$2250

$4937

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Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.

Key takeaways

The cost of tile floor installation largely depends on type of tile, square footage, and location
Highly durable tiles are more expensive, but last longer
You can reduce labor costs by doing some of the prep work yourself

Tile floors can be a functional and attractive addition to your home. They’re durable, waterproof, easy to maintain, and available in styles to suit every taste—but they can also be expensive to install.

While a skilled home-improvement buff might be able to handle a simple new-tile project, it’s not typically a DIY task that most people are able to do well. That’s because tile floor installation requires considerable time and patience, as well as specialized skills and tools.

A professionally installed tile floor can look beautiful and last for decades, making the initial investment worthwhile for many homeowners. In this guide, you’ll learn how much you’ll typically pay for professional tile floor installation in different parts of your home.

Learn more: How to install bathroom tiles (or hire a pro).

Total cost of tile floor installation

The average price of tile floor installation is $13–65 per square foot, including materials and labor. To install a tile floor in a 170-square-foot space (about the size of a typical kitchen or very large bathroom), you can expect to pay $2,200–11,050. Most homeowners spend around $3,000 on a tile floor project.

Costs by type of tile

Tile floor installation costs are greatly influenced by the material you select. If you plan to remain in your home for a long time, you might want to choose a more expensive option to ensure longevity. Since 50% of the cost of tile floor installation is labor, it makes sense to choose a durable, long-lasting material so you won’t have to replace your floor.

Here are the most common types:

Ceramic tile flooring is versatile, durable, and relatively affordable. It’s available with a glossy, stain-resistant glaze, or unglazed for a more textured, slip-resistant finish. You can use ceramic tile for kitchen, bathroom, and porch floors (although it’s not as durable underfoot as porcelain tile), as well as backsplashes and countertops. Average cost (materials only): $0.50–35 per square foot.

Porcelain tile is denser and more durable than ceramic tile, making it a better (but more expensive) choice for floors with heavy foot traffic. Porcelain has a lower water-absorption rate than ceramic tile, so it’s often used for kitchen floors, bathroom floors, and porches. Tiles with a stain-resistant glaze are available, but that’s less important than with ceramic tile. Average cost (materials only): $3–35 per square foot.

Marble tile and other natural-stone tile materials, such as travertine, are durable and elegant-looking. Since these are high-end flooring materials, homeowners can expect to pay more. These can also be more expensive to install than other types. Average cost (materials only): $8–45 per square foot.

Labor costs

Labor accounts for about half the total price of floor tile installation. Professional tile installers may charge in two different ways:

By area. Average cost is $5–10 per square foot for indoor installation, and $10–15 per square foot for outdoor installation (because it requires extra effort, such as preparing the area by filling holes and gaps).
By time. The average rate is $30–100 per hour (professional installation usually takes at least 10 hours, and sometimes more).

The following factors can increase installation time and labor costs:

A need to remove old flooring (this adds around $2 per square foot)
Poor condition of the surface to be tiled
Irregular room shape (which requires more cut-to-fit tiles)
Small tile size (larger tiles are easier and faster to to install)

Cost factors

Tile installation costs can also vary according to these elements:

Tile rating. The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating, found in the manufacturing details of most (but not all) tiles, rates durability on a scale of 1–5. A higher PEI is often associated with a higher price. For residential floors, a rating of at least PEI 3 is recommended.
Variation rating. This rates color variation from tile to tile. Tiles with the fewest variations are more expensive, but some (although not all) homeowners prefer an even appearance. Check the manufacturer’s information.
Additional materials. Depending on type of tile, location, and size of project, your installation cost will include materials such as cement backer board, grout, sealant, and underlayment (a cushioning or sound-absorbing material installed under the tiles).

How to save money

Here are some ways to reduce the cost of tile floor installation:

Remove old flooring yourself. You may be able to uninstall existing carpet or linoleum on your own, for a savings of about $2 per square foot.
Get multiple bids. If there are several experienced, certified, and insured tile companies in your area, compare prices for the best deal. Know the approximate square footage of the floors to be tiled, as well the tile type and size you prefer.
Look for deals. Local tile installation companies may offer online discount codes or value-mailer coupons, which can save as much as 15%.
Consider hiring a handyperson. If you can find one who’s experienced in tile floor installation, they may charge less than a specialist. But make sure you check references and ask for photos of recent projects they’ve completed. The average rate for a handyperson is typically $40–80 per hour, in addition to materials.

FAQs

How much does it cost to install floor tile per square foot?

The average cost range for tile floor installation is $13–65 per square foot, including materials and labor. The final cost can depend on several factors, including tile size and where it will be installed.

What’s the labor cost to install floor tile?

Labor costs for tile floor installation average $5–15 per square foot or $30–100 per hour, depending on type of tile, area to be tiled, and prep work needed.

How much does it cost to tile a 12×12 floor?

The minimum cost of tiling a floor that’s 12×12, or 144 square feet, is around $1,800. The final price depends on a variety of factors, including material and labor costs, the floor’s location, and the contractor’s labor rate.

Learn more about flooring costs: Cost of vinyl floor installation.

Find a tile floor installation professional in your area.

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