How much does ceramic tile installation cost?
How much does ceramic tile installation cost?
$12 – $40 cost per square foot
$1,200 – $8,000 total cost (100 – 200 square feet)
Ceramic tile installation cost
Ceramic tiles cost $12 to $40 per square foot with installation or $1,200 to $8,000 total on average, depending on the area size, location, and whether the tile is glazed. Ceramic tile prices are $2 to $20 per square foot for materials and $10 to $20 per square foot for labor.
| Square feet | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $600 – $2,000 |
| 100 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| 150 | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| 200 | $2,400 – $8,000 |
| 250 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| 300 | $3,600 – $12,000 |
| 350 | $4,200 – $14,000 |
Average cost to install ceramic tile
The following table shows the average total cost to install ceramic tile:
| National Average Cost | $4,600 |
| Minimum Cost | $600 |
| Maximum Cost | $14,000 |
| Average Range | $1,200 to $8,000 |
Choose a standard tile size and shape to save money on tile installation. Small, intricate tilework costs more than average to install.
Cost of ceramic tile by location
The cost to install ceramic tile varies by location and job size. Installing tile in hard-to-reach areas like small shower stalls may cost more in labor fees. Some contractors have minimum service fees for small jobs, so combine projects when possible.
| Location | Average size (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen floor | 130 – 184 | $1,600 – $7,400 |
| Kitchen backsplash cost | 20 – 40 | $240 – $1,600 |
| Kitchen countertops | 30 – 66 | $360 – $2,600 |
| Bathroom floor | 40 – 160 | $480 – $6,400 |
| Shower tile cost | 42 – 120 | $500 – $4,800 |
| Bathroom walls | 104 – 274 | $1,200 – $11,000 |
| Living area floor | 200 – 320 | $2,400 – $12,800 |
Glazed vs. unglazed ceramic tile cost
Glazed tiles are more common than unglazed ceramic tiles. Unglazed tiles are non-slip and are better for outdoor spaces or bathrooms.
| Tile type | Average cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Glazed | $4 – $18 |
|
| Unglazed | $2 – $20 |
|
Ceramic tile installation cost calculator
The following factors affect ceramic tile prices:
Tile patterns – Complex patterns like mosaic, herringbone, Versailles, or basketweave cost more to install than a basic pattern.
Area size – Larger tiling projects typically cost more, but your contractor may charge more in labor fees for working in small, hard-to-reach areas.
Location – The cost to install ceramic tile floors is higher than average because floors are typically harder to install than walls.
Materials – Most tile installers include prices for adhesives, grout, and underlayment in their material costs. Prices vary depending on the type and quality of these materials.
Removal – Removing old flooring or materials often costs extra but may be included in your estimate. Tile removal costs $2.00 to $7.00 per square foot on average, while carpet removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot.
Porosity – The more vitreous or waterproof a tile is, the more it will cost. Porous ceramic is cheaper but not as durable.
Repairs – Regular maintenance and repairs can help your ceramic tile last longer:
Tile repair costs $10.00 to $50.00 per square foot, depending on the type.
Replacing the subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot on average.
Tile and grout cleaning costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Reglazing tile costs $4.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
Labor
The labor cost to install ceramic tile is $10 to $20 per square foot, 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.
Ceramic tile shape
Ceramic tile prices vary depending on the shape. Square and rectangular tiles are the most common and easiest to install.
| Tile shape | Average cost per square foot (materials only) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | $2 – $15 |
|
| Square | $2 – $10 |
|
| Hexagonal | $8 – $20 |
|
| Mosaic | $10 – $30 |
|
| Non-standard | $12 – $40 |
|
Ceramic vs. porcelain tile cost
Porcelain and ceramic are both made of fired clay and are often used interchangeably, but they're slightly different in cost and durability:
| Tile material | Average cost per square foot installed |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $12 – $40 |
|
| Porcelain | $15 – $50 |
|
Ceramic tile FAQs
What is ceramic tile?
Ceramic tiles are thin floor or wall coverings made of clay, sand, and water. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.
Can you paint ceramic tile?
You can paint ceramic tile, though it's not recommended for tiles that are subject to heavy foot traffic or water exposure. Paint on a ceramic tile floor may wear away and need to be stripped or re-painted.
Are porcelain or ceramic tiles better?
Porcelain tiles are made of finer-grain clay and are less porous than ceramic. Ceramic tiles cost less than porcelain but are not as naturally water-resistant.
Does ceramic tile need to be sealed?
Glazed ceramic tiles do not need to be sealed. However, unglazed tiles and the grout surrounding the tiles need to be sealed in order to prevent water damage and mold growth.
What is the best cleaning solution for ceramic tile floors?
The best cleaning solution for ceramic tile floors is a mixture of warm water and vinegar or mild dish soap. Make sure to clean grout thoroughly as well to avoid stains or discoloring between the tiles.
Getting estimates from ceramic tile contractors
Before hiring a ceramic tile installer near you, follow these steps:
Get at least three similar ceramic tile estimates to compare.
Read tile installation reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask to see their portfolio with pictures of recent projects.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Avoid suspiciously low quotes, which usually indicate poor quality work.
Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before any work begins.
Never pay in full before the tile installation starts.
Questions to ask ceramic 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 ceramic tile?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will it take to install the tile?
What type of grout do you recommend for this project?
How long should I avoid using this room after you're done?
Does the estimate include cleanup and disposal costs?
What other fees should I expect?
What should I do to prepare the area before you start?
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.