How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?
How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?
$10 – $50 cost per square foot
$400 – $8,000 total average cost (40 – 160 SF)
Average cost to tile a bathroom
The average cost to tile a bathroom is $10 to $50 per square foot or $400 to $8,000 total installed, depending on the material and whether you’re tiling the floor, shower, or walls. Tiling a bathroom costs $2 to $30 per square foot for materials and $8 to $20 for labor.
| Square feet | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 25 | $250 – $1,250 |
| 50 | $500 – $2,500 |
| 100 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 150 | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| 200 | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| 250 | $2,500 – $12,500 |
| 300 | $3,000 – $15,000 |
Some tile installers have a $500 to $750 minimum charge. When possible, bundle tile jobs to save money.
Cost of bathroom tile installation by location
The cost to install bathroom tiling varies by location and job size. Contractors may charge different labor rates for different projects, and some have minimum service fees for small jobs.
| Location | Average size (square feet) |
Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom floor | 40 – 160 | $400 – $8,000 |
| Shower | 42 – 120 | $420 – $6,000 |
| Bathroom walls | 104 – 274 | $1,000 – $13,700 |
Bathroom floors
The cost to tile a bathroom floor is $400 to $8,000 on average. Floor tiles are typically easy to install and may cost less in labor, but the adhesive used to lay them is extra-strength and costs more than average.
Showers
Installing tile in a shower costs $420 to $6,000 and can be difficult if the space is small or hard to access. The cost to retile a shower is higher due to the labor involved in removing old tile and preparing the subfloor or walls for new tile.
Installing a new shower pan costs $900 to $3,500, including the pan, tile, and labor. The shower pan is the sloped base under tile that funnels water to the drain.
Bathroom walls
Tiling bathroom walls costs $1,000 to $13,700, depending on the area size and tile type. While you don’t have to tile every wall in your bathroom, it is a good choice for showers since tile can withstand moisture better than painted drywall.
Bathroom tile cost by material
Stone and glass tiles typically cost the most to install in bathrooms. Vinyl tiles are the cheapest option but are only used on floors. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both made of fired clay, but they differ in cost and durability.
| Tile material | Average cost installed (per square foot) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $12 – $40 |
|
| Porcelain | $15 – $50 |
|
| Vinyl | $2 – $16 |
|
| Stone | $10 – $50 |
|
| Glass | $20 – $100 |
|
Since intricate tilework costs more than average, choose a standard tile size and shape to save money on the installation.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tile installation costs $12 to $40 per square foot on average, depending on the area size and whether the tile is glazed. Ceramic tile is one of the most popular options for shower walls.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles cost $15 to $50 per square foot on average, depending on the size and design. Porcelain tiles are made of finer-grain clay than ceramic and are fired at higher temperatures, making them stronger and less porous.
Vinyl tiles
Vinyl tile flooring costs $2 to $10 per square foot, while luxury vinyl floor tiles cost $4 to $16 per square foot installed. Luxury floor tiles (LVT) differ from standard vinyl tiles in thickness and durability. Vinyl tiles often look like ceramic and stone.
Stone tiles
Stone tiles cost $10 to $50 per square foot on average, depending on the material. Popular stones like slate and limestone cost less, while high-end materials like granite or marble cost more. Travertine is a type of limestone commonly used for making tiles.
Glass tiles
Glass tiles cost $20 to $100 per square foot with installation, depending on the size and color. Mosaic designs made with small tiles are extremely time-consuming and take precision and expertise. Unlike other materials, glass does not require sealing and is relatively low maintenance after installation.
Bathroom tile cost calculator
Bathroom tile prices depend mostly on the material you choose as well as labor fees, which are determined by the contractor:
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $30 |
| Labor | $8 – $20 |
| Total cost | $10 – $50 |
The following factors affect bathroom tile installation prices:
Bathroom size – Larger projects require more labor and materials. Also, your contractor may charge extra for working in small, hard-to-reach areas like showers.
Tile pattern – Complex mosaic, herringbone, Versailles, wood-look, or basket weave patterns cost more than basic patterns or designs.
Shape – Square or rectangular tiles cost less than irregular shapes, hexagonal tiles, or mosaic designs. Custom and hand-cut shapes cost much more than prefabricated tiles. Popular rectangular subway tiles cost $7 to $35 per square foot installed.
Tile porosity – The more waterproof a tile is, the more expensive it is. Porous ceramic or terra cotta tiles are cheaper but not as durable.
Tile rating – Tiles are ranked on durability. Class I tiles cost less but are not durable enough to be used on floors. You can use Class II to III tiles on light to moderate traffic and Class IV to V in any area of your home.
Old tile removal – Removing and disposing of old tiles often costs extra but may be included in your estimate. Tile removal costs $2 to $7 per square foot on average.
Labor
The labor cost to install bathroom tiling is $8 to $20 per square foot, depending on the tile location and type. Intricate designs, shower walls, and ceramic tile floors typically cost more to install because they're more time-consuming. Vinyl and ceramic are usually easier to install than stone or glass tiles.
Other repairs will increase the total labor cost but may help your tile last longer:
Tile repair costs $10 to $50 per square foot.
Tile and grout cleaning costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Replacing the subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot.
Adding radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot when done before installing new tiling.
Tile installation FAQs
What is the best tile for a bathroom?
Many professionals say porcelain tiles are best for bathrooms because they’re durable, stylish, and waterproof. However, ceramic or vinyl tiles are more affordable. Some prefer the unique look of stone tiles even though they’re relatively high maintenance.
Can you tile over wall tiles in a bathroom?
You can tile over existing tiles if the old tiles are level and in good condition. Layering new tiles over broken ones can result in an uneven surface and cover up mold or damage.
You should also remove old tiles if the new tiles raise the floor or wall so much that it causes problems with door thresholds or baseboards.
How long does it take to tile a bathroom?
Bathroom tile jobs take 6 to 8 hours on average or 2 to 3 days for larger projects. The actual time will vary depending on the size of the project, grout type, prep work required, and curing time for caulk.
Do I need a permit to tile my bathroom?
You should not need a permit to tile your bathroom unless it's part of a bigger remodel project or you'll be moving plumbing fixtures around. Check your local building codes or ask your contractor to make sure your project doesn't need a permit.
Do you tip bathroom tile installers?
Tile installers, like most other contractors, typically do not expect or require a tip. However, if you feel like they exceeded your expectations, consider giving them a 10% to 20% tip.
Getting estimates from bathroom tile contractors
Before hiring a bathroom tile installer near you, follow these steps:
Get 3+ similar tile estimates to compare.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Browse their portfolio for pictures of recent tile jobs.
Choose a licensed, bonded, insured company that's been in business 5+ years.
Avoid suspiciously low quotes, which often indicate poor quality tilework.
Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing.
Never pay in full before the tile job begins.
Questions to ask bathroom tile installers
Make sure you hire a high-quality bathroom tile installer by asking the following questions:
How long have you been installing bathroom tile?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will it take to install the tiles?
What type of grout do you recommend for this job?
How long should I avoid using this bathroom after the tile is installed?
Does this estimate include cleanup and disposal?
What other fees may come up?
What should I do to prepare the bathroom 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.