How much does ceramic tile installation cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does ceramic tile installation cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does ceramic tile installation cost?

$12 – $40cost per square foot
$1,200 – $8,000total cost (100 – 200 square feet)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$12 – $40 cost per square foot

$1,200 – $8,000 total cost (100 – 200 square feet)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
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Tara Farmer

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.

Ceramic tile installation cost by size
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

Ceramic tile samples in various colors.
Ceramic tile samples in various colors.
Get free estimates from tile installers near you.

Average cost to install ceramic tile

The following table shows the average total cost to install ceramic tile:

Average cost to install ceramic tile - chart
Average cost to install ceramic tile - chart
Average cost to install ceramic tile
National Average Cost$4,600
Minimum Cost$600
Maximum Cost$14,000
Average Range$1,200 to $8,000

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.

Ceramic tile installation cost by location
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

A tile installer laying a ceramic tile floor.
A tile installer laying a ceramic tile floor.

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.

Get free estimates from tile installers near you.
Glazed vs. unglazed ceramic tile cost
Tile type Average cost per square foot installed Details
Glazed $4 – $18
  • Smooth, shiny surface
  • Protects against stains
Unglazed $2 – $20
  • Rough, matte surface
  • Better for outdoor areas or bathrooms

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:

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.

A worker installing ceramic tile flooring in a home.
A worker installing ceramic tile flooring in a home.

Ceramic tile shape

Ceramic tile prices vary depending on the shape. Square and rectangular tiles are the most common and easiest to install.

Ceramic tile prices by shape
Tile shape Average cost per square foot
(materials only)
Details
Rectangular $2 – $15
  • Also called subway tiles
  • Popular in kitchen backsplashes or showers
Square $2 – $10
  • Common choice for flooring and walls
Hexagonal $8 – $20
  • Six equal sides
  • Harder to install but attractive
Mosaic $10 – $30
  • Popular in bathrooms, pools, showers, kitchens, and entryways
Non-standard $12 – $40
  • Custom or irregular shapes
  • Harder to cut, arrange, and fit

Ceramic vs. porcelain tile cost

Get free estimates from tile installers near you.

Porcelain and ceramic are both made of fired clay and are often used interchangeably, but they're slightly different in cost and durability:

Ceramic vs. porcelain tile cost
Tile material Average cost per
square foot installed
Details
Ceramic $12 – $40
  • Cheaper
  • Coarser grain
  • More porous
Porcelain $15 – $50
  • More refined clay
  • Fired at higher temperatures
  • More water-resistant

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?