How much does it cost to install a tile floor?
How much does it cost to install a tile floor?
$12 – $50 installed cost per square foot
$1,200 – $5,000 average total cost (100 square feet)
Cost of tile flooring and installation
Tile floor installation costs $12 to $50 per square foot including the materials and labor, or $1,200 to $5,000 for 100 square feet. Tile flooring costs $2 to $35 per square foot for materials alone, depending on the type of tile. The total cost of tile flooring and installation depends on the location, tile quality, and installation complexity.
| Tile type | Material price (per square foot) |
Total installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $2 – $20 | $12 – $40 |
| Porcelain | $3 – $20 | $15 – $50 |
| Vinyl tile | $1 – $10 | $2 – $16 |
| Linoleum tile | $3 – $7 | $4 – $11 |
| Natural stone | $10 – $35 | $15 – $50 |
| Cement | $10 – $30 | $20 – $50 |
| Glass | $10 – $50 | $20 – $100 |
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tile costs $12 to $40 per square foot installed and is one of the most budget-friendly, versatile flooring options available. This material offers a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, making it easy to match any décor.
Ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean, though they may chip if you drop heavy objects on them. Glazed ceramic tile is water-resistant, making it a good choice for bathrooms and kitchen floors.
Porcelain tile
Porcelain tile flooring costs $15 to $50 per square foot total, depending on the tile size and pattern. Porcelain is harder than standard ceramic, resists moisture, and can mimic the look of stone or wood, making it a stylish and practical choice for many spaces.
Vinyl tile
Vinyl tile flooring costs $2 to $10 per square foot, and luxury vinyl floor tiles cost $4 to $16 per square foot with installation. Luxury vinyl floor tiles (LVT) differ from standard vinyl tiles in thickness and durability.
Vinyl tiles are comfortable underfoot, easy to install, and available in a range of designs that can replicate more expensive materials like stone or wood.
Linoleum tile
Linoleum tile flooring costs $4 to $11 per square foot with installation. Linoleum tiles are an inexpensive flooring material, but they require sealing to be waterproof and stain resistant. Click-together linoleum tiles cost more than glue-down tiles but are much easier to install.
Natural stone tile
Natural stone tile flooring costs $15 to $50 per square foot, reflecting its premium appeal and unique beauty. Stone tiles include a wide range of materials, including slate or marble. Limestone travertine tile flooring costs $17 to $35 per square foot total.
Natural stone requires sealing and ongoing maintenance to protect against staining and wear.
Cement tile
Cement tile flooring costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed, offering bold patterns and vibrant colors for a custom look. These hand-crafted tiles are highly durable but porous, so sealing is essential to protect against moisture and staining, making them ideal for decorative or low-traffic areas.
Glass tile
Glass tile installation costs $20 to $100 per square foot, making it a luxury choice used more often for accent areas or decorative borders. Glass tiles create a luminous, eye-catching effect and are non-porous, but their high price and slippery surface make them less suitable for large floor areas.
Tile floor installation cost by size
Based on an average cost of $12 to $50 per square foot, you can estimate the project cost using the table below:
| Room | Size (square feet) | Total installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 18 – 50 | $220 – $2,500 |
| Laundry room | 35 – 100 | $420 – $5,000 |
| Entryway | 36 – 120 | $430 – $6,000 |
| Kitchen | 64 – 200 | $770 – $10,000 |
| Bedroom | 100 – 240 | $1,200 – $12,000 |
| Living room | 200 – 320 | $2,400 – $16,000 |
Keep in mind that some installers may charge minimum fees for smaller projects.
What affects the cost to install a tile floor?
In addition to the tile material, several other factors impact your total tile installation price:
Complexity of layout: Intricate patterns, mosaics, or diagonal installations increase the labor time and cost. Square tiles are easiest to install, while hexagonal or rectangular subway tiles are more complex.
Installation method: Thin-set installation is the most affordable method, which involves using mortar to adhere the tile directly to the substrate. Installing a mortar bed or membrane requires additional materials and costs more.
Installation location: Basement tile floors may cost slightly more due to waterproofing and subfloor preparation.
Subfloor preparation: Damaged or uneven subfloors require repair or leveling, adding to the total cost. Completely replacing a subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot.
Durability: Tile durability ratings range from Class 1 to 5, with prices increasing for higher classes.
Finish: Unglazed tiles are cheaper and have a more rustic appearance, but they're more susceptible to moisture and damage. Glazed tiles have a smooth, glossy finish that protect against stains, moisture, and scratches. Reglazing tile costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
Additional features: Heated flooring, waterproof membranes, or custom borders add to the overall price.
Labor cost to install floor tile
Labor rates for professional tile floor installation can start as low as $5 per square foot for the simplest installations and exceed $20 per square foot for complex patterns or premium tiles. Larger projects may benefit from lower per-square-foot rates, while small rooms can see higher costs due to minimum labor charges.
Removing an old tile floor
Removing old tile costs $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the tile type, adhesive, and disposal requirements. If you're replacing existing tile, your installer will likely charge a separate fee to remove and dispose of the old flooring material.
| Area size (square feet) | Average removal cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $100 – $350 |
| 100 | $200 – $700 |
| 200 | $400 – $1,400 |
| 300 | $600 – $2,100 |
Tile flooring FAQs
Can you paint tile floor?
Yes, you can paint a tile floor using special tile or epoxy paint. Clean and sand the tiles first, then apply a high-adhesion primer and several coats of paint. Painted tile floors work best in low-traffic areas, as heavy use can cause the paint to chip or wear over time.
Can you put vinyl flooring over tile?
You can install vinyl flooring directly over the existing tile if the tile surface is flat, clean, and in good condition. This approach saves time and money by avoiding tile removal. Fill in any deep grout lines or cracks and ensure the floor is level before laying the vinyl.
What is the best cleaning solution for ceramic tile floors?
A mix of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap makes an effective and safe cleaning solution for ceramic tile floors. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as these can damage the tile or grout. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral tile cleaner.
Can you install laminate flooring over tile?
You can install laminate flooring over tile if the tile is level, stable, and free of cracks. Use an underlayment to help with sound and moisture control. Make sure the floor height will not interfere with doors or transitions to other rooms.
Can you install wood flooring over tile?
You can lay engineered wood flooring over tile if the tile is secure, flat, and in good shape. Floating wood floors work best for this purpose. Check that the added height will not cause problems with doors or baseboards and use an underlayment for best results.
Getting estimates from tile flooring installers
Follow these tips when getting estimates from floor tile installers near you:
Get quotes for similar tiles from at least 3 different reputable installers.
Research client reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm the contractor is licensed and insured.
Ask if they have certifications from organizations like the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) or the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF).
Request a detailed estimate that lists materials, labor, all fees, and any extra costs for installation, such as subfloor repairs.
Watch out for quotes that seem unusually low, as they could signal poor workmanship or hidden charges that may arise later.
Questions to ask a tile installer
Ask your tile flooring installer these questions before the installation:
What is the total cost, including materials, labor, subfloor repairs, and any extra fees?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate and timeline for the project?
How will you prepare the subfloor before installation?
Will you remove the old flooring, and is that cost included?
How do you handle unexpected issues, such as subfloor damage or uneven surfaces?
What is your experience with this type of tile and installation?
Are you licensed and insured for tile installation work?
How do you manage dust, debris, and cleanup during and after installation?
What warranties or guarantees do you offer on materials and workmanship?
How long should I wait before walking on or cleaning the new tile floor?
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.