How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?
Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?

Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?

$10 – $50 cost per square foot
$400 – $8,000 total average cost (40 – 160 SF)

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

$10 – $50 cost per square foot

$400 – $8,000 total average cost (40 – 160 SF)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
Are you a pro? Get new customers
Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Tamatha Hazen
Fact-checked by
Kristen Cramer

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.

Bathroom tile installation cost by size
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

A bathroom with beveled subway tile walls, vinyl tile flooring, and a tiled shampoo shelf
A bathroom with beveled subway tile walls, vinyl tile flooring, and a tiled shampoo shelf
Get free estimates from tile installers near you.

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.

Bathroom tile cost by location
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.

Bathroom with large floor tiles and a tiled walk-in shower
Bathroom with large floor tiles and a tiled walk-in shower

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.

Walk-in shower with glass doors, white Zellige subway tile walls, hexagon-shaped shower floor tiles, and white tile bathroom floors
Walk-in shower with glass doors, white Zellige subway tile walls, hexagon-shaped shower floor tiles, and white tile bathroom floors

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.

Bathroom tile cost by material
Tile material Average cost installed (per square foot) Details
Ceramic $12 – $40
  • Made of coarse-grain clay
  • Durable but not as strong as stone or porcelain
Porcelain $15 – $50
  • Made of refined clay
  • More water-resistant than ceramic tile
Vinyl $2 – $16
  • Affordable
  • Mimics ceramic and stone
Stone $10 – $50
  • Many different types, including marble and travertine
  • Most stones require regular sealing
Glass $20 – $100
  • Most expensive type
  • Low maintenance once installed

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.

Grey glass tile shower surround with granite countertop
Grey glass tile shower surround with granite countertop

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:

Bathroom tile installation cost factors
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:

Get free estimates from tile installers near you.
White bathroom with hexagon ceramic tile installed on shower walls
White bathroom with hexagon ceramic tile installed on shower walls

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?