How much does porcelain tile flooring installation cost?
How much does porcelain tile flooring installation cost?
$15 – $50 installed cost per square foot
$1,500 – $5,000 average total cost (100 square feet)
Porcelain tile flooring installation cost
Porcelain tile flooring installation costs $15 to $50 per square foot or $1,500 to $5,000 total on average. Porcelain is moisture-resistant, harder than ceramic tiles, and can mimic the look of natural stone or wood. The labor cost to lay porcelain floor tiles depends on the size of the tile and the pattern you choose.
| Factor | Average cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Materials | $3 – $20 |
| Labor | $12 – $30 |
| Total average cost | $15 – $50 per square foot |
Cost to lay porcelain floor tile by room size
The table below shows the average prices for installing porcelain tile flooring in different rooms, using a base range of $15 to $50 per square foot:
| Room | Size (square feet) | Total installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 18 – 50 | $270 – $2,500 |
| Laundry room | 35 – 100 | $530 – $5,000 |
| Entryway | 36 – 120 | $540 – $6,000 |
| Kitchen | 64 – 200 | $960 – $10,000 |
| Bedroom | 100 – 240 | $1,500 – $12,000 |
| Living room | 200 – 320 | $3,000 – $16,000 |
Some installers charge minimum fees for smaller projects, so you may want to bundle multiple services for the lowest per-square-foot rates.
Porcelain tile flooring cost factors
Several factors impact the cost of a porcelain tile floor:
Glazing: Glazed tiles resist stains and scratches but cost more. Unglazed tiles are cheaper but less durable. Reglazing tile costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
Installation method: Thin-set installation using mortar to bond the tile directly to the substrate is the cheapest. Choosing a mortar bed or membrane installation increases costs.
Durability: Tile durability ratings affect tile prices. Most residential projects require Class 3 or 4 tiles, with Class 2 tiles being cheaper but suitable for light foot traffic only.
Layout and design: Complex layouts, such as intricate patterns, mosaics, or diagonal designs, demand more labor and increase installation costs.
Subfloor: Repairing or leveling damaged or uneven subfloors increases the overall cost. Full subfloor replacement costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot.
Added features: Adding heated flooring, waterproof membranes, or custom borders raises the total price of your tile flooring project.
Labor cost
Labor rates for installing porcelain tile range from $12 to $30 per square foot. Complex mosaic patterns or premium-grade tiles cost more. Some installers charge lower per-square-foot rates for large projects or minimum labor charges for small rooms.
Remove old tile floor
Removing tile costs $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the type of tile, adhesive used, and any special disposal requirements. When replacing existing tile, your installer may charge a separate fee to remove and dispose of old materials.
| Area size (square feet) | Average removal cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $100 – $350 |
| 100 | $200 – $700 |
| 200 | $400 – $1,400 |
| 300 | $600 – $2,100 |
Before gathering quotes, measure your space carefully and add 10% to 20% to account for potential waste, especially if you're planning on a patterned layout.
Tile repairs
Repairing tile or grout costs $3 to $25 per square foot for grout or $10 to $50 per square foot for cracks and damage in the tile. Premium or epoxy grouts cost more because they're harder to work with.
Pros and cons of porcelain tile flooring
Porcelain tiles cost more than ceramic or vinyl floor tiles, but they offer benefits like greater durability and lower porosity. The table below shows the common pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Other tile flooring types
The cost to install tile flooring varies depending on the type of tile. Ceramic and porcelain are the most common and represent the mid-range in pricing. Vinyl and linoleum aren't true tiles, but they can mimic the look of tile or wood flooring and they're more affordable than premium options like glass or natural stone tile.
| Tile type | Material cost (per square foot) |
Total installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic tile floor cost | $2 – $20 | $12 – $40 |
| Vinyl tile cost | $1 – $10 | $2 – $16 |
| Linoleum tile cost | $3 – $7 | $4 – $11 |
| Natural stone | $10 – $35 | $15 – $50 |
| Travertine tile cost | $7 – $15 (standard grade) | $17 – $35 |
| Cement | $10 – $30 | $20 – $50 |
| Glass | $10 – $50 | $20 – $100 |
Porcelain tile flooring FAQs
What's better, porcelain or ceramic tile?
Porcelain tile is denser, more durable, and more water-resistant than ceramic tile, making it better for high-traffic and wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Ceramic tile is easier to cut, more affordable, and offers a wider range of styles, but is less resistant to chipping and moisture. For durability and longevity, porcelain is the better choice.
Does porcelain tile need to be sealed?
Most glazed porcelain tiles do not need sealing because they are dense and have a very low water absorption rate. However, unglazed porcelain tiles or the grout lines between tiles may benefit from sealing to prevent staining and moisture penetration.
Can you use porcelain floor tiles in shower walls?
Yes, you can use porcelain floor tiles on shower walls. Porcelain’s low porosity and high water resistance make it an excellent choice for wet environments, including shower walls and floors. Make sure the tile’s weight and thickness are suitable for wall installation.
Can you paint porcelain tile?
You can paint porcelain tile, but it requires proper surface preparation for the paint to adhere. Painted porcelain may not be as durable as the original finish and works best in low-traffic areas.
Is porcelain tile durable?
Porcelain tile is extremely durable due to its dense composition and high firing temperature. It resists scratches, chips, and moisture, making it suitable for high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor spaces. Porcelain tile can last 50+ years with proper installation and care.
Is porcelain tile slippery?
Glazed porcelain tile can be slippery, especially when wet. For areas prone to moisture, choose porcelain tiles with a textured or matte surface to reduce the risk of slipping. Always check the tile’s slip-resistance rating before installation.
Getting estimates from tile flooring installers
When getting estimates from floor tile installers near you, follow these steps:
Get quotes for the same type of tile from at least three reputable installers.
Check client reviews on platforms like HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm the installer is licensed and insured.
Ask whether the installer holds certifications from groups such as the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) or the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF).
Request a comprehensive estimate that details materials, labor, all fees, and any extra charges, including subfloor repairs.
Be wary of unusually low bids, as they may indicate poor quality work or hidden fees that could appear later.
Questions to ask a porcelain tile installer
Ask a porcelain tile installer these questions before they begin:
How much experience do you have laying porcelain tiles?
What is the total cost, including materials, labor, subfloor repairs, and extra fees?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate and project timeline?
How will you prepare the subfloor before installation?
What kind of mortar or adhesive will you use?
What kinds of grout are available? Which do you recommend?
Will you remove and dispose of the old flooring, and is that cost included?
What warranties or guarantees do you offer on materials and workmanship?
How should I prepare my home before installation begins?
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.