How much does tile installation cost?
Columbus, OH

How much does tile installation cost?

Columbus, OH

How much does tile installation cost?

$10 – $50cost per square foot
$2,000 – $10,000total average cost (200 square feet)

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

$10 – $50 cost per square foot

$2,000 – $10,000 total average cost (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
Fact-checked by
Tara Farmer

Tile installation cost

Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot or $2,000 to $10,000 total on average for 200 square feet, depending on the tile material, labor cost, and location. Tile floor installation typically costs more than tile walls. Common tile materials include ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass.

Tile installation cost by size
Square feet Average installed cost
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
350 $3,500 – $17,500

Gray tile flooring matching the gray rectangular stone backsplash in modern kitchen
Gray tile flooring matching the gray rectangular stone backsplash in modern kitchen
Get free estimates from tile installers near you.

Average cost to install tile

The following table shows the average total cost to install 200 square feet of tile, including labor and materials.

Average cost to install 200 SF of tile, including labor and materials - Chart
Average cost to install 200 SF of tile, including labor and materials - Chart
Average cost to install tile
National Average Cost $6,000
Minimum Cost $500
Maximum Cost $17,500
Average Range $2,000 to $10,000

Tile cost by material

Stone and glass tiles typically cost the most to install. Porcelain and ceramic are both made of fired clay, but they vary slightly in cost and durability. Vinyl and linoleum are the cheapest options but are only used on floors.

Tile cost by material
Tile material Average cost per square foot installed Details
Ceramic $12 – $40
  • Made of coarse-grain clay
  • Durable but not as strong as porcelain or stone
Porcelain $15 – $50
  • Refined clay
  • More water-resistant than ceramic
Vinyl $2 – $16
  • Inexpensive
  • Mimics ceramic or stone
Linoleum $4 – $11
  • Cheap and easy to install
  • Prone to dents and scratches
Stone $10 – $50
  • Many different types
  • Most require regular sealing
Glass $20 – $100
  • Most expensive option
  • Low maintenance once completed

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

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile installation costs $12 to $40 per square foot for labor and materials, depending on the area size, location, and whether the tile is glazed. Installing ceramic tiles on floors or in showers typically costs more than on walls.

Porcelain tile

Porcelain tiles cost $15 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on the size and pattern. Porcelain tiles are made of finer-grain clay than ceramic, are fired at higher temperatures, and are less porous. Ceramic tiles cost less but are not as naturally water-resistant.

Vinyl tile

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 normal floor tiles in thickness and durability. Vinyl tiles often look like ceramic and stone tiles.

Linoleum tile

Linoleum tile flooring costs $4 to $11 per square foot installed. Linoleum is an inexpensive flooring material that requires sealing to be waterproof and stain resistant. Click-together linoleum tiles cost more but are much easier to install than glue-down tiles.

Stone tile

Stone tiles cost $10 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on the material. Popular stones like slate and limestone cost less, while high-end materials like granite or marble cost more than average. Travertine is a type of limestone that is commonly used to make tiles.

Stone tile floors in shades of gray with marble backsplash in kitchen
Stone tile floors in shades of gray with marble backsplash in kitchen

Glass tile

Glass tiles cost $20 to $100 per square foot with installation, depending on the size, pattern, and color. Mosaic designs made with small tiles are time-consuming and take precision to complete. Unlike other materials, glass does not require sealing and is relatively low maintenance.

Terrazzo tile

Terrazzo tile costs $15 to $35 per square foot installed or $8 to $20 per square foot for materials alone. Tile sizes range from 8"x8" to 24"x48". Terrazzo tiles are cheaper but do not provide the limitless customization or the smooth, seamless look of poured terrazzo flooring.

Cost to install tile by location

The cost to install tile varies by location and job size. Tile setters may charge different labor rates for backsplashes and countertops than walls or floors. Some have minimum service fees for small jobs, so combine projects when possible.

Tile installation cost by location
Location Average size
(square feet)
Average total cost
Kitchen floor 130 – 184 $1,300 – $9,200
Kitchen backsplash 20 – 40 $200 – $2,000
Kitchen countertops 30 – 66 $300 – $3,300
Bathroom floor 40 – 160 $400 – $8,000
Shower 42 – 120 $420 – $6,000
Bathroom walls 104 – 274 $1,000 – $13,700
Living area floor 200 – 320 $2,000 – $16,000

Floor tile

Installers typically charge more to install a tile floor than a wall. Floor tiles are generally easy to put into place, but the adhesive contractors use to lay the tiles is extra-strength and costs more than average.

Backsplash tile

Backsplash installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material. Installing a tile backsplash typically costs more than other projects because measuring, cutting, and fitting in a kitchen requires more precision.

Modern white cabinets and rectangular glass tile backsplash
Modern white cabinets and rectangular glass tile backsplash

Shower tile

The cost to retile a shower or bathroom is $7 to $25 per square foot, depending on the material, size, and design. Installing tile in a shower can be difficult if the space is small or hard to access. The installer may also need to add a new waterproof membrane behind the tile to prevent leaks.

Get free estimates from tile installers near you.
Grey glass tile shower surround with granite countertop
Grey glass tile shower surround with granite countertop

Tile installation cost calculator

Tile prices depend mostly on the material you choose as well as the labor fees, which are determined by the individual contractor.

Tile installation cost factors
Factor Average cost per square foot
Materials $2 – $30
Labor $8 – $20
Total cost $10 – $50

The following factors affect the cost to install tile:

  • Tile patterns – Complex patterns like mosaic, herringbone, Versailles, wood-look, or basketweave cost more to install than a basic pattern or design.

  • Area size – Larger tile projects cost more, but your contractor may charge more for working in small, hard-to-reach areas like shower stalls.

  • Location – Tile floors typically cost less in labor fees to install than backsplashes but more than walls.

  • Tile materials – Most tile installers include adhesives, grout, and underlayment in their material costs. The total cost will vary depending on the type and quality of these materials.

  • Tile porosity – The more vitreous or waterproof a tile is, the more expensive it will be. Porous ceramic or terra cotta is cheaper but not as durable.

  • Tile rating – Tiles are rated on their durability. Class I tiles cost less but are not durable enough to be used on floors. Class II to III tiles are used on light to moderate traffic, while Class IV and V can be used in any area of a home or workplace.

  • Heated floors – Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed. If you are considering adding radiant floor heating, install it before laying new tile to avoid the expense of removing the new tile floor and redoing it later.

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

Tile labor

The labor cost to install tile is $8 to $20 per square foot on average, 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.

Removing old tiles or flooring materials typically costs extra but may be included in your estimate. Tile removal costs $2 to $7 per square foot. Carpet removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot.

If the floor or wall beneath the tile is damaged or you're trying to salvage old tile rather than replace it, you may face these additional costs:

Tile shape

Tile prices vary depending on the shape. Square and rectangular tiles cost less than irregular shapes, hexagonal tiles, or mosaic designs. Custom or hand-cut shapes cost much more than prefabricated tiles. Rectangular or subway tiles cost $7 to $35 per square foot installed.

Tile installation FAQs

Can you install new tile over old tile?

You should remove tiles before installing new materials unless the old tiles are level and in good condition. Layering new tiles, carpet, vinyl flooring, laminate, or linoleum over broken tiles can result in an uneven floor and cover up mold or damage.

You may also want to remove tiles if the new material will increase the size of the floor or wall so much that it causes problems with door thresholds, cabinets, or baseboards.

Can you install tile directly on concrete or drywall?

In most cases, you can install tile directly on concrete or drywall without underlayment. However, you will need to install a vapor barrier and cement board under the tiles in your bathroom or outdoor areas. This will prevent mold, water damage, and pests.

Do I need a permit for tile installation?

Tilework typically does not require a permit unless it's part of a greater remodel project or you're moving plumbing fixtures or electrical outlets around. Check with your contractor or local building codes to make sure your project doesn't need a permit.

Do you tip tile installers?

Get free estimates from tile installers near you.

Tile installers, like most other contractors, typically do not expect or require a tip. However, if you feel they provided excellent service or exceeded your expectations, consider giving them a 10% to 20% tip.

Kitchen backsplash installed with small square mosaic tiles
Kitchen backsplash installed with small square mosaic tiles

Getting estimates from tile contractors

Before hiring a tile installer near you, follow these steps:

  • Get at least three similar tile estimates to compare.

  • Look for tile installers certified by one or more of the following organizations:

    • National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)

    • Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)

    • Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA)

    • Tile Council of North America (TCNA)

  • Read reviews for their tile installation services on HomeGuide and Google.Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured tile company that's been in business 5+ years.

  • Ask to browse their portfolio for pictures of recent tile projects.

  • Avoid suspiciously low quotes, which usually indicate poor quality tilework.

  • Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.

  • Never pay in full before the tile installation begins.

Questions to ask 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 tile?

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

  • How long will it take to install the tile?

  • What type of grout do you recommend?

  • How long should I avoid using this room?

  • Does this estimate include cleanup and disposal costs?

  • What other fees can I expect?

  • What should I do to prepare the room before you start?