How Much Do Different Types of Tiles Cost?

Average Cost of Tile Installation

Tile Prices

For materials alone, tile prices run around $2 to $350 per square foot, with most falling between $5 and $20 per square foot. 

Budget-friendly ceramic, travertine, and porcelain cost around $1 to $30 per square foot, while glass tiles cost up to $100 per square foot. High-end stone—like rare-colored granite—can cost up to $200 per square foot, while some marble cuts and colors cost up to $350 per square foot.

Tile Installation Costs

Hiring a professional tiler costs around $5 to $15 per square foot, with local tiling pros charging between $40 and $150 per hour. The main cost increase comes from the number of corners you have, which means more waste as tiles are cut to fit edges. It also requires more time to dry fit them before installation. 

For elaborate designs, difficult-to-access locations, and tiny or large-format tiles, you may pay more. Most tilers will tell you that non-standard installations are more time-consuming, require more steps, and therefore cost more per square foot. 

Tile Cost by Type

Material choice has the biggest impact on your total tiling project cost. While budget-friendly tiles start at around $1 per square foot, expect to pay up to $350 per square foot with installation if you're looking for something particularly opulent or luxurious. Let's look at some of the most popular types of tiles and their average costs, including materials and labor.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles cost between $7 and $44 per square foot. These tiles are clay-based and kiln-fired with a matte or glossy glaze. For flooring, the finish is usually matte and textured to provide good traction. Because they're double-fired with a glazed top, these tiles are waterproof and can easily withstand the bathroom's high humidity. A local ceramic tile installer can help you choose the right finish.

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles cost about $8 to $44 per square foot, including labor. This type of tile is another kiln-fired tile but uses a different production process, creating a much harder material. While it's often glazed, this isn't essential. There are also alternative porcelain tiles with a wood-look or cement-like finish. Porcelain is an incredibly popular type of tile for walls, floors, and showers because it's affordable, durable, waterproof, and doesn't easily crack or chip.

Mosaic

For mosaic tiles, expect to pay between $13 and $28 per square foot, including installation. Depending on the size of your mosaic tiles, you may pay more for labor due to the extra time it takes to place tiny tiles. Mosaic tiles on larger strips are the easiest to install. On the other hand, glass mosaic tiles are easy to clean and maintain, and their many grout lines provide good traction, making them a popular shower tile flooring option.

Glass

Glass tiles cost approximately $15 to $130 per square foot for materials and installation. While you can use larger glass tiles on walls, only small 2-inch mosaic tiles are generally used as flooring. When you install larger-format glass tiles on the floor, they tend to have other materials—such as resin, metal, or ground stone—mixed with them to add strength and resilience. Glass is a popular tile option because it's so easy to clean and maintain, and it's waterproof without needing to be sealed.

Keep in mind that you'll also need to budget for the cost of cleaning tiles.

Pebbles

Pebble tiles cost between $17 and $54 per square foot to install. Labor tends to be on the higher end for pebbles because even though they adhere to a mesh backing, they require a lot of precise grouting, which is time-consuming. They're a good option for bathrooms and showers because they provide excellent traction and are comfortable to walk on.

Travertine

Travertine flooring costs about $8 to $44 per square foot, installed. Travertine tiles are natural stone similar to limestone. In its natural state, travertine has holes and tunnels all through it, so they must be filled, usually with epoxy resin, and then sealed before the tiles are ready for installation. Their natural appearance, non-slip texture, and unique appearance make them popular for rustic-style aesthetics.

Natural Stone

Natural stone tile installation costs around $10 to $350 per square foot, all-in. Aside from travertine, the most popular types of stone floor tiles are:

• Granite

• Limestone

• Sandstone

• Marble

• Slate

Natural stone tiles are commonly used as flooring, kitchen counters, on walls, or as backsplashes. Some, such as marble, aren’t well-suited to use in the kitchen because they're prone to staining, even with regular care. Granite is a popular option because it's easier to care for than marble and, if sealed adequately, is impervious to water damage and staining. Like most natural stones, it's also extremely durable.

Vinyl

Vinyl tiles cost around $6 to $18, all-in. Vinyl tiles are a budget-friendly tile flooring option with many options for colors, patterns, and designs. You can choose vinyl tiles with an interesting pattern or ones that mimic wood, stone, or metal. Vinyl is easy to install, making it a great choice for DIY-ing on a budget.

Linoleum

Linoleum tiles cost around $7 to $17 per square foot, including installation and materials. Another budget-friendly option, linoleum tiles are eco-friendly, easy to repair, and easy to maintain. First created in 1860, linoleum is made from natural materials, and it's naturally anti-bacterial so a smart choice for families with children and pets.

Cork

For cork tiles, expect to pay around $13 to $29 per square foot for parts and labor. Cork is warm and feels soft and comfortable to walk on. These tiles also insulate against noise and help keep the room comfortably warm.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Tiles

Tile installation prices vary a bit depending on a few factors, including add-ons, any prep or demolition work needed, and the location of the work. A few factors we’ll detail below include:

• Prep work

• Tile rating

• Interior vs. exterior

• Floor vs. wall

• Heated flooring

• Waterproofing

Prep Work

Demolition costs run around $2 to $7 per square foot. You likely won't pay much to remove old flooring, but it may increase the price since it adds time to the project.

Tile Rating

Tiles are rated from one to five on a Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating, which ranks how hard it is. The higher the tiles rate on the PEI scale means you may pay more, but it's not a rule. They're also given a coefficient of friction (COF) rating, which doesn't generally affect cost.

• COF rating: The higher the number, the more friction it has, making it more suitable to walk on. Those with no friction are unsafe, particularly in wet areas. 

• PEI rating: 1 is only usable for walls and ceilings, a 2 can be used in light-traffic areas, and a 3+ can be used in any residential setting; 3 and 4 are also useful for commercial applications. 

Interior vs. Exterior

You can use most tiles both inside and outside without any change in cost. However, if you use natural stone outside, you'll often need to seal it against the weather. UV light typically won't have any effect on exterior tiles. 

Floor vs. Wall

You might pay slightly less for tiles used on a wall since they can be thinner. However, you'll likely use the same type when you're installing tile that matches the floor. Labor costs are the same either way. Talk to your pro to see if you're saving money using a thinner tile. 

Heated Flooring

Radiant floor heating costs around $1,700 to $6,000. That’s on top of any installation costs for tile, which goes over the top of the radiant heating. You’ll also want to talk to your installer to see if the tile you chose works well with radiant heating systems. 

Waterproofing

The only time you need to worry about waterproofing is when you tile a shower. However, you can put a waterproofing membrane under most tiles, especially in bathrooms. It'll only add a few cents per square foot, which might vary slightly depending on your contractor. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Tile Pro

Getting perfectly lined up tiles is tough even for your tile installer. However, this is a job you can DIY if you have the tools and the time. Vinyl and linoleum tiles make excellent DIY projects with a few drawbacks, particularly if you use a floating floor system. 

However, stone and ceramic tiles are hard to install properly and fixing them is even more difficult. If you install something improperly and need a pro to fix it, expect to pay more not only for the pro to undo the work you've done, but you'll also need to purchase all new tiles. 

If you go the DIY route, you'll also need to purchase the necessary tools, like a tile cutter, and these costs eat into any potential savings. Plus, if you get the installation wrong, you risk costly repair bills for a pro to come and fix the problems.