How Much Does It Cost to Install Ceramic or Porcelain Tile?

Cost of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Material per Square Foot

Knowing the size of the area you have to tile and your upper budget limit helps you determine the type of tile that best meets your needs. Below are some common sizes for bathrooms, backsplashes, floors, walls, and more. 

For ceramic tile, you can pay anywhere from $1.25 to $100 per square foot. If you choose porcelain tile, expect to pay between $3 and $30 per square foot for the tiles. Custom, handmade, and mosaic tiles are more costly, while machine-made tiles with standard dimensions and plain, common glazes cost less. 

You'll also need to account for the cost of grout, tile adhesive, filler, tile spacers, sanitary sealant, and tile trim, the combined cost of which can add an additional $6 per square foot to the project total.

Cost to Install Porcelain and Ceramic Tile by Type

Tile prices vary considerably by type, with glazed ceramic being the most affordable and custom ceramic being the most costly because of the time-consuming creation process and the high degree of skill required to make it. 

In some instances, you may choose to intersperse the occasional high-end, hand-carved tile within a larger area with a more affordable type, letting you add little touches of luxury without breaking the bank. 

Cost to Install Porcelain and Ceramic Tile by Labor

If you hire a local tile installation pro, you'll pay anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot for labor. This equates to $60 to $120 per hour. The range is so wide because some tiles, such as mosaic and custom tiles, are more challenging and time-consuming to install. 

Labor is the cost of the physical work required to complete the job and can include removing old tiles, repairing and prepping the area, and adding new tiles.

The table above includes the cost of labor for installing new tiles, but it doesn’t account for the cost of removing old tiles, which cost an additional $3 to $7 per square foot. On average, removing old tiles cost $5 per square foot. 

Cost Factors to Install Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Many variables make up the final project price, aside from the cost of materials and labor. Here are some of the most common factors.

Shop Around

A top tip to potentially save money on your tiling project is to shop around for the tiles. Then, if you find a great price, you can buy them independently rather than purchasing from your contractor. 

Challenging Installations

If the area you're tiling has a complex layout, has extensive damage to the base layer, or is in some other way more challenging, your labor costs will climb rapidly, so remember to leave some wiggle room in your budget. 

Overages

Make sure you order 10% to 15% more tiles than you think you need. This ensures you have enough to account for any damages that happen during installation. Plus, if you keep your leftovers, you can have that one replaced from your existing stock when a tile gets cracked or damaged. 

Remember, the tiles you choose now may not still be in production in 10 years. Even if they are, it's likely the colors won't be an exact match, so having some backup tiles is smart.

Removing Old Tiles

If you're looking to remodel your bathroom or upgrade your kitchen, you'll likely need to replace old tiles rather than just add new ones. Ripping out old ones and repairing any damage to the subsurface typically costs $5 per square foot. You may pay as little as $3 or as much as $7 per square foot.

When you receive a quote from a contractor, ask for an itemized estimate and whether it includes the price of tile removal and installation of new tiles.

Ongoing Maintenance

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are fairly low maintenance, but they do need regular cleaning. Plus, the grout will periodically need cleaning, whitening, or replacing, as will any seals. While all these things are individually inexpensive, they’re ongoing costs you need to be aware of, even if minimal. 

And, if a tile breaks or cracks beyond repair—particularly in a damp environment like a shower—it needs replacing asap. 

While hiring a tiler typically costs up to $15 per square foot or $60 to $120 per hour, you may be charged a little more if you only have one or two tiles that need replacing, as the pro will usually have a minimum callout fee that's equal to at least a couple of hours of their time.

DIY vs. Hiring a Tiler

If you have the right tools and skills, it's possible to save money by tiling yourself. However, the amount you save could be less than you think by the time you've hired or purchased tools and equipment, such as a tile cutter and a caulking gun. 

Plus, there's the time involved. If you're not a pro, it’ll likely take you much longer to complete the project and, unless you're a very good amateur, the finish will likely not be as good. If you'd rather save time and get the best possible finish, hiring a pro is a good idea than going the DIY route.

FAQs

Is it better to have porcelain or ceramic tiles?

Choosing between porcelain or ceramic tile is down to personal taste. Porcelain is the most durable, so it’s best if you need the most hard-wearing tile. If, however, you're planning a DIY tile project, ceramic is the better option as it's remarkably durable but much easier to work with. 

How much does it cost to tile a bathroom floor?

The average cost to tile a 50-square foot bathroom floor is between $450 and $700. Depending on the material you choose, this could go up to over $10,000.

How much does it cost to tile a shower?

The average cost to tile a shower is between $450 and $10,000. This depends on the type of tiles you use as well as the size of the shower stall.