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

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Repair Prices

If you just need to repair a small scratch or a tiny surface chip, all you need is a bottle of nail polish that matches the color of your tile, in which case you'll either already have it, and the repair will cost $0, or you'll need to buy a little bottle, which will cost under $10. 

However, if you need to replace a broken tile because the damage is too extensive to fix, you'll pay up to $35 for ceramic or porcelain tiles per square foot. On the other hand, if you kept some of the leftover tile from the original installation, you’ll only pay for the grout, which costs around $15 for a pre-mixed tub.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Repair Costs

The only labor cost you'll incur for a simple DIY fix is a few minutes of your time for cleaning, drying, and coating the imperfection with nail polish. On the other hand, if you have to hire a local tiling pro, labor costs range from $4 to $32 per square foot. Or, the pro may price by the hour; hiring a tiler costs $30 to $120 per hour. 

Also, note that most pros have a minimum service charge. So, if the job takes 15 minutes, they'll still charge you for at least an hour or two, depending on their service charge amount.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Repair Costs by Location

The location of the tiles in need of repair can impact the total cost due to accessibility, the type of repair and tiles involved, and other special considerations, such as special grouts, repair processes, or tile finishes.

Bathroom Tiles

Moisture is the bathroom’s primary enemy, so your tiles must remain waterproof. Any tile damage needs quick attention, preferably from a professional tiler. Remember, though, that even fixing one tile will have a minimum service callout, so it may make sense to have the contractor tackle other jobs like cleaning or replacing the grout if there are any mold or mildew issues. 

The cost to replace bathroom tile is $150, minimum, even if you only replace a single tile. This is due to the contractor's minimum callout charge plus the time and skill required to remove the old tile and fixative, inspect the area beneath, prepare the area, and install the new tile. 

Floor Tiles

Floor tiles are generally easier to repair outside the bathroom unless badly cracked or broken because waterproofing isn't as important. If you can fix a scratch yourself, you'll pay less than $10. If you already have leftover tile from the original installation but still need to hire a tiler, you'll pay $30 to $120 per hour, with a minimum service charge of at least one hour. 

Pool Tiles

Pool tiles can be costly, and the cost of retiling a pool is significant. Pools require freezeproof tiles because, if you live in an area with freezing temperatures, the natural freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracks. Because of the need for frostproof and waterproof tiles, it's more common to replace pool tiles than try to repair them. 

The cost of pool tile replacement is roughly $25 per square foot. If tiles are stained but not cracked, you can restore them by getting a pro to do an acid wash for $150 to $250.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Repair Costs by Repair Type

It's not just the type and location of the tile that impacts repair cost. The required repair also plays a role in the total project price. 

Removing Staining

Repairing or restoring old, discolored swimming pool tiles is fairly common and inexpensive. A full acid wash costs between $150 and $250. 

Fixing Minor Damage

Minor scratches, scuffs, and chips are easy to fix with matching nail polish. For bigger chips, you can fill the damaged area with tile epoxy and then paint over the top. You can get tile repair kits for under $25 for this type of fix.

Large Cracks

A pro may be able to repair a cracked tile. However, it may be easier and less costly to have them replace the tile. Particularly if you already have leftover tiles from the original installation, in which case you'll only pay for labor at $30 to $120 per hour. 

Replacing Broken Tiles

Assuming you don't need any extensive repair to the subsurface and if you already have leftover tiles, you'll pay between $30 to $120 per hour for labor. Do note, however, that you may pay for two hours of labor as a minimum service charge, even if the job only takes 30 minutes to complete. You'll also pay extra if the contractor has to purchase tiles. 

Ceramic and porcelain tile costs up to $35 per square foot. And, if the subsurface needs work, you could face additional tile removal and replacement, as well as subsurface remedial work, increasing labor time considerably.

Repairing Stained and Damaged Grout

Knowing that they'll charge you a minimum service fee, it might be worth making most of the tiler's time (and your budget) by getting them to remove and replace any damaged or irrevocably stained grout. Regrouting costs between $10 and $25 per square foot. 

Factors That Influence Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Repair Costs

One of the key factors influencing ceramic or porcelain tile repair on floors is whether you have issues with the subfloor. If you have a broken floor tile with no obvious cause, this could indicate a sagging or shifted subfloor. Correcting a sagging subfloor costs a great deal more than replacing a few tiles. So, if your contractor discovers this issue, expect an expensive repair bill.

DIY vs. Hiring a Tile Repair Pro

While you can make minor fixes yourself, anything more significant than a little chip needs professional intervention. Even if you're a skilled DIYer, you can significantly damage walls, floors, or the rest of the tiling, resulting in a more costly repair. Hiring a tiler at the outset makes good financial sense.

FAQs

Can you replace pieces of tile?

Yes, you can replace one or more broken tiles without disturbing the surrounding, undamaged tiles. However, if you've never done this, it's best to leave it to a professional tiler. 

Are hairline cracks in tiles normal?

Yes, depending on the type of tile. Often, hairline cracks result from the tile-firing method used during manufacture, and the hairline cracks or crazing are just imperfections in the outer layer of glaze.

How long should a tile last?

It varies depending on the type of tile, the location, and how much traffic and wear the tile receives. Ceramic tiles last between three and 20 years, while porcelain tile lasts for up to 100 years for 1 mm of thickness.