Ceramic tile installation typically costs between $500 and $5,000, with an average price of $2,000.* We’ll explain what’s involved in the overall cost to install ceramic tiles, including labor fees, tile material, and your home’s square footage. We’ll also review factors to consider when tiling a floor yourself.

*All cost data is from Angi, Thumbtack, and HomeAdvisor.

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Major Ceramic Tile Installation Cost Factors

When creating your budget for ceramic tile installation, measure the space where you plan to lay the tile. A quality tile typically costs $3–$15 per square foot. Multiply the total square footage of your space by the tile cost and add 20% to that number to account for tile breakage and design cuts to determine how much you’ll likely spend on the project.

Here are some factors that can affect tile installation costs:

• Area size: The larger the area you’re tiling, the more money you’ll spend. For example, the cost of a tile roof will be more expensive than the installation cost of mosaic tiles in your entryway.
• Labor: You’ll pay more if your tile installation is complex, requires advanced skills, or occurs during spring and summer when labor demands are high.
• Tile location: You’ll pay more or less depending on where you’d like to install ceramic tiles.
• Tile material: Ceramic tile comes in three types: glazed, porcelain, and unglazed. You may pay more for porcelain tiles than glazed or unglazed tiles.

Area Size

The table below reflects the national average cost to install ceramic tiles by square footage.

Ceramic Tile Cost by Area Size

Labor

A professional tiler’s labor costs approximately $4–$32 per square foot, but the pricing often depends on the project size and skills required. For example, small tiles take more time to install, so expect to pay more in labor costs. You’ll also pay more for labor when demand is high or if you live in a location with a higher cost of living. Labor costs also account for any tools and materials the contractor must supply to complete the installation.

Tile Location

The location where you install ceramic tile will affect its installation cost. The table below lists common locations where you might install ceramic tiles and each area’s average cost per square foot.

Tile Material

Here is an overview of the three common types of ceramic tile material:

• Glazed: Glazed ceramic tiles have a smooth, glossy surface formed after a contractor adds a protective coating like liquid glass or enamel before baking them. Glazed tiles are easy to clean, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant. They maintain their color and are thinner than other tiles, making them a good option for intricate designs. These tiles typically cost $3–$15 per square foot.
• Porcelain: Porcelain tiles technically aren’t ceramic tiles, but many use them interchangeably. Porcelain tiles are formed by heating dense clay at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. They’re more durable than other types of ceramic tile and withstand extreme temperatures and weather. They’re easy to clean and don’t require much maintenance, so they’re a good tile option for high-traffic areas. These tiles typically cost $3–$40 per square foot.
• Unglazed: Unglazed tiles lend a natural stone look to your design. They’re slip-resistant but prone to stains, so most homeowners will apply a sealant over them to protect against moisture. The sealant will also make them stain-resistant. These tiles typically cost $3–$35 per square foot.

Cost by Ceramic Tile Type

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DIY vs. Professional Ceramic Tile Installation

A do-it-yourself (DIY) installation requires detailed planning before you begin the project, but it may be simple for an experienced DIYer. However, you’ll find some benefits when hiring a professional to install the tiles for you despite the additional costs.

DIY Installation

A DIY ceramic tile installation typically costs between $9.50 and $51 per square foot. Follow this step-by-step guide if you install ceramic tiles without a professional’s help:

1. Purchase the necessary supplies: You’ll need grout, thinset, and spacers to install a ceramic floor and lay tiles. These materials cost between $6 and $9 per square foot.
2. Remove your old flooring: Before laying ceramic tile, remove your existing flooring. Dismantling a floor may not seem difficult, but older homes could have floors with asbestos backing, which could be a health risk to you and your family if exposed. You may need to take extra precautions if you’re replacing vinyl floors with ceramic tile because vinyl flooring can emit volatile chemicals, which can impact your long-term health.
3. Level your floor: All floors need underlayment installed after you’ve removed your old floors but before you put down a new floor covering. Underlayment is a thin layer of material that cushions, insulates, and absorbs sounds. The most common underlayment materials are backer boards or cement boards.
4. Cut tiles: You may have to cut your tiles to ensure they fit the space you’re installing them. This requires an exact measurement, so use a carpenter’s square or ruler to determine the correct sizing. After measuring, put on safety goggles, heavy gloves, and hearing protection before cutting tiles with a snap cutter or wet saw.

Professional Installation

Hiring a professional may be a good choice if you’re unfamiliar with tile installation or don’t have the skills or tools needed for the project. Hiring a contractor to install your ceramic tile costs between $13.50 and $83 per square foot. Below, we’ll explain the benefits of hiring a professional to install ceramic tiles in your home.

• Insurance coverage: If you crack tiles during installation, you’ll have to cover the cost of replacement tiles on your own. Reputable contractors have insurance coverage that will cover the cost of materials and installation mishaps. You should ask contractors about their insurance coverage and licensing.
• Permit knowledge: Some towns and cities require permits for residential construction. A contractor can determine whether you’ll need permits for your tile installation and even apply for them for you.
• Skill level: A more advanced tiler can create beautiful custom designs, and some contractors have the skills to cut ceramic tiles to fit in hard-to-reach spaces, such as around a toilet or behind a sink.
• Time: It takes about six to eight hours for a professional to lay tile, but if you decide to lay it yourself, it could take up to 12 hours. It might be faster to hire a professional if you can’t dedicate the time.
• Warranties: A reputable contractor will offer a warranty on their work. This gives homeowners peace of mind if an issue arises after the contractor completes the job. While the length of a warranty depends on your contract, many contractors offer coverage up to a year.

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How To Save on Ceramic Tile Installation

Whether you’re installing ceramic tiles on your own or decide to hire a professional, follow these tips to help save money on your ceramic tile installation:

• Do the prep work: Clear and clean the space you’re tiling before a contractor starts their work. This typically involves chiseling the existing flooring and grout to create a clean surface where you can put the new tile. Completing this prep work saves approximately $2 per square foot.
• Hire during the offseason: Labor is more expensive during the spring and summer, so consider hiring someone to install tiles during the off-season.
• Pick an inexpensive tile: Choosing between ceramic or porcelain tiles may make a difference because glazed or unglazed ceramic tiles can be more affordable than porcelain tiles. Look for tiles on sale or simpler in design to make the project more affordable.
• Compare pricing: Ask for price estimates before committing to a professional or tile store to find the most affordable offers.

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How Does Ceramic Tiles Cost Compare to Other Flooring Types?

If cost is the main deciding factor for your flooring project, you may want to compare the cost of ceramic tiles against the cost of other flooring types. Costs can add up quickly when you are installing ceramic tiles on a large area of your home. When comparing the cost of 200 square feet of flooring, ceramic tiles are the most expensive among carpet, hardwood, and vinyl flooring.

*Cost data sourced and verified via holistic analysis of RSMeans construction estimates, national material and labor costs, and quotes obtained during consumer focus groups.

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Additional Cost Factors

Here are a few additional factors that can affect the total cost of your ceramic tile installation:

Indoor vs. Outdoor Tiles

Outdoor tile installation costs more than indoor tile installation because demand for outdoor tiles is higher when the weather is nicer. Additionally, since outdoor tiles withstand the elements and are water-resistant, they tend to be more expensive than indoor tiles.

Sub-Floor Repair or Replacement

You may find that your subfloor, the layer that acts as a foundation for the underlayment and surface levels of flooring, needs repairs or replacing when you dismantle your existing floor. Water or moisture can damage your subfloor and cause it to rot. Pests can also ruin your subfloor. Subfloor repairs average $40–$65 per square foot.

Tile Size and Shape

Tiles with intricate or custom sizes and shapes will be more expensive to make and install compared to tiles with simple square or rectangular shapes. A square tile usually runs between $2 and $10 per square foot, while a customized cut could cost $40 per square foot. Go for a simpler shape if you’re looking to cut costs.

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How To Hire a Pro

Hiring a professional contractor is ideal if you don’t have the experience or time to install tiles. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re hiring the right person for the job:

• Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to ensure your contractor follows ethical business practices and has a B rating or higher.
• Find a licensed and insured contractor. Your local government may have a website where you can check the status of a professional’s license and insurance registration.
• Prepare questions and interview at least three potential contractors.

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Our Conclusion

Though installing ceramic tiles can be straightforward, we recommend hiring a professional if you don’t have the expertise, time, or physical strength to do it yourself. You may also want to hire a professional if your ceramic tile installation requires ornate pattern designs or outdoor work, as these make a job more complicated. 

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FAQ About Ceramic Tile Installation

How much are labor costs to install ceramic wall tile per square foot?

The labor costs to install ceramic wall tiles depend on various factors, including the type of tile, the location of the wall, and the skill level required. You can expect to pay between $5 and $15 per square foot.

Is it cheaper to install tiles yourself?

Installing tiles yourself is cheaper when you have the knowledge, experience, and time. The average cost for a DIY installation is $9.50–$51 per square foot, while the average price range for hiring a professional is $13.50–$83 per square foot.

What is the average labor cost to tile a shower?

The average cost to tile a shower is between $547 and $1,901 or about $25 per square foot, but you’ll pay more for intricate designs and a border or tiled niche box.

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