Tile is one of the most versatile floor, countertop and wall materials available to homeowners today. They are specially coated to make them impervious to water or ingrained dirt and easy to clean and maintain. Durability is likely the number one reason most people install tile. With correct installation from an experienced tiler, it can last up to 20 years without major repairs.

Tile Installation Costs Per Square Foot

To put tile in your home, the range sits at $13.50 to $63 per square foot. If you want to install it outdoors, you may pay $14 to $83 per square foot. Materials and labor make up most of the expense.

Tile Material Cost Per Square Foot

When contemplating a tile project, homeowners can choose anything from high-end, designer tiles to the least expensive ceramic. Before beginning your search for the perfect style of tile, consider a few factors such as composition, strength, quality, use and placement. Some products are too thin or weak for flooring.

Price of Porcelain vs Ceramic

Ceramic tiles range from $0.50 to $35 per square foot. Ceramic is softer and less durable than porcelain, so they generally cost less. Porcelain tiles range from $3 to $35 per square foot. Thin porcelain tends to hit the higher end of the cost range for indoor units. They come from a special process that provides supreme durability with minimal thickness.

With either material, you need to know the individual tile's Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) Wear rating to discover where you can install it. This scale runs from 1 to 5+ . Ceramic tiles are generally set from 1 to 3 while porcelain tiles rate up to 5+. Experts recommend a level of 3+ for flooring projects. Units with a PEI Wear rating of 1 or 2 are only appropriate for wall application, like a kitchen backsplash. Residential or commercial floors require materials with a rating of five.

For more on the differences between these two tiles, check out our Porcelain vs Ceramic Comparison Guide.

Porcelain Wood Tile Cost

Wood-look tile made of porcelain comes to about $3 to $35 per square foot. They're often cut into rectangular planks, but usually still price by the square foot. They are appropriate for homeowners who want the style of solid hardwood and the durability of tile.

Rectified Tile

Rectified tile costs within the same general price range of $0.50 to $35 per square foot and reflects a process used on many materials after production. Rectification means that the tiles are cut after firing to ensure a precise size and edge. It is widely available in different materials and styles.

Slate and Other Natural Stone

The average price to buy slate tile or natural stone ranges from $5 to $35 per square foot. Materials cut to size feature a unique look, since each stone is different. Many homeowners love the natural appearance for flooring, countertops, backsplashes and bathrooms.

Glass

Glass tiles cost $5 to $15 per square foot. As a rule, glass may not be appropriate for flooring. Instead, this option is ideal for backsplashes, countertops or a bathroom shower surround.

Measuring a Room for Tiles

Our ceramic tile calculator can help you figure out how many tiles you need. As you shop, keep in mind that products sold by the square foot may not measure exactly 12". Homeowners should plan to purchase more than the absolute square footage of the space for references from satisfied clients to accommodate the space of the room and the possibility that the pro will need to cut some of the tiles.

Labor Cost to Install Tile

The labor costs for tile installation ranges from $4 to $32 per square foot. Flooring installation goes from $4 to $14 per square foot, compared to $25 to $32 per square foot for countertops and backsplashes. Although this expense is usually set by the square foot, some pros may charge by the hour. In that case, hourly rates go from $30 to $120, depending on the size and the complication of the project.

Porcelain Tile Installation Costs

Laying porcelain tile starts at $4 to $25 per square foot. Larger tiles and bigger rooms tend to lead to lower incremental prices. This cost may include:

• preparing the surface
• laying down the mortar
• placing the tiles
• applying and sealing the grout

Labor Price of Laying Ceramic Tile

Since ceramic and porcelain tiles are similar, the price range of $4 to $25 per square foot is also about the same.

Tile Floor Installation Cost

For tiles measuring about 12" on a prepared floor, homeowners will pay about $4 to $10 per square foot for indoor installation. The type of flooring foundation and the room configuration affect the rate contractors charge. For example, having ceramic tile installed on a cement floor will likely cost more. Installing it on a wood foundation in good condition may cost less, because you'll need fewer materials and less time to complete the job.

Average Charge for Tiling a Bathroom Wall

The cost to surround your shower with tile will set you back about $2,000 on average for a space measuring about 90 square feet. This includes preparation of the wall surface, installation of backer board, placement of the tiles and grout.

Laying Kitchen Backsplash or Countertop Tile

The cost to put in a backsplash sits about $25 to $32 per square foot. This increase is due to the smaller size of the tiles and intricate design work needed to complete the job. Installing tile around a fireplace will price similarly. These tiles are used to improve kitchen backsplash areas, decorate furniture and create original artwork.

Cost to Install Backer Board

If you have wood sub-flooring, you may need to pay $5 to $8 per square foot for a material called "backer board." It's commonly used in bathrooms, and the installation expense usually comes as part of the total labor costs. Wood sub-flooring is a less-than-ideal foundation for tile because it naturally warps if exposed to high levels of moisture. When the surface loses its integrity, the tiles can pop off or break. Backer board provides a level cement surface on which to lay the material. Use special screws to secure the cement sheets in place.

Cost Factors for Installing Tile

Price of Installing Tile over Existing Flooring

A contractor generally cannot install tile on top of existing flooring. You will need to pay about $2 per square foot to remove the old flooring, plus the $4 to $14 per square foot for installation of the new sub-floor and tile.

Cost to Remove and Retile a Floor

Retiling a floor costs $4 to $10 per square foot in labor. This is like a new installation, with a few exceptions. Start by removing the tile. You will probably have to replace backer board as needed, at $5 to $8 per square foot. If the flooring is already set and is still in good condition, you may save some money on preparing the surface for the new materials.

Cost to Lay Tile on Concrete

Homeowners may need an extra $3 to $10 per square foot to resurface the sub-floor before an installer can put in the tile. The cost factors involved with installing it over concrete flooring are the additional labor hours and materials needed to smooth and level the floor surface in preparation for laying.

While a smooth, level cement floor is an ideal surface on which to lay tile, those conditions are somewhat rare. For a cement floor, the installer must perform these tasks:

1. Ensure that the floor is clean, smooth, dry and free of holes or divots.
2. Use a product called Thin-Set to seal surface cracks or fill small holes.
3. Apply a latex primer to the flooring surface to prepare it for installation.
4. Determine if the surface is level and lay down a self-leveling compound if necessary.

Outdoor Tiling Estimator

Buying outdoor tiles will set you back $1 to $35 per square foot, depending on the material. You'll pay another $4 to $14 for installation. Manufacturing tiles that will endure the hardships of outdoor installation isn't cheap, but fewer outdoor floor installations will give you such a refined and stunning look. You may not have the budget for a complete patio or walkway in ceramic tile, but even a small stoop or some other tiling accent can add significant beauty to your outdoor landscape.

Slip Resistant Tiles

Tiles that provide better traction on a wet outdoor surface cost about $2 to $35 per square foot. Outdoor versions need to be slip resistant for obvious safety reasons. Slip-resistance is measured by an industry standard known as the dynamic coefficient of friction, or DCOF; surfaces with a DCOF of .42 or higher are generally considered slip-resistant. With tiles, this can mean foregoing sealant or glazing common to other tiling installations. High end outdoor tiles contain grit embedded in the glaze to create a finished product that also provides superb traction. The rougher texture of unfinished styles will also make them more difficult to clean, so homeowners should factor maintenance into their decision.

Laying Porcelain Pavers Cost

Installing porcelain outdoor pavers prices at $4 to $14 per square foot. More than just slip resistant, outdoor tiles must also be able to withstand repeated freezing and thawing. You'll need materials and installation that meet these guidelines:

1. Dense tiles with an absorption rating 3% or lower, graded "vitrified" or "impervious".
2. Consistently-sized units, with variation less than 1/8".
3. Permanent bonding to the flooring substrate.
4. Installation to a concrete slab reinforced with steel, to prevent cracking and separating.

Ignoring any of these rules can lead to tiles that are quickly in disrepair.

Outdoor Decking Tile

At $5 to $15 per square foot and the possibility of making it a DIY project, outdoor decking tiles can be a relatively inexpensive alternative. These products are interlocking, so they don't need precise substrate bonding. They are used to spruce up existing installations. For example, a wood deck or porch, which has fallen into disrepair, but still has its structural integrity, can have decking tiles laid directly over the original material. Decking tiles may not have the same longevity as standard outdoor tiling, but they are a cost-effective choice for many homeowners.

DIY vs. Hiring a Tiler

Doing this project yourself can cost $9.50 to $51 per square foot, compared to $13.50 to $83 for a pro. Since permanently installing tiles in your home or yard requires such precision, it is a task best left to a professional. With a wide selection of materials available at local stores, many people try to install it themselves. However, difficult flooring configurations and the inexperienced nature of some DIY installers makes this a less desirable option than hiring a professional.

Selecting a Tile Contractor & Getting a Quote

Before you sit down with a contractor to talk about a new project, search for ratings and reviews from qualified tiling professionals near you. Make a list of questions related to your home and the design you have in mind. Ask for references from satisfied clients and a portfolio of the installer's work. Request quotes from multiple contractors, to get more information about the price you'll pay in your area.

For tips and questions to ask perspective pros, read our guide on Hiring a Professional Tile Installer.