Expect to spend between $280 and $340 to repair bathroom tiles
When you notice cracks in your bathroom tiles and clumps of grout in the drain, it might be time to replace them. The average cost to repair broken bathroom tiles is $150, but it could be higher depending on various factors. Learn the costs associated with fixing your bathroom tiles so you get started on this home improvement project today.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Bathroom Tile Yourself?
Whether you’re keeping up with bathroom tile trends and want a quick makeover or you have cracked tile to fix, the cost of this project will vary.
If you plan on repairing your bathroom tile solo, the amount of money you’ll spend depends on whether or not you’ll have the tools and materials necessary to complete this project.
This includes the following:
Tiles
Tile cutter
Mallet
Tile spacers to make sure you have your tiles placed correctly
Level
Trowel (specifically designed for this task)
Grout
The average cost of these combined materials sets the total a DIYer will spend repairing their bathroom tile at $22 per square foot. However, since this project can be complicated, it’s best to hire a bathroom tile repair pro in your area to ensure proper installation.
Bathroom Tile Repair Cost Breakdown
Here’s a look at the different factors that could affect the cost of bathroom tile repair.
Repair Area
Working on shower tile, for example, is going to require more time and effort since so much water and potential water damage are involved. That extra time and effort mean more labor hours and those can add up. For example, repairing or replacing shower tiles can cost up to $2,000.
Repairing or Replacing
Sometimes people choose to replace damaged tiles as they crop up rather than simply replace all the tiling. While it seems cost-effective at the moment, if you don’t fully replace your tiles, you won’t be able to see what’s happening underneath them. If there’s major water damage and you’re repairing and not replacing, it can cost you more in the long run.
Grouting
Expect to spend between $180 and $420 on grout repair projects. Regrouting your tiles can cost less than having them replaced. Consult a reliable contractor in your area if you aren’t sure it’s a grout or a tile problem you’re dealing with.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Bathroom Tile by Type?
How much money you’ll spend on bathroom tile repair depends on what type of tile you need to replace. Shower tiles and floor tiles are the most common types of bathroom tiles that need repairs.
Shower Tiles
If you need to repair or replace the tiles in your bathroom’s shower, you can expect to spend between $280 and $430 on the cost of labor and materials.
That said, if your entire shower is full of broken tiles, you’ll need to replace all of them, and you can expect to spend about $2,000 to get the job done. But that number isn’t just the tiling—it also covers the waterproofing required to make your shower watertight.
If you’re noticing a pretty big leap in price, you aren’t seeing things. The cost of the shower tiles selected plays a big part on the final price tag for this project. Less expensive tiles made of ceramic can cost under the dollar mark, but finer materials like the best marble around can cost as much as $50 per square foot.
Floor Tiles
Whenever your contractor enters your bathroom to do a tile job, they will charge you between $100 and $150. From there, they will build your estimate according to what you need done, the size of your bathroom, and what part of your bathroom tile needs repairing.
The cost to retile your bathroom floor will be at least $400. That money is going towards labor and materials, and while it might be tempting to cut back on your budget with some DIY tile work, this is an area where you should hire a professional.
Poorly installed or damaged tile can cause damage like mold, mildew, and serious water damage. These types of issues can also cause your tiles to crack, causing further damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Bathroom Tile by Style?
The style of tile you select for your bathroom repair project can raise or lower the final cost.
Here’s how some industry favorites cost by type:
| Tile Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ceramic tile | $0.50 – $15 per sq. ft. |
| Marble tile | $5 – $50 per sq. ft. |
| Granite tile | $3.50 – $7 per sq. ft. |
| Slate tile | $13 – $35 per sq. ft. |
| Polished tile | $10 – $12 per sq. ft. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The waterproof membrane sits between the tiles and the wall backing in the area of your shower. The membrane is necessary to prevent water from seeping into the foundational structures and supports of your home. Do not skip adding a waterproof membrane beneath the tiling of the shower area in your bathroom.
Be sure to check the grout you use before you apply grout sealer. Sometimes grout doesn’t actually need sealer at all.
For the rest, apply one thin coat, clean up any excess mess, and let it sit for at least a full day. After a day has passed, go ahead and apply a second thin coat. Again, let that dry for another 24 hours.
That triangular tool you see people using when they’re grouting? It will help you remove excess grout and smooth the surfaces, and you should definitely have it on standby. That said, the only tool that really busts up grout is an oscillating multitool with the grout removal attachment affixed.
