How Much Does Tile Repair Cost? [2024 Data]

Tile Repair Cost Factors 

Here’s a look at the different factors that could affect the cost of tile repair.

Size of Area 

The cost of your tile repair will depend on many factors, but the size of the area will have one of the biggest impacts. If you want a rough estimate of what the repair job may cost, start by calculating the square footage of the space. You can expect to pay $30 per square foot on average.

Type of Repair

There are different types of repairs that you may need, from fixing a small chip to a full tile replacement. Note that many companies charge a minimum fee ranging from $100 to $300.

Here are some common repairs that you may run into:

• Cracked or broken tiles: $130–$500

• Chips or holes in tiles: $50–$400

• Tile replacement: $120–$500

• Water damage: $1,500–$2,000

• Shower retiling: $800–$3,000

• Grout repair: $100–$700

Type of Tile 

Consider your tile type to understand how much your repair may cost. The materials cost for your project will range between $1 to $40 per square foot or more depending on what you’re using.

Additionally, labor costs $7 to $30 per square foot. More affordable tile types like ceramic and porcelain are easier to work with, so you can expect labor costs to be on the lower end of the price range compared to something like natural stone.

Location of Repair 

To get a better idea of your repair costs, consider where you need the repairs done. Here are common locations and price ranges you can expect.

Bathroom Tile Repair Cost

In the bathroom, tile damage is often caused by cracked grout, which can lead to cracked tiles or mold growth. If you don’t fix your damaged tiles, you’re looking at potentially bigger problems down the road that could require not just a tile replacement but drywall or subfloor replacement, too.

It’s best to nip the problem in the bud before it gets worse. Small bathroom tile repairs cost $100 to $150.

If you have mold issues, you can expect to pay $500 to $1,000 for professional mold remediation. However, the cost can reach $8,000 if you have mold behind your sink, tub, or walls.

Shower Tile Repair Cost

Shower tile repair is arguably more pressing than tile repair in the rest of the bathroom. That’s because damaged tiles or grout can cause serious mold and rot issues on the drywall backing or in the subfloor.

Fixing a few shower tiles costs $200 to $300, and an entire retiling job can cost around $1,500.

Floor Tile Repair Cost

Floor tile repairs typically cost $50 to $700. Maybe you used the wrong type of cleaner for your tiles, or you accidentally dropped something heavy. Water damage is also possible if there’s damage to your grout.

Fixing a small chip or a hole will be on the lower end of the price point. But if you have multiple cracked or broken tiles, or if you need regrouting, you may end up paying $500 to $700.

Pool Tile Repair Cost 

You should always promptly repair damaged pool tiles. If you leave them as is, you may end up with much bigger issues down the road, including structural damage to your pool. Plus, damaged tiles can invite mold growth, which will throw your water’s balance off.

The cost to replace pool tiles ranges between $1 and $100 per square foot. If the tile damage is only visual and not physical, then you can get an acid wash for your pool tiles for $250 on average.

Labor 

Your tile contractor will charge $60 to $100 per hour while a handyman charges $50 to $80 hourly. This equates to around $7 to $30 per square foot for labor.

Materials 

The materials cost for your tile repair will vary depending on your tile type and the extent of the damage. Small damage like thin cracks and holes don’t always require a tile replacement. However, for more serious issues, you can expect to pay $2 to $45 per square foot for replacement tiles.

Cost of Tile Repair by Type of Issue 

You can get a general idea of how much your repair will cost depending on the type of issue you’re dealing with.

Cracked or Broken Tile 

You can crack or break your tiles if you drop something heavy, or if you install tiles that aren’t durable enough to withstand heavy furniture or appliances. Sometimes, the damage can be due to poor installation. Damaged grout can also cause cracked and broken tiles. These issues typically cost $130 to $500 to fix.

Occasionally, what causes tiles to crack is something more serious. For example, your cracked or broken tiles may be due to foundation issues or problems with your subfloor. In these situations, you need to get a pro to evaluate your foundation or subfloor for potential repair.

Chipped Tile

If you have chipped tiles, it’s likely because you dropped something heavy onto them. Luckily, you’re not looking at cracked or broken tiles, but chips should be fixed promptly regardless. Tile chip repairs cost $50 to $400.

Tile Tenting 

Tile tenting is when tiles begin to move or lift upward. Sometimes, the tiles make a tent-like shape, hence the name. Tenting is usually the result of extreme heat exposure, moisture exposure, or poor installation.

Proper grout installation and expansion joint installation are especially important in areas with high heat or moisture. These two factors allow tiles to move slightly as the house settles, making it less likely that they’ll lift up over time.

Fixing tile tenting costs $120 to $500.

Floor Tile Replacement

There are many reasons why you may need a floor tile replacement, whether it be damaged tiles, grout, or both. Most floor tile replacements cost $50 to $700.

Partial Shower Retiling

Partial shower retiling costs $200 to $500. This is the best-case scenario if you have tiling issues in your shower, since a full reinstallation can be quite costly. You might need to do this if you have damaged tiles, damaged grout, or water damage problems.

Full Shower Retiling

Sometimes, the issues are too big to fix, and you might need a full shower retiling. This costs about $5 to $25 per square foot but can be higher depending on the type of material you choose. Retiling just the floor costs $500 to $1,000, while retiling the walls costs an additional $800 to $2,600.

Tile Reglazing

Tile reglazing, also called tile resurfacing, is a great alternative to retiling that costs $300 to $1,200. This option is only available if your tiles and grout are in overall good shape and just need a refresh—maybe they look old and worn, or you want a new color or design.

Contractors can finish the job in a day or so, making it a quick and affordable alternative to tile replacement. While you’re getting your tiles reglazed, you may consider giving your tub a new lease on life with a reglazing, too.

Grout Repair

Fixing grout problems promptly will save you a lot of potential headaches, including the need to repair or replace tiles in the future. Grout repair or a complete regrouting costs $3 to $25 per square foot depending on the grout type and the scope of work. Unsanded grout costs less than epoxy grout, but you should make sure you’re using the right grout type for the location. Usually, the repair costs include the costs to seal the grout for added durability and longevity. 

Additional Costs to Consider

Now that you have a good idea of how much your tile repair may cost, here are additional costs that may crop up. This all depends on your project needs, so check with your contractor.

Cost to Repair Tile Yourself

Photo: Zstock / Adobe Stock

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 want to learn how to fix cracked tile, 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.

DIY Tile and Grout Repair Costs vs. Hiring a Pro 

DIYing your tile and grout repair means you only have to pay for the materials. For tiles, this costs between $2 and $45 per square foot while grout costs $8 to $60 per gallon.

For tile work, you can save on the labor cost of $7 to $30 per square foot, along with avoiding the $100 to $200 minimum call-out costs that some contractors charge.

If you decide to do the regrouting yourself, you’ll save on labor costs of $3 to $25 per square foot.

Can You DIY Tile Repair? 

The DIY route makes the most sense if you’re dealing with small chips or cracks on easy-to-repair tile types. This might include porcelain or ceramic.

However, if you have natural stone tiles, it’s probably best to bring in a pro, since it takes experience and knowledge to work with the materials. Other situations that would likely warrant hiring a professional tile repair contractor near you include if you have extensive damage, suspect water damage, or if you don’t have experience working with tiles.

How to Save on Tile Repairs 

Here are some practical ways that you can save on tile repairs.

Comparison Shopping

Do a little research before signing a contract to compare different quotes and figure out which contractor offers the best bang for your buck. Look for additional fees that could increase your final project costs, and make sure you need all the extra services that are included before actually agreeing to them. Remember: The lowest quote isn’t always the best value. 

Tackle Tile Problems Immediately

Another way to save on tile repairs is to get them done right away. Fixing any issues as quickly as possible will help you avoid even more costly repairs down the road. A crack in a few tiles costs a lot less to fix than an entire floor of chipped tile. 

Vet Your Contractor

To avoid unnecessary repairs, make sure to vet your contractor before they start any work. Ask about their licensing and insurance. You may also ask if they have any past clients who can vouch for their work, or you can look up reviews online. A badly installed tile wall or floor will inevitably need repairs.

Save Leftover Materials

Whenever you get tile work done, save any leftover pieces. That way, if you need to replace a few tiles in the future, you won’t need to search for and purchase replacement tiles.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.