How Much Does Tile Installation Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for tile installation is $2,000. Most homeowners spend between $400 and $4,250, with the final price determined by room size, tile type, and layout complexity. Budget extra for subfloor repairs, old tile removal, and waterproofing, which can add $150 to $200 to your total.

Tile Installation Cost Breakdown: What Affects the Price?

The cost of tile ranges from $5 to $45 per square foot, though your total will vary significantly depending on material, room size, and labor. Several factors influence where your project lands within that range.

Size of Area

Room size is one of the biggest drivers of tile installation costs, and tile size plays a role as well. A small bathroom backsplash can cost less than $400, while tiling a 300-square-foot kitchen floor can run well over $6,000. The table below breaks down tile installation costs by square footage:

Once you've taken your measurements, don't forget to order 10% to 15% more than you think you need. Breakages are inevitable during installation, and spares are handy to replace damaged tiles further down the line.

Type of Tile

The type of tile you choose is one of the most significant factors shaping your final bill. Your decision will depend on your available budget, the look you want to achieve, and where the tile will be installed. The table below shows average installation costs for common tile types:

Tile Durability Rating

Think you've found a bargain? Check the durability rating first. Tiles are rated from Class 1 (the least durable) to Class V (the most durable). Class I tiles, which are typically the least expensive, aren't suitable for floor use. Class II can only handle light footfall. You won't need to go for costly Class V tiles, as these are for industrial or commercial projects.

Tile Porosity Rating

In addition to a durability rating, tile has a porosity rating. The more vitreous (glass-like) a tile is, the more expensive it is. Only use non-vitreous tiles, such as untreated porous terra cotta, for decorative touches—otherwise, they can absorb unsightly stains and moisture. Impervious, water-resistant tiles cost more, but they're the best solution for installing tile on bathroom floors or walls that get splashed with water. Here's how the tile porosity affects the average cost of tile installation:

Site Prep

Site prep adds to your tile installation cost whenever a contractor needs to remove old tiles, smooth surfaces, or repair the subfloor before work begins. Cleaning and surface preparation runs $1 to $5 per square foot, though full floor replacement will cost considerably more.

Location

Where you install tile affects your total cost, with floor tile running less expensive than wall tile because larger formats go down faster. High-traffic areas and wet spaces like kitchens and bathrooms require more durable, water-resistant tile, which adds to material costs. Plan to budget more for any room where moisture resistance is a priority.

Labor Cost for Tile Installation

Labor for tile installation typically runs $3 to $15 per square foot, depending on tile type, layout complexity, and site conditions. Some contractors bill by the hour instead, charging $60 to $120 per hour. To get accurate pricing for your specific project, reach out to a tile contractor near you.

How Much Does Tile Installation Cost by Area?

Tile installation costs vary considerably depending on which area of your home you're tiling, with smaller spaces costing less and larger rooms requiring a bigger budget. If you have a large kitchen or bathroom, build extra room into your estimate. The table below shows average tile installation costs by project type:

Cost to Install Kitchen Flooring

The cost to tile a floor in an average-sized kitchen ranges from $800 to $3,000, with materials being the primary cost driver. Ceramic and porcelain are the most popular choices for kitchen floors, though vinyl is a budget-friendly alternative worth considering.

Cost to Install Countertop or Backsplash Tile

Most homeowners spend around $1,500 on tile countertop installation costs, though the final price depends heavily on material—ceramic tile can cost as little as $500, while marble tile runs around $3,000. Tile countertops are a popular choice because they deliver the look of natural stone at a lower price than full stone slabs. 

For a backsplash, budget $480 to $1,500, with bathroom backsplashes costing more than kitchen ones. Whichever backsplash you choose, make sure it complements your countertop—it doesn't need to match exactly, but it should look intentional.

Cost to Install Bathroom Flooring

Tiling a bathroom floor costs between $300 to $1,300, though the average homeowner spends $2,400, with costs rising for larger bathrooms or higher-end tile selections. There are many bathroom tile trends to consider when making your choice. Oversized tiles require less grout and generally cost less to install, while subway tile tends to run slightly higher due to a more time-consuming installation process.

Cost to Tile a Shower

The cost to tile a shower averages $2,700 for most homeowners, ranging from as little as $400 for a single tile wall to more than $5,000 for a full shower surround. Natural stones like granite, limestone, and marble are popular choices for shower walls and represent the higher end of the material spectrum. Intricate patterns such as herringbone or pinwheel will add to labor costs, and waterproofing the tile is a necessary step that should be factored into your budget.

Tile Installation Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Tile materials and labor are only part of your total project budget—several additional costs can add up quickly depending on your specific situation. Keep these extra line items in mind when planning your figures:

• The cost of removing old tile flooring: $2 to $7 per square foot.

• Removing other existing flooring, like carpet or laminate: $1 to $3.50 per square foot.

• Waterproofing shower tile: costs $450 to $750 on average.

• Subfloor repair or replacement costs: $3 to $10 per square foot.

• Disposing of old flooring: costs $150 to $200.

• Maintenance, like regrouting and tile repair: costs $250 to $650 on average.

Tile Installation Costs: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Confident DIYers can save around 30% on their overall costs by installing tiles themselves, making it a worthwhile option for those comfortable with the work. Tool costs are the main upfront consideration—tiling tools like tile cutters range from $50 to $1,000, though the least expensive models aren't well-suited for large jobs with heavy tile. Renting equipment is a practical middle ground, costing about $20 to $70 per day.

5 Tips to Reduce Costs While Installing Tile in Your Home

Try these tips to help keep your tile installation budget on track.

1. Shop sales: Shop around and hit the sales to get a bulk tile bargain.

2. Choose durable mid-range materials: The most expensive materials, like natural stone, aren't the longest-lasting, and more economical options can look good while being durable.

3. DIY the prep work: Carry out the prep work, like removing old tiles, yourself.

4. Go bigger and simpler: Basic and bigger are better for your budget. Small, intricate tiles are more time-consuming and costly to install.

5. Tile selectively: You don't have to cover every wall in your bathroom or kitchen with tile. Why not go for a tiled feature wall or just tile the bottom half of the walls?

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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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. 

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