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The average cost for tile installation is about $2,000, with a typical price range between $500 and $6,500. On a per-square-foot basis, you can expect to pay between $5 and $45 for installation.

Several factors influence the total cost, including:

• Installation Site: Costs vary for different areas. Common project costs are: kitchen floor ($870–$6,100), countertop or backsplash ($500–$3,000), bathroom floor ($300–$2,400), or shower wall ($225–$2,000).

• Tile Type and Quality: The material significantly impacts price. For example, standard ceramic or travertine tile can cost about $1 per square foot, while luxury options like marble can be as much as $350 per square foot for the material alone.

• Project Size and Complexity: The total square footage, the complexity of the pattern, and the shape of the tile (e.g., square, rectangle, hexagon, mosaic) will affect labor and material costs.

• Site Preparation: The amount of prep work needed, such as removing old tile or installing a new subfloor or backer board, can add to the final price.

• Tile Characteristics: The tile's durability rating and porosity can also influence the price.

• Location: Labor rates vary by geographic location.

You can technically install tile over tile, but we don’t suggest it. Installing tile over any surface that isn’t a completely flat and prepared subfloor will result in a shoddy overall job, uneven flooring, tiles that don’t adhere, extra weight, gaps, cracks, and room for moisture and dirt to enter. For the best results, only install new tile on a flat, sanded surface like subflooring or concrete that is prepared for tile.

If you have asbestos tile and would rather tile over it than remove it, or if your existing tile is completely flat and bonded tightly to the floor, you may be able to tile over existing tile. But experts recommend thinking twice before you do.

Yes, it’s always a good idea to keep a box or two of spare tiles after a home renovation project. Tiles can crack from improper installation, heavy foot traffic, and impact from drops. Having some extra tile on hand can make replacement fast, easy, and affordable. Plus, some manufacturers might discontinue particular colors or styles, and slight variations in tile colors between batches could mean mismatched tiles even if your product isn’t discontinued. Having a few spare tiles in storage can help avoid these issues, as well.

Tile installation can be expensive because it requires more time and labor to install than many other materials. For example, laminate flooring can click and lock into place, and carpet comes in large rolls that you can secure to the floor. On the other hand, tiles need to be cut, laid individually, grouted, and left to cure.