Best ceramic tile pros near Bessemer, MI

The best bathroom floor tiles are strong enough to withstand the weight of a clawfoot tub. However, professional tile installation is essential. If the tiles are uneven or improperly fixed, they may crack under the pressure. Be careful when installing the tub—if it drops or drags on the tiles, it could easily cause scratches or cracks.

It’s best to install a shower door after the bathroom tile is in place to ensure you have accurate measurements. If you try installing a shower door first, the tile might be too thick to install afterward, or the tile will be too thin and create a gap between the shower doors that allows water to leak. With the tile in place first, you’ll know the exact shower door size that you need.

When choosing tiles for a shower floor, avoid highly porous tile materials, like those with a water absorption rating over 7%. Don’t use non-vitreous tiles, or tiles fired at low temperatures, because they will absorb more water. If you use a highly porous tile in the shower, the tiles can wear down faster, meaning they’ll need to be replaced much sooner.

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.