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For professional labor and materials, it would cost between $6,000 and $28,000 to install 1,000 square feet of Saltillo tile flooring. If that’s out of your budget, you could consider laying the tiles yourself or choosing a less expensive type of flooring. For example, vinyl flooring costs just $2 to $7 per square foot, so for a 1,000-square-foot space, you’d pay $2,000 to $7,000.

Uniform spacing between tiles is important for a professional and clean appearance. To achieve this spacing, tile spacers should be placed between the tiles and left in place until the mortar hardens and the tiles are secure. You can use X-shaped spacers vertically in between the tiles and laid flat at the corners.

Tiles last for around 100 years or more. Tiles on backsplashes can last even longer since they’re less likely to crack under foot traffic or from accidental drops, but even tile in high-traffic flooring can last a century or more with proper installation and upkeep. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than standard ceramic tiles, so they’ll last longer, often pushing past the 100-year mark.

You can lay tile directly on a plywood countertop, but if it’s a high-traffic surface in a kitchen, it’s better to add a moisture-resistant base. Plywood is susceptible to moisture, so if dampness seeps through from the surface around the sink or where you prep food, it can cause the plywood to warp, leading to grout damage, cracked tiles, or mold growth under the surface.