Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Beaufort, SC

If you hire a professional to lay tile, you can expect to pay $3 to $15 per square foot for labor. For a 100-square-foot tiling project, that would equal $30 to $150 in labor. These costs may increase if you need extra services (such as tile removal, wall repair, or waterproofing). For example, tile removal costs an additional $2 to $7 per square foot.

Glazed ceramic tiles don’t need to be sealed because the glazing already offers some protection against moisture. Unglazed ceramic tiles need to be sealed to keep the porous tile safe from moisture and staining. However, both types of tile can benefit from sealing. Sealant can make the tiles easier to keep clean and offer more resistance to water, spills, and stains.

Travertine is a natural stone, while porcelain is ceramic. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with porcelain travertine tiles. Some people prefer porcelain to travertine because it doesn’t require regular maintenance and it’s easier to clean. Porcelain travertine looks like the real thing but only costs $3 to $6 per square foot.

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.