Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Crossville, TN

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.

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.

The cost to install porcelain tile is about $1,930 on average. Porcelain tile prices range from $880 to $3,000 or more. The average cost tends to be higher than ceramic tile because porcelain tile is very durable. Porcelain tile rating also factors into the material cost. Tile ratings are as follows:

• Grade 0: Walls only

• Grade 1: Walls and light traffic floors

• Grade 2: Rooms with light traffic, but not kitchens or hallways

• Grade 3: Kitchens, hallways, and entryways

• Grade 4: Any area, interior or exterior

• Grade 5: Highest durability good for any area, interior or exterior

Deciding between using a shower pan or tile will likely come down to the shower’s design. You can learn how to install a shower pan liner, but it has a standard look similar to most other showers, though there is some flexibility for material and color choices. Tile, on the other hand, can be customized and is set directly into the shower base. However, a shower tile floor is more difficult to install than a shower pan.