How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Bathroom Floor?

Average Tile Bathroom Floor Costs

Bathroom Floor Tiling Cost per Square Foot

How much is it to tile a bathroom floor? Bathroom tile flooring is typically measured in square feet. While most homeowners spend around $17 per square foot, costs vary based on the tile material and quality. 

Ceramic tile installation costs anywhere from $5 to $17 per square foot. Porcelain tile installation is more expensive, at up to $19 per square foot. And premium marble tile installation costs up to $24 per square foot.

Cost to Tile a Bathroom Floor by Tile Finish 

Tiles may vary in price by the finish used on their surface. One popular finish is a glossy glaze, which tends to be more slippery when wet. Matte tile works best for bathroom floors since it has a grippy surface that’s safer when stepping out of the shower.

Cost to Tile a Bathroom Floor by Material

Raw materials are one of the most significant costs for a tile bathroom floor. You’ll find several durable, non-slip options at different price points to meet other lifestyle needs or aesthetic goals. When shopping for tile, confirm with the supplier that the material you want will work well on a bathroom floor. 

Costs for different types of tile are listed below:

Ceramic

Ceramic tile materials cost around $0.50 to $7 per square foot, making it a budget-friendly option relative to other bathroom floor tile materials. Made from clay fired in a kiln, you can finish ceramic tile in any color or texture. Ceramic offers water resistance that’s ideal for bathrooms.

Porcelain

Porcelain tile material costs around $2 to $10 per square foot. Porcelain is made when white ceramic clay and feldspar are fired at hotter temperatures and under higher pressure. This creates a harder material that resists moisture damage and stains better than ceramic tile.

Porcelain Wood

Porcelain wood tile material costs about $3 to $12 per square foot. These porcelain tiles are cut into rectangular planks and feature wood grain finishes that look and feel like real wood.

Vinyl Tile

Vinyl tile material costs around $1 to $5 per square foot. These easy-to-install tiles are budget-friendly and dependable, though they aren’t as sturdy or long-lasting as traditional clay or stone. You’ll find vinyl in a variety of colors, stone patterns, and wood grain designs in tile and plank cuts.

Marble

Marble tile material costs approximately $10 to $20 per square foot. This timeless natural stone offers a durable surface with a classic look. However, marble is softer than ceramic or porcelain tile, which can be prone to scratches, chips, stains, and water damage without proper care.

Slate

Slate tile material costs around $5 to $20 per square foot. These dark, earthy stone tiles create a sleek, upscale look that can withstand daily wear and tear. However, slate scratches easily and is expensive to install due to its weight.

Other Natural Stone

Other natural stone tile materials can cost $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on the type and the cuts needed. Many stones work well on bathroom floors, such as travertine, granite, limestone, basalt, onyx, and sandstone. Annual sealing prevents water damage and stains.

Bathroom Floor Tile Installation Cost Breakdown

Materials and labor will be your two most significant costs when tiling a bathroom floor. We break down prices for each below.

Materials

Materials for a tile bathroom floor installation cost $5.50 per square foot on average, though prices can be far higher depending on the tile you choose. For example, natural stone tile costs up to $20 per square foot. In addition to tile, you’ll need setting materials that include mortar, grout, and tile spacers, which can add up to $10 to $25 per square foot to your total.

Labor

Labor for tile bathroom floor installation ranges from $4.50 to $18 per square foot. Labor costs are higher in coastal metropolitan areas than in rural regions. You can avoid labor costs if you DIY, but keep in mind that tiling a bathroom floor takes much longer than in other rooms due to the large number of cuts needed to get around obstacles.

Other Bathroom Floor Tile Cost Factors

While materials and labor will make up the bulk of your costs, various factors influence the total price of this project. Below is a breakdown of other important factors you should consider when planning to tile a bathroom floor.

Flooring Removal

Your installer will first need to tear out your old flooring, which usually costs $1 to $6 per square foot, depending on the type of flooring that’s currently in your bathroom. You won’t have flooring removal costs if you’re paying for the cost to add a bathroom during new construction or if you do all the demolition work yourself.

Tile Size

Larger tiles generally take less time to lay out and install, leading to lower labor rates. For example, the cost to remodel a small bathroom using 12-inch tiles may be less than a larger bathroom design using 4-inch tiles.

Design Complexity

Expect higher quotes if your design involves multiple tile shapes, sizes, or complex patterns. Herringbones, hexagonal tiles, or other non-rectangular shapes cost more due to the time it takes to lay them out. Complex bathrooms with several fixtures to work around (such as tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets) will also increase your costs.

DIY Bathroom Floor Tiling vs. Hiring a Pro

A handy homeowner with the right tools and skills can tile a bathroom floor in eight to 20 hours for about $5.50 per square foot. If you don’t own a snap cutter, tile scribe, or wet saw, you’ll need to borrow one or spend up to $500 extra to rent equipment. This job involves many precise cuts and working in tight spaces, which can make it difficult for DIY-ers to get the look they want.

To save time and get a professional-looking finished floor, you can hire a local floor tile installer for an average of $14.50 per square foot. Experienced tile layers can finish a bathroom floor in six to 10 hours. Get estimates from multiple contractors, check their references, and be prepared to wait a few months for an appointment, depending on the availability in your area.