How Much Does Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Installation Cost in 2025?
Tile installation costs an average of $2,116
The average cost of ceramic or porcelain tile installation is $2,116, with an average range between $949 and $3,429.
Costs vary based on tile type, size, labor, and location, ranging from $5 to $45 per square foot.
Additional cost factors include demolition, prep work, removal of old tiles, and ongoing maintenance.
Hiring a professional ensures high-quality installation and can save time and money in the long run.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost of tile installation is $2,116, though projects can range from $400 to $7,000 depending on tile type, project size, and labor costs. The average cost range per square foot is $5 to $45. Budgeting for your ceramic or porcelain tile installation project is essential to ensure you can achieve the desired results without unexpected expenses. Hiring a professional tiler can help you get proper installation, ensuring longevity and a high-quality finish.
Tile Installation Cost Factors
Several factors influence the final cost of your tile installation in addition to the tiles themselves. Understanding these can help you budget effectively. Here's what you need to know about the most common tile installation cost factors.
Location
The location of your tile installation affects the cost due to differences in tile size, type, and prep work. Kitchens and bathrooms often cost more because they require moisture-resistant materials and vapor barriers. Floors are generally less expensive to tile than walls since floor tiles are larger and quicker to install. Here's what you can expect:
| Tile Location | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Kitchen floors | $800–$3,000 |
| Bathroom floors | $300–$1,300 |
| Countertops | $500–$3,000 |
| Shower | $1,800–$5,000 |
| Backsplash | $480–$1,500 |
Demolition and Prep Work
Removing old tiles and repairing any damage typically costs around $5 per square foot, ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot. If you're remodeling your bathroom or kitchen, this is an important cost to consider. Be sure to ask your contractor if the quote includes tile removal and installation.
Surface Prep
The condition of your surface greatly impacts the cost. A smooth surface that's ready for tile saves time and money, but if it's cracked, damaged, or uneven, additional labor will add to your total cost. Removing old tile and preparing the underlying surface can also increase labor expenses.
Labor
If you hire a local tile installation pro, you'll pay anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot for labor, which equates to $60 to $120 per hour. The range is so wide because some tiles, such as mosaics and custom ones, are more challenging and time-consuming to install.
Challenging Installations
If you're tiling a complex area with intricate layouts or a damaged base layer, expect your labor costs to rise. Be sure to leave some room in your budget for these challenges.
Overages
Order an extra 10% to 15% of tiles to cover any damages during installation and future repairs. Keeping spare tiles on hand is smart since your chosen tiles might be discontinued or the colors might vary in the future.
Ongoing Maintenance
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are low maintenance but require regular cleaning. Grout may need occasional cleaning, whitening, or replacing, and seals might need upkeep. These are minor costs but worth noting. If a tile cracks beyond repair, replace it promptly, especially in damp areas like showers.
Hiring a tiler typically costs $60 to $120 per hour, with possible minimum fees for small jobs. Replacing just one or two tiles may cost more due to these minimum charges.
Tile Rating
There are two types of tile rating: strength and porosity. Strength rating tells you what application the tiles are suited for, while porosity tells you their absorbency rating.
Strength Classification
| Tile Class | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Class I | For use as wall tiles only |
| Class II | Walls and light traffic areas such as bathrooms |
| Class III | Suitable for countertops and walls, plus areas of moderate foot traffic |
| Class IV | Suited for use in all residential applications |
| Class V | Maximum durability; rated for industrial and commercial use |
Porosity Rating
| Tile Type | Cost per Square Foot | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Non-vitreous | $1–$5 | Most absorbent tile type; absorption rate of 7%; best used in dry indoor locations; commonly used as accents or decorative inlays |
| Semi-vitreous | $4–$8 | 3%–7% water absorption rate; only for wall and light traffic flooring; can be used in moist areas with a multilayer glaze but must be resealed if glaze cracks |
| Vitreous | $4–$8 | Absorbency rating of up to 3%; porcelain- and floor-rated ceramic tiles are generally vitreous; ceramic tiles need a glaze and should be resealed if cracked or crazed; porcelain tile doesn't need a glaze |
| Impervious | $5–$10 | Least absorbent, with a less than 0.5% absorbency rating; considered frost-proof; can be used indoor or outdoor; can withstand direct water exposure; usually porcelain or glass |
Project Size
Understanding the size of your project and your budget helps you choose the right tile. Here are the average costs based on common project sizes:
| Square Footage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 | $50–$450 |
| 20 | $125–$1,125 |
| 50 | $250–$2,250 |
| 75 | $375–$3,375 |
| 100 | $500–$4,500 |
| 150 | $750–$6,750 |
| 200 | $1,000–$9,000 |
| 250 | $1,250–$11,250 |
| 300 | $1,500–$13,500 |
Note: These costs include labor for installing new tiles but not for removing old ones. Removing old tiles averages $5 per square foot.
Cost to Install Porcelain and Ceramic Tile by Type
Tile prices vary considerably by type, with glazed ceramic being the most affordable and custom ceramic being the most costly because of the time-consuming creation process and the high degree of skill required to make it.
Glazed ceramic tiles have a liquid glass or enamel coating with a glossy or matte finish. Glazing is common with ceramics as it increases water resistance. However, the glaze isn't indestructible, so you'll need to reseal cracked glazed tiles before they absorb moisture.
Here are the average costs for various porcelain and ceramic tile types:
| Type | Average Materials Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| Glazed ceramic | $4–$15 |
| Unglazed ceramic | $4–$35 |
| Porcelain | $2–$15 |
| Wood-look porcelain | $3–$12 |
Budgeting for Tile Installation Costs
Here are some tips to save on your tile installation:
Shop for tiles yourself: Find great deals by purchasing tiles independently instead of through your contractor.
Do some prep work: Remove old tiles and dispose of waste yourself to reduce labor costs.
Handle finishing touches: Save money by sealing edges and repainting baseboards or walls yourself after installation.
DIY vs. Hiring a Tiler
While you might save money by installing tiles yourself, consider the costs of tools and equipment like tile cutters and caulking guns. It may also take you longer, and the results might not match a professional's work. If you value your time and want a high-quality finish, hiring a professional tiler is the way to go. Proper installation by a professional tiler means that your project will have long-lasting results.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing between porcelain and ceramic tile depends on your needs. Porcelain tiles offer exceptional durability and are ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Ceramic tiles are easier to install and provide more design flexibility. Consider your space's function, traffic levels, moisture levels, and your style preferences when making your decision.
To prepare your subfloor for tile installation, your pro will start by ensuring it's level and reinforced. A stable subfloor guarantees lasting performance. Your tiling pro can use fiber cement backboards or high-quality plywood to create a solid base. Proper preparation prevents water damage and cracking, leading to a durable, attractive finish.
Wait 24 to 48 hours after tiling before installing grout. This allows the thin-set adhesive to cure properly, ensuring a strong bond. Grouting too soon can cause misalignment and damage. If there's a delay, you can leave tiles ungrouted temporarily. Keep the surface clean and avoid foot traffic to prevent misalignment or cracking. This keeps your installation intact until you can grout.
you need fewer of them, reducing cuts and grout lines. However, very large tiles require careful handling and precise cutting, which can be complex. Standard sizes like 12x12, 18x18, and 12x24 inches provide a good balance between ease of installation and visual appeal.
- Tile Install or Repair
- Tile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Repair
- Tile, Stone, Marble - Clean, Grout, Polish and Maintain
- Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair
- Grout: Replace or Repair
- Marble Restoration & Polishing
- Stone Restoration & Polishing
- Granite Restoration & Polishing
- Tile & Grout Cleaning
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