How Much Does It Cost to Repair Natural Stone Tile?
The cost to repair natural stone tile will be anywhere from $309 and $903. On average, you can expect to pay around $598. The final price of the project depends on how many tiles need repair, the type of stone the tiles are made of and the type of repair the stone needs.
Natural Stone Tile Prices
The material cost for this project varies by type of repair. For instance, cracks and large chips will do better with a complete replacement, while small dents and chips can be repaired with a small kit. You’ll also need to take into account the type of stone you’re using for your floors.
Common stone materials include:
Ceramic: $0.50–$15 per sq. ft.
Porcelain: $0.50–$15 per sq. ft
Marble: $5–$50 per sq. ft
Granite: $3.50–$7 per sq. ft
Slate: $13–$35 per sq. ft
Polished stone: $10–$12 per sq. ft
The cost of a pre-mixed 1-quart grout is around $15 on average, while the cost of a tile repair kit is around $25 on average. Once the tile is placed, you’ll want to use a sealant to add an extra layer of protection to the stone, which costs around $20 on average for a 24-ounce spray bottle.
Natural Stone Tile Repair Labor Cost
The labor cost of repairing natural stone tiles is $50 per hour on average. Repairs that only require one to two tiles needing repair or replacement should only take around two hours at most. But this does depend on whether you have stock tiles in place or need custom tiles made.
If the project is small enough, a flooring specialist may charge a flat fee rather than a per-hour basis. Most flat fees are around $100.
Natural Stone Tile Repair Cost by Type
The biggest factor that plays into the cost of natural stone tile repair is the type of repair needed. Small dents and cracks are easy enough to fix and are something you can likely tackle over the weekend. Large cracks and chips require the entire block to be replaced and the area to be regrouted.
Common damages include:
| Problem | Repair Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Stains and discoloration | Complete replacement | $600 |
| Minor cracks and chips | Repair kit | $100, if done by a pro |
| Broken tiles | Complete replacement | $600 |
| Loose tiles | Grout replacement | $100, if done by a pro |
| Cracked grout | Grout replacement | $100, if done by a pro |
Natural Stone Tile Repair by Style
Custom-built stone tile repair is going to add on extra hours of labor and, likely, extra material costs. This is because a local mason will need to use a wet saw to cut out the exact dimensions. When this happens, you can expect to pay extra in labor, as the job may take an extra two to three hours to ensure the dimensions are correct, which leads to an extra $125 in labor.
If you’re using a stone that isn’t readily available, then you’ll also likely pay a premium for it to be shipped in a small quantity. This can push the total cost of natural stone repair over the $1,000 mark.
Natural Stone Tile Repair by Size
The overall cost to repair natural stone tile will be around $50 per square foot for materials. This includes the stone, sealant and grouting.
Natural Stone Tile Repair Cost Factors
No two projects are the same. While one person has a crack in their ceramic flooring underneath the kitchen table, another person may have a crack that starts underneath the dishwasher and needs more immediate attention. This accessibility may drive up costs.
Accessibility
The more difficult a piece of stone tile is to replace, the more labor costs you’re likely going to pay. If furniture and appliances block the accessibility of the floor, then make sure they’re out of the way ahead of time. Always communicate where the crack is in the home to your pro ahead of time for the most accurate quote.
Material Sourcing
Materials go through supply and demand changes that can drastically change the price. For instance, when you first installed granite countertops, it may have cost around $5 per square foot. But if the demand has grown since, you may end up paying closer to $15 per square foot.
Cost to Repair Natural Stone Tiles Yourself
If it’s a small crack in the grout or the edge of a tile, then you can likely tackle this project yourself for around $50 over the weekend. You’ll need grout, sealant and possibly a tile repair kit.
DIY vs. Hiring a Flooring Pro
For major repairs, leave the job to a professional. Even a tiny misplacement of a tile can lead to water damage and mold growth if not laid correctly. This is because water can seep underneath the improperly placed tile.
FAQs
How often should you seal your natural stone tiles?
For high traffic areas of the home, like the kitchen and living room, you should seal your natural stone tiles every 12 to 24 months.
How do you clean natural stone tiles?
If you notice a spill on your tile, clean it up ASAP with warm water and a cloth or paper towels. Even with the sealant, there’s still a chance the stain can get into the porous material of stone and hold onto the coloration.
