Key Takeaways
- Ceramic tile installation costs $12 to $40 per square foot on average
- Total cost for 100 to 200 square feet is $1,200 to $8,000
- Glazed ceramic tiles cost $4 to $18 per square foot installed
- Unglazed ceramic tiles cost $2 to $20 per square foot installed
- Porcelain tiles are more expensive at $15 to $50 per square foot installed
How Much Does Ceramic Tile Installation Cost?
The average cost to install ceramic tile is $12 to $40 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $1,200 to $8,000 for 100 to 200 square feet. Glazed ceramic tiles cost $4 to $18 per square foot installed while unglazed ceramic tiles are $2 to $20 per square foot. Porcelain tiles have a higher average cost of $15 to $50 per square foot installed.
Ceramic Tile Installation Cost
| SQUARE FEET | AVERAGE INSTALLED COST |
|---|---|
| 50 | $600 – $2,000 |
| 100 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| 150 | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| 200 | $2,400 – $8,000 |
| 250 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| 300 | $3,600 – $12,000 |
| 350 | $4,200 – $14,000 |
Average Cost To Install Ceramic Tile
| NATIONAL AVERAGE COST | $4,600 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $600 |
| Maximum Cost | $14,000 |
| Average Range | $1,200 to $8,000 |
Cost Of Ceramic Tile By Location
| LOCATION | AVERAGE SIZE (SQUARE FEET) | AVERAGE TOTAL COST |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen floor | 130 – 184 | $1,600 – $7,400 |
| Kitchen backsplash cost | 20 – 40 | $240 – $1,600 |
| Kitchen countertops | 30 – 66 | $360 – $2,600 |
| Bathroom floor | 40 – 160 | $480 – $6,400 |
| Shower tile cost | 42 – 120 | $500 – $4,800 |
| Bathroom walls | 104 – 274 | $1,200 – $11,000 |
| Living area floor | 200 – 320 | $2,400 – $12,800 |
Glazed Vs. Unglazed Ceramic Tile Cost
| TILE TYPE | AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT INSTALLED | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Glazed | $4 – $18 | Smooth, shiny surface. Protects against stains. |
| Unglazed | $2 – $20 | Rough, matte surface. Better for outdoor areas or bathrooms. |
Ceramic Tile Installation Cost Calculator
Labor
Ceramic tile installation labor costs $5 to $15 per square foot on average. Labor accounts for 40% to 60% of the total project cost. More complex installations like mosaics or non-standard shapes will be on the higher end of the labor cost range.
Ceramic Tile Shape
| TILE SHAPE | AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT (MATERIALS ONLY) | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | $2 – $15 | Also called subway tiles. Popular in kitchen backsplashes or showers. |
| Square | $2 – $10 | Common choice for flooring and walls. |
| Hexagonal | $8 – $20 | Six equal sides. Harder to install but attractive. |
| Mosaic | $10 – $30 | Popular in bathrooms, pools, showers, kitchens, and entryways. |
| Non-standard | $12 – $40 | Custom or irregular shapes. Harder to cut, arrange, and fit. |
Ceramic Vs. Porcelain Tile Cost
| TILE MATERIAL | AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT INSTALLED | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $12 – $40 | Cheaper. Coarser grain. More porous. |
| Porcelain | $15 – $50 | More refined clay. Fired at higher temperatures. More water-resistant. |
Ceramic Tile FAQs
What Is Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tile is made from natural clay that is formed, glazed, and kiln-fired at high temperatures. It’s a popular choice for flooring, walls, backsplashes and showers due to its durability and water resistance. Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes and textures.
Can You Paint Ceramic Tile?
Yes, you can paint ceramic tile, but it requires special preparation and paint. The tile must be thoroughly cleaned, lightly sanded, primed, and painted with oil-based paint or specialty tile paint. However, painting is not as durable as the original glaze and may need touch-ups. It’s usually better to replace the tile.
Are Porcelain Or Ceramic Tiles Better?
Porcelain tiles are denser, more durable, and less porous than ceramic, making them better for high-traffic areas and outdoor use. However, they are also more expensive. Ceramic tiles are sufficient for most indoor residential uses and are more affordable. The right choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Does Ceramic Tile Need To Be Sealed?
Glazed ceramic tiles do not need to be sealed because the glaze acts as a protective layer. However, unglazed ceramic tiles are porous and should be sealed to prevent stains, especially for countertops or high-traffic floors. Grout lines between tiles should also be sealed for easier cleaning and maintenance.
What Is The Best Cleaning Solution For Ceramic Tile Floors?
The best cleaning solution for ceramic tile floors is warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for tile. Avoid harsh acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the glaze. Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt before wet mopping. For stains, spot clean with baking soda paste.
Getting Estimates From Ceramic Tile Contractors
Get at least three detailed estimates from licensed and insured tile contractors. Look for pros with experience installing the type of tile you want in the area you need. For example, installing mosaic tiles on a shower wall requires different skills than rectangular tiles on a kitchen floor.
Questions To Ask Ceramic Tile Installers
- Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide proof?
- How long have you been installing ceramic tile?
- Do you have examples of similar projects you’ve completed?
- What type of tile do you recommend for my project and why?
- How will you prepare the surface before laying the tile?
- What kind of grout, adhesive and underlayment will you use?
- How long will the installation take?
- Do you charge for removal and disposal of old flooring?
- What is included in your estimate? What could potentially increase costs?
- Do you offer a warranty on labor and materials?
Get free estimates from ceramic tile installers near you to accurately calculate your project cost. Discuss your tile material, design, and layout preferences with the installer to get the best results within your budget.
