How Much Does It Cost to Install Ceramic Tile Floor?

In this guide

Ceramic Tile Floor Cost Calculator

The average cost to install ceramic tile depends greatly on the type of tile used: prices range a few dollars per square foot for simple machine-made squared tile to several times more for mosaic or handmade tile. It’s also important to consider labor to calculate a ceramic tile installation cost per square foot, as more elaborate tiles may cost more to lay. While the cost to install ceramic tile floor is largely comparable to other materials like porcelain or laminate, it is a better fit for wet areas. You can use this ceramic tile flooring cost calculator to guide your budgeting for this installation.

Ceramic Tile Floor Cost Calculator

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NATIONAL COSTS

Average Cost

$3,474

Low Cost

$290

High Cost

$10,172

See Ceramic Tile Floor Cost Calculator Breakdown 

Average Cost Project Low-Cost Project High-Cost Project

Cost

Materials

120 sq.ft. of 8"x8" Ragione ceramic satin floor tile, white

$212

Adhesive for 120 sq.ft. of tiles

$78

Materials

Grout and mortar for 200 sq.ft. of 12"x12" tiles

$112

200 sq.ft. of 12"x12" Verona ceramic glazed floor tile, beige

$938

Labor

Installing 200 sq.ft. of 12"x12" tiles using grout and mortar

$2,424

Materials

Grout and mortar for 400 sq.ft. of 16"x16" tiles

$224

400 sq.ft. of backer board

$979

400 sq.ft. of 16"x16" Megatrade ceramic glazed floor tile, ivory

$3,448

Labor

Installing 400 sq.ft. of 16"x16" tiles using grout and mortar

$4,848

Installing 400 sq.ft. of floor backer board

$673

Total

$290

$3,474

$10,172

Ceramic Tile Flooring Cost per Square Foot

Depending on the type of tile, your costs start between $2 and $40 per sq.ft. for the tile only. Labor costs $5 to $15 per sq.ft., for a total of $7 to $55 per sq.ft. for installed ceramic tile flooring. Most retailers sell ceramic tiles by the square foot and round the number of tiles to the nearest number of boxes. You can buy one piece of ceramic tile, but they are rare. Ceramic tile flooring comes in many sizes, colors, patterns, and types, so it has a wide range of associated costs per square foot. The table below shows several tile flooring sizes and the costs you can expect to find for ceramic tile materials and ceramic tile flooring installed.

Ceramic Tile Flooring Cost by Shape

Depending on the shape of the tile, your costs range between $2 and $40 per sq.ft. for the material only and $7 to $55 per sq.ft. to have it installed. There are many shapes of tiles available, with the most common being square, rectangle, hexagon, mosaic, and non-standard shapes. The tile shapes can also be of different sizes and have different patterns and finishes. The shapes come at different costs. Because their installation complexity varies, the overall cost for the ceramic floor varies depending on the shape of tiles you choose. The most common tile shapes and their price per square foot are presented in the table below.

Square

Square tiles are the basic type of tiles that cost $2 to $12 per sq.ft. for the material only, while installing it costs $7 to $25 per sq.ft. They have four equal sides, which makes them easy to install and line up in whichever pattern the homeowner wants. Most commonly, they are installed in a straight line, diagonally, or in a diamond pattern. Because they are the most common tiles installed in homes, square tiles come in various sizes. The most common sizes you will find are between 4” and 12” per side.

Rectangle

The rectangle is another common shape of ceramic tiles, with a cost ranging between $2 and $18 per sq.ft. for the material only and $7 to $31 per sq.ft. with installation included. This shape includes two pairs of equal sides positioned parallel to one another. Because of their shape, they are often made with wood-like designs and colors that resemble laminate or hardwood flooring. Also known as “subway tiles ¹” because of the look of the tiles in the New York City subway system, rectangle tiles come in a variety of sizes. The most common rectangle tile sizes are 1” height with 3”, 4” and 6” width, 2” height with 4”, 6”, 8” and 12” width, 3” height with 6”, 8” and 12” width, and 4” height with 8”, 12” and 16” width.

Hexagon

Installing hexagon tiles costs $8 to $20 per sq.ft. for the material only, while the installation brings the cost to $15 to $32 per sq.ft. Hexagon tiles have six equal sides in one tile. When installed, the floor has a honeycomb appearance that gives the room a modern appearance. One of the conveniences of hexagon tiles is that the colors and patterns of individual tiles can be combined during installation to make a specific design on the floor. The most common hexagon tile sizes are 4”, 6”, and 8”, but they can come in smaller or bigger sizes depending on the homeowner’s needs.

Mosaic

Most ceramic mosaics cost between $10 and $30 a sq.ft. for the material and $18 to $45 per sq.ft. with installation. Unlike other tile shapes, mosaic tiles do not have flat sides. Instead, the sides are shaped to interlock with the surrounding tiles and create a unified look throughout the floor. Some common mosaic tiles include honeycombs, brick, herringbone, penny, octagon and dot, and basketweave. Because there is a wide variety of mosaic tiles, their sizes also vary. Mosaic tiles typically come mounted on sheets and are found in a variety of colors and shapes. They are often small hexagons, squares, or rectangles and are usually thicker than retro tiles, which tend to be thin.

Non-Standard

Non-standard tile cost $12 to $40 per sq.ft. for the tile only and $22 to $55 per sq.ft. with installation included. Aside from the regular shapes, there are other irregular tile shapes on the market. Their prices are higher because they are more complicated to produce, resulting in more waste than regular shapes. These mostly include arabesque shapes, pebble-shaped tiles, tiles with round edges (penny-shaped), picket shapes, triangles, and many more. They are mostly used for smaller areas as decorative floor pieces, but sometimes, they can be installed in whole rooms. Keep in mind that non-standard tile shapes also have a more complex installation, so only experienced professionals will be able to install them properly.

Ceramic Tile Floor Prices by Location

Depending on the room where you want to install ceramic floors, your costs range from $250 for a small mudroom to $13,500 for installing ceramic tiles on a patio. Ceramic tiles are a great flooring material to cover the floors in different rooms. It is most commonly installed in bathrooms and kitchens but also makes excellent flooring in mudrooms and patios. While these are the most common rooms, ceramic tile flooring can be placed everywhere in the home, including living rooms, foyers, garages, and other areas. Installing tiles indoors is cheaper than outdoor tiles. The outdoor tiles have to be built to withstand the weather, so they are more expensive. In addition, tiles can be glazed or unglazed. Most commonly, indoor tiles are glazed to give them a smooth and shiny appearance and make them more stain-resistant. Outdoor tiles are usually unglazed, giving them a higher impact resistance and making them rougher and slip-resistant.

Also, tiles are typically graded by sturdiness from Class I to Class V, with most residential homes having floor tiles with a Class III or Class IV grade. Class I tiles are best suited for walls, while Class II tiles are fit for rooms with light traffic. Class III tiles can be used in rooms with average foot traffic, while Class IV tiles are suitable for any room in the home. Class V tiles are the most durable, so they are recommended for commercial and industrial use. Depending on the amount of traffic the floor gets, different classes of tiles work best for different rooms. The exact cost to install tile in each of these rooms depends on the size of the space and the tile type:

Cost to Install Ceramic Tile in Mudroom

The mudroom is another area where homeowners install ceramic tiles, which cost $250 to $1,000. A mudroom is an area near the entrance of the room that is used to leave dirty shoes, backpacks, and similar luggage or clothing. These areas are usually small, ranging between 35 and 65 sq.ft. Due to the convenience and easy cleaning of ceramic tiles, they make a great option for mudrooms. Because the mudroom usually gets light traffic, class III or above tiles will be enough to ensure the tiles will not crack.

Cost to Install Ceramic Tile in Bathroom

Installing a ceramic tile floor in the bathroom starts at $300 for a half bathroom and goes up to $3,850 for the primary bathroom. The prices vary depending on the shape and size of the tiles you want to use. Ceramic tiles are one of the best options for bathroom floors due to their ability to support traffic and water pressure. They are also easy to clean and wipe. Choosing vitreous or impervious tiles in the bathroom is important to ensure the tiles will not absorb water and deteriorate. While the bathroom floor can use vitreous tiles, shower areas must have impervious tiles. These are the least water absorbent type of tile that can support the water pressure. While anything above class III tiles is adequate, if you have one bathroom with medium or high foot traffic, it is advisable to get class IV tiles.

Cost to Install Ceramic Tile in Kitchen

If you want to add ceramic tile flooring in your kitchen, expect costs to range between $700 and $5,000 for a kitchen that is 100 to 170 sq.ft. Installing ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen is a great option because the material supports moderate to high traffic and absorbs water. Homeowners will not have to worry about liquid spillage that may damage the flooring. The surface is also easy to clean and maintain, so homeowners can easily mop it. For water resistance, semi-vitreous tiles are the most adequate, although vitreous and impervious tiles can also be installed in the kitchen. Depending on the traffic the kitchen areas get, class IV tiles would work best for this room.

Cost to Install Ceramic Tile in Patio

Adding patio tiles costs $3,000 to $13,500 for a patio sized between 150 and 300 sq.ft. Prices for outdoor tiles are higher than indoors. The installation is more complex, and the tiles must be sturdier and more durable. The surface has to be flat, so the professional may need to add a base or flatten the area before installing the tiles. Usually, class IV or V impervious ceramic tiles are used for outdoor areas. Rain, snow, and wind will often fall on the tiles, so they need to be able to withstand the weather. Families and friends often gather on the patio, so the tiles need to be sturdy to support the heavy traffic and the weight of the furniture.

Ceramic Tile Patterns Cost for Floors

Depending on the installation pattern, ceramic tile floor installation costs $2 to $30 per sq.ft. for the material and $7 to $45 per sq.ft. with installation included. Ceramic tiles come in square and rectangular shapes of many sizes. You can create several different patterns for your floor. Except for mosaic patterns, any pattern you create increases costs by 15% to 20% due to the extra material required for cuts and the additional work to lay and install the pattern. Some popular floor tile patterns include:

Straight Set

Tiles set in straight lines cost $2 to $12 per sq.ft. for the materials and $7 to $20 per sq.ft. to install the ceramic flooring. This is the most basic type of ceramic floor installation that uses evenly-sized square ceramic tiles, so it is the cheapest one to get. The installer lays the tiles one next to the other, starting from the corner of the room and moving horizontally or vertically until the whole room is installed.

Diagonal

Installing ceramic tiles in a diagonal pattern costs $2 to $12 per sq.ft. for the material only and $9 to $24 per sq.ft. to have the floor installed. This pattern uses square tiles that are rotated 180 degrees when installed. To install flooring tiles in a diagonal pattern, the first step is to calculate the center point of the room. Once the center point has been identified, the tiles can be laid out in a diagonal line starting from this point.

Stacked Brick

A stacked brick flooring pattern costs $2 to $18 per sq.ft. for the material and $7 to $26 per sq.ft. installed. This popular ceramic tile floor pattern can be created using rectangular ceramic flooring tiles. To install the tiles in this pattern, the professional starts laying out the first row of tiles in a straight line. Then, they offset the second row of tiles so that they are halfway underneath the first row and continue layering the rows of tiles in this way until the entire area is covered.

Herringbone

A herringbone ceramic tile flooring costs $2 to $18 per sq.ft. for the material only and $9 to $30 per sq.ft. with installation included. A herringbone pattern uses rectangular tiles set at angles to one another for a decorative floor. To install this flooring, the professional starts by working out the center of the room. Then, they lay out half of the tiles so that they overlap at the center point. Once you have laid out all of the tiles on one side of the room, repeat the process on the other side.

Versailles

Installing this ceramic tile pattern costs $2 to $18 per sq.ft. for the material and $10 to $31 per sq.ft. for an installed floor. Versailles flooring tile pattern is made using square tiles of the same size and two rectangle tiles with two different sizes that repeat. This is a more complex type of flooring, so installing it costs more than other types of tile flooring patterns. However, when installed properly, it gives the room an intricate and stylish design.

Basketweave

A basketweave flooring costs $2 to $18 per sq.ft. for the material, which is rectangular tiles, with a total of $10 to $31 per sq.ft. for an installed floor. This pattern is created by offsetting the tiles so that each row alternates between horizontal and vertical, resulting in a woven effect that is stylish and functional. Basketweave patterns are less likely to show dirt and grime, so they are often installed in high-traffic areas such as entryways and kitchens. The installer starts in the middle of the room and works outwards to ensure the pattern looks symmetrical.

Mosaic

Having a mosaic ceramic tile flooring in your home costs $10 to $30 per sq.ft. for the material only, while having it installed brings the cost to $18 to $45 per sq.ft. Mosaic tiles come in various shapes and designs. Their overall cost depends on the type of shape you choose. The tiles need to be laid out in the desired pattern to achieve the visual impact they are intended to give. They are more decorative than other types of flooring tiles, so mosaic ceramic tiles are mostly used to make the interior look stylish.

Labor Cost to Install a Ceramic Tile Floor

For a 200 sq.ft. ceramic tile floor installation, expect labor costs to be $1,000 to $1,800 out of the $3,474​ total. Ceramic tile is fairly easy to cut and install. It does not need to be sealed like stone and is less likely to experience problems with lippage. For that reason, labor costs are around $5 to $15 a sq.ft. for most installations. The installation cost includes the labor and supplies needed to install the tiles.

Ceramic floor tiles are among the easiest tiles to install. They do not require back buttering, just keying the mortar ² to the correct depth and setting them. Most floor tiles should be cut on a tile saw, but some 6-inch and 8-inch tiles may be scored and snapped. The installation is done over two days, so the mortar has time to dry before grouting ³. Once the tiles are grouted, it is advisable to wait at least 24 hours before walking on them. Waiting 48 to 72 is preferable if you want to make sure that everything is set and dried.

When the installation area requires additional preparations, the cost adequately increases. If the installer needs to remove old tiling, it adds $1 to $4 per sq.ft. to the cost. Once they remove the old floor, the subfloor may require repairing or replacing depending on its condition, which adds $1.66 to $12 per sq.ft. Finally, the area may also require cleaning before installing the new tile floor, costing $1 to $5 per sq.ft.

Cost to Remove a Ceramic Tile Floor

Removing a ceramic tile floor costs $2 to $5 a sq.ft. or $400 to $1,000 for a 200 sq.ft. floor. This includes the removal of the old flooring and disposing of the old tiles. To do this, the contractor uses a chisel to remove one tile and then a pry bar to get under the rest and lift them. In most cases, this also lifts the mortar, but if the tile job is old and used an older mastic or a “mud” job, the floor may need to be scraped. Once the tiles and mortar are removed, the professional inspects the subfloor. If the existing subfloor requires repairing and replacing, your costs are higher than installing a new floor because the old floor must be removed first. Expect costs to be around $3 to $5 a sq.ft. higher for replacing the ceramic tile.

Ceramic Flooring Tile Size

Ceramic flooring tile comes in many sizes. Mosaics measure from ¾ inches up to large format tiles of 24 inches. Different shapes have different widths and lengths depending on the type of tile, so there is no size classification for tiles in general. The sizing options depend on the tile: square tiles have equal sides, rectangular ceramic tiles have two equal parallel sides, hexagon tiles have eight equal sides, and mosaic and non-standard tiles have varying dimensions.

When choosing tiles, the general rule is to use the largest size possible in a small room because fewer grout lines make spaces seem larger. However, for more traditional spaces, small tiles work better because they produce a more classic appearance. Some manufacturers make ceramic floor tiles in custom sizes. However, these are more expensive to produce and have longer wait times to receive. The table below shows the most common ceramic tile sizes.

Pros and Cons

Ceramic tile is beautiful, versatile, and comes in many colors, sizes, and patterns while being more affordable than many other flooring types. It is fairly low maintenance and may be installed anywhere. You do not need to seal it and can clean it with most household cleaners without issue. Ceramic tiles can also support foot traffic and crack less than stone or porcelain tiles. They are also resistant to dirt, mud, spills, and splashes, making them a great choice for any room. While the normal lifespan is 20 years, when properly installed and maintained, ceramic tile flooring can last over 50 years.

On the downside, ceramic tiles are not very comfortable to walk or stand on for extended periods. Aside from having a hard surface, ceramic tiles do not hold heat well, so they may not be ideal for colder areas. In addition, ceramic tiles installed in areas with higher dampness will also crack easier. Also, they deteriorate faster in areas with high humidity. It is important to either seal the grout or use a stain-resistant grout to avoid discoloration over time. If the seal weakens and the grout lines absorb water, it may weaken the tile and cause cracks. Because of the water absorption tendency, it has to be carefully cleaned to prevent mold growth.

Maintenance

Ceramic tile is fairly easy to clean and maintain. Sweep it daily to remove grit and surface debris. If you vacuum, use the setting without a beater bar to prevent scratching the tile. Wash it as needed using your preferred cleaner. Depending on the tile texture and color, some hide dirt better than others. Light-colored floors tend to show more things like pet hair or tracked in dirt and need to be cleaned more often than darker floors. While the cost to clean tile and grout is fairly low, it can add up over time, so it is worth considering the maintenance costs before installing ceramic tiles.

The grout requires periodic cleaning, whitening, and seal replacing. The grout absorbs moisture, so you must make sure it is properly sealed to prevent water from getting into the back of the tiles. You should also be careful not to stain the grout because it requires cleaning with scouring powder to remove the stains. Any ceramic tile crazes, meaning it develops thin cracks in the glaze. This is not a defect but simply part of the tile. If this happens, you need to seal the tile to prevent stains. If a tile cracks beyond repair, it will need replacing as soon as the cracks develop to prevent water from seeping behind the tiles and compromising their quality.

Porcelain vs Ceramic Floor Tile Cost

Installing a ceramic floor costs $7 to $55 per sq.ft. Adding porcelain tile floor in your home costs between $9 and $40 per sq.ft. Porcelain floors and ceramic tile floors are frequently confused with one another. They are both clay floor tiles but have different properties. Ceramic tiles are made from wet, extruded clay. Porcelain tiles are made from compressed clay dust fired to a very high temperature. After being kiln-fired, porcelain tiles are either left as they are or transformed to mimic the look of other materials like stone, metal, or wood. However, ceramic tiles come in a wider range of designs than porcelain tiles.

Because of how they are produced, porcelain tiles are much harder and more durable than ceramic. They are also less porous and almost impervious to water damage. However, porcelain is thicker and harder to cut and install than ceramic. Both tiles make excellent materials for floors. In a residential setting, there is little difference between them once installed. It comes down to your personal preference for color and appearance. Here is how much you will spend on each flooring.

Ceramic Tile vs Laminate Flooring Cost

Laminate is another popular flooring material for residential installations, costing $6 to $14 per sq.ft. installed compared to the cost of $7 to $55 per sq.ft. for the installation of ceramic tiles. Laminate flooring is often made to look like wood and installs either in a glue-down or a click-lock installation made from planks. It is softer to walk on and easy to clean and maintain, only requiring wiping and cleaning. However, laminate flooring is gentler, showing scratches and dents more than ceramic tile.

Ceramic tile is mortared down using a thinset mortar mixture made from cement, fine sand, and a water-retaining agent. Laminate flooring is easy to install. However, it may not be installed in wet or damp areas like bathrooms or below grade. Ceramic tile is used in wet areas because it is not impacted by moisture like laminate. While ceramic tile is harder to install, it is often more durable and longer-lasting than laminate. Because of this, it adds value to the home, which is not the case with laminate flooring. Laminate flooring, however, gives the home a warmer and rustic feel due to its wood-like appearance. In addition, it transmits heat, so it can help heat the room during winter. On the other hand, ceramic tiles do not retain heat very well, so they are more fit for warmer locations.

Ceramic Tile vs Hardwood Flooring Cost

Installing hardwood flooring costs $4.25 to $26 per sq.ft. Ceramic tile flooring costs $7 to $55 per sq.ft. installed. Both ceramic tile and hardwood make beautiful floor coverings. Installation of hardwood flooring is simpler because it does not require laying mortar and adding grout lines like ceramic tiles. Hardwood flooring is not water-resistant. It should not be used in the bathroom and is not advised for mudrooms to prevent the floor from warping. On the other hand, ceramic tiles can be used everywhere because they are waterproof. They are easier to clean with more detergents. Hardwood floors require special cleaning detergents to prevent surface damage.

Hardwood floors are softer to stand on and less slippery, making them a more kid-friendly choice. At the same time, they are gentler, so they can easily get scratched or have dents from objects falling on them. Because of its real wood appearance and structure, hardwood flooring gives the home a warm, rustic feeling. However, the options are limited to wood-like designs, which is not the case with ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles come in many different shapes and designs, making them a better option for those who want to have more creativity. Hardwood floors are great for colder climates because the material retains heat better, so homeowners can heat the room faster than with ceramic tiles.

Vinyl vs Ceramic Tile Flooring Cost

Vinyl is another material used on floors that costs between $3 and $16 per sq.ft. Ceramic tiles cost $7 to $55 per sq.ft. installed. Vinyl ⁴ is a manmade product made from PVC plastic that comes in both tile and plank forms and is glued down or click-locked together to form a floating floor. Because of its light weight, it is easier and quicker to transport and install. It is grouted or simply butt-edged. Glue-down vinyl gets stronger the longer it is down. This means if you want to remove it, it is very difficult. Ceramic tile does not have this problem. It comes up easily no matter how long it has been down.

While it is moisture-resistant, avoid using vinyl in bathrooms unless it is grouted to keep moisture out of your subfloor. In addition, vinyl can be damaged by high heat and release toxic gases if it ignites, so it has some environmental risks. In addition, vinyl flooring lasts about ten years, while the lifespan of ceramic floors can be a lot longer. However, vinyl is softer underfoot, while ceramic tiles are harder on the feet. Both materials have a wide range of shapes, colors, and design options, with ceramic being more versatile. Both materials are also very easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and periodic damp mopping with a mild mixture.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Radiant Heating

The average cost of radiant heating is $6 to $25 a sq.ft. installed, depending on whether you install hydronic, electric, or air radiant heating. Getting a new floor is a great time to add underfloor ⁵ or radiant heating. It is a great option for colder areas and homeowners who want to heat their rooms quickly while saving on heating bills. The air rises from the floor, providing consistent and direct heat that makes the atmosphere more comfortable for homeowners.

Baseboards

Expect the costs of a baseboard for your ceramic tiles to be around $6 to $10 a linear foot installed. Many ceramic tiles have matching ceramic baseboards. These install at the same time as the flooring and give your room a cohesive look. The most common method of installing a new backer board is to screw it down. This levels the floor to give the installer a smooth surface to work on and stops the baseboard from moving.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Subway tiles: A flat rectangular piece of glazed ceramic, traditionally 3-by-6 inches, used to decorate indoor walls and serve as a backsplash

² Mortar: A mixture of Portland cement or lime or a combination of both, sand, and water used to bind bricks, stones, and concrete masonry units together

³ Grouting: A fluid form of cement used to seal the joints between tiles. It also makes the surface stronger because it bonds the tiles together

⁴ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

⁵ Underfloor: The bottom-most layer of a floor, supported by joists, over which finished flooring material is laid