How Much Do Tile Installion Cost?

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The national average cost to have a contractor install tile is $3,200 for 200 square feet of floor, or around $1400 for a 35 square foot backsplash. Depending on your tile preferences, you should expect to pay between $12.50 to $75 per square foot.

What’s will your tile installation cost be? Learn when hiring a professional makes more sense than doing it yourself. Find out which tile installer rates best.

Tile installation is typically a job that homeowners prefer to leave up to the pros. It’s a tedious job that requires specific skills and equipment. That’s why one of the most popular searches on the internet is for ’tile installers near me’.

But, choosing tile installers isn’t as easy as that simple internet search. You need to be prepared with the right questions when you call those contractors. Not to mention that you should have an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of the type of project you plan for your installers to complete.

Preparing for a tile installation project involves a few important steps beginning with a budget and ending with a beautiful finished product. Here’s everything you need to know in order to have a serious discussion with your potential tile contractor.

How to Budget for Ceramic Tile Installation Costs

One of the first things you should consider in your project is what your costs will be overall. This includes installation AND maintenance. Some tile requires more upkeep than others so you’ll want to factor this into your decision.

The Style of Your Space

Are you going to be using your tile for flooring or walls, or both? What about countertops? Different projects call for different materials and equipment on the installer’s end.

Estimating How Much Tile You Need

The estimated cost to install tile floor is measured by multiplying length times width and then adding about five percent. You should always account for purchasing extra tiles in case of damage in transit or during installation.

Window Shopping

Before you can select the tile for your project, you should have a good idea of what’s available. There are many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures to choose from so take a peek at the local home improvement store inventory to see what you like.

Selecting Materials

We’ll get to the different types of tile in a moment, but it’s important to note that there are many different materials used to create a tile. This affects not only the maintenance requirements but also the appearance and durability of your tile.

Grout

Your contractor will probably ask you what type of grout you want to use. It’s recommended to choose a color other than white to prevent the appearance of dirt over time.

Types of Tile

Knowing what type of tile you want to use will help your contractor give you a proper estimate for the project. Different types of tile work better in certain areas of your home for both appearance and durability.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are considered to be the least expensive budget option. These tiles are softer and therefore easier to cut which also limits labor costs in your installation. The softer nature of this tile, however, does make them less durable.

Porcelain

Porcelain tile resembles ceramic tile but it is much stronger and nearly impermeable to water. This is a more expensive option and the cost largely depends on the density of the tile.

Natural Stone

You’ll pay a lot more for natural stone tiles but they are simply exquisite. These tiles also require more maintenance throughout the lifetime of use including regular sealing. Stone is a durable and elegant choice.

Glass

Glass tiles are the most expensive when paired with advanced designs or color patterns. They are easily and highly customizable but are often only used for decoration.

Important Questions to Ask Tile Installers

Now that your budget is ready, you can go ahead and start looking up tile installers. Here are a few things to look for up front.

Referrals/Testimonials/Portfolio

Before performing a random search, ask friends, family, and co-workers for referrals. It’s always best to use a contractor that has performed work you can see.

Otherwise, ask for testimonials from previous clients and see if the contractor can provide you with pictures of jobs completed before yours.

Licensing

Make sure your contractor is licensed to do business in your state or municipality if it is required. A contractor without a license is up to no good.

Insurance

You should also ask to see proof of insurance. You don’t want to find out surprises later.

How Much to Install Tile

Of course, one of the most important questions has to do with cost. Labor cost to install tile depends on the type of project. Tile installers charge labor by the hour but that rate also depends on the type of tile and the area of your home where it is being installed.

Some common questions include:

• How much does it cost to have tile installed in a kitchen?
• How much does it cost to have tile installed in a bathroom?
• How much does it cost to have tile installed in a shower?

The average cost is around $20 per square foot for most projects, which includes the tile, materials, and installation.

Benefits of Installing Ceramic Tile

You have a lot of options when it comes to the floors and surfaces in your home. Tile is a great choice because it offers several benefits.

Customizable Tile Pricing

Because of the diverse range of tile options, your pricing largely depends on your taste.

Many Design Options

From different sizes, shapes, and colors, to tiles with patterns and different styles, your options are almost endless.

Durable

Tile is much more durable than synthetic materials that may be used in your home. Even if they chip or crack, they are easily replaceable without undoing the whole room.

Easy to Clean

Tile literally wipes clean and it’s difficult to get it dirty in the first place. You’re mostly just wiping away germs.

Hypoallergenic

Tile surfaces are nonporous making them less attractive to dust, pollen, and other allergens. They are also more resistant to mildew, mold, and bacteria.

Waterproof

Kitchens and bathrooms are popular areas of the home to use tile because they are waterproof. Look for ceramic or glazed porcelain for showers, floors, and backsplashes.

Get Your Tile Project Started

Tile installers are professional contractors with all of the right equipment and experience to get your tile job done right, the first time. Don’t forget to ask them if they have payment plans depending on the size of your project. A reputable contractor should be able to make arrangements with you.

When you’re ready to get started with your tile project, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can provide you with up to five quotes to compare so you can rest assured you’re getting the best price.