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South Carolina · Metro area

Tile installation cost in Columbia (2026)

Tile installers in Columbia charge $5.40$10.80 per square foot in labor — metro pricing in South Carolina. With mid-grade porcelain and setting materials, budget $10.90$23.30 per square foot installed.

Project costs in Columbia

ProjectInstalled cost in Columbia
Bathroom floor (45 sq ft)$491 – $1,049
Kitchen backsplash (30 sq ft)$327 – $699
Kitchen floor (180 sq ft)$1,962 – $4,194
Shower surround (110 sq ft)$1,199 – $2,563
Living area floor (400 sq ft)$4,360 – $9,320

Hiring in Columbia

  • Get three quotes in writing. In a metro like Columbia, quotes for the same bathroom can differ by 30% or more.
  • Separate labor from materials. If a quote is one number, ask for the split — installers often mark up tile 10–20%.
  • Ask about demo. Tear-out and disposal in Columbia typically adds $1.89$4.32 per square foot and is not always included.
  • Check wet-area experience. Shower waterproofing failures are the most expensive tile mistake — ask for photos of past shower work.

Do the math first

Use the tile quantity calculator for material counts, the cost calculator for an itemised budget, and the labor calculator to pressure-test quotes before you sign anything.

The DIY alternative

At $5.40–$10.80/sq ft, Columbia labor pays for these tools many times over.

  • Tile Wet Saw

    SKIL 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw - 3540-02

    SKIL 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw - 3540-02

    Check price on Amazon

    Clean cuts are the difference between pro and amateur.

  • Tile Tool Kit

    Tile Tools Stainless Steel Square Notch Trowel Set Plus Rubber Grout Float and Grout Sponge for Tiling Installation Grouting

    Tile Tools Stainless Steel Square Notch Trowel Set Plus Rubber Grout Float and Grout Sponge for Tiling Installation Grouting

    Check price on Amazon

    Everything except the saw in one box.

  • Laser Level

    Laser Level

    Straight first row, straight whole floor.

    View on Amazon

    Straight first row, straight whole floor.

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Columbia tile cost FAQ

How much does tile installation cost in Columbia?

In Columbia, expect $5.40–$10.80 per square foot in labor, or roughly $10.90–$23.30 per square foot installed with mid-grade materials.

What does a bathroom floor cost in Columbia?

A 45 sq ft bathroom floor runs about $491–$1,049 installed in Columbia. Small rooms sit at the higher end per square foot.

How do I get accurate quotes in Columbia?

Measure first with a calculator, then collect three written quotes that separate labor and materials. Columbia installers commonly bundle demolition, so ask whether tear-out and disposal are included.

Is DIY tiling cheaper in Columbia?

Labor is about half the cost in Columbia. On a 120 sq ft floor, DIY can save roughly $589–$1,258, minus tool purchases.

More cities in South Carolina

· Reviewed by the Smart Tile Calculator editorial team