Skip to main content

Iowa · Metro area

Tile installation cost in Des Moines (2026)

Tile installers in Des Moines charge $5.58$11.16 per square foot in labor — metro pricing in Iowa. With mid-grade porcelain and setting materials, budget $11.08$23.66 per square foot installed.

Project costs in Des Moines

ProjectInstalled cost in Des Moines
Bathroom floor (45 sq ft)$499 – $1,065
Kitchen backsplash (30 sq ft)$332 – $710
Kitchen floor (180 sq ft)$1,994 – $4,259
Shower surround (110 sq ft)$1,219 – $2,603
Living area floor (400 sq ft)$4,432 – $9,464

Hiring in Des Moines

  • Get three quotes in writing. In a metro like Des Moines, 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 Des Moines typically adds $1.95$4.46 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 $5.58–$11.16/sq ft, Des Moines 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.

Paid links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Des Moines tile cost FAQ

How much does tile installation cost in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, expect $5.58–$11.16 per square foot in labor, or roughly $11.08–$23.66 per square foot installed with mid-grade materials.

What does a bathroom floor cost in Des Moines?

A 45 sq ft bathroom floor runs about $499–$1,065 installed in Des Moines. Small rooms sit at the higher end per square foot.

How do I get accurate quotes in Des Moines?

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

Is DIY tiling cheaper in Des Moines?

Labor is about half the cost in Des Moines. On a 120 sq ft floor, DIY can save roughly $599–$1,278, minus tool purchases.

· Reviewed by the Smart Tile Calculator editorial team