Tile installation cost in 2026
Tile installation averages $10 to $25 per square foot installed in 2026. Labor is the bigger half of that number, which is why the same tile can cost twice as much to install in a shower as on an open floor.
Material costs
| Material | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic tile | $1 – $4 / sq ft | Budget floors and walls, easy to cut |
| Porcelain tile | $3 – $8 / sq ft | Best all-round: dense, hard, water-resistant |
| Natural stone | $6 – $20 / sq ft | Marble, travertine, slate — needs sealing |
| Glass / mosaic | $8 – $30 / sq ft | Backsplashes and accents |
| Thinset mortar | $15 – $30 / 50 lb bag | Covers 45–95 sq ft depending on trowel |
| Grout | $15 – $35 / 25 lb bag | Sanded, unsanded, or epoxy |
| Cement backer board | $12 – $18 / sheet | 3 ft × 5 ft sheets |
| Waterproofing membrane | $1.50 – $3 / sq ft | Required in showers |
Labor rates
| Job type | Labor cost |
|---|---|
| Floor, straight layout | $6 – $10 / sq ft |
| Floor, pattern or large format | $9 – $14 / sq ft |
| Kitchen backsplash | $12 – $20 / sq ft |
| Shower surround | $15 – $25 / sq ft |
| Old tile demolition | $2 – $5 / sq ft |
Cost by room
| Project | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Bathroom floor (45 sq ft) | $700 – $1,400 |
| Kitchen backsplash (30 sq ft) | $900 – $1,500 |
| Kitchen floor (180 sq ft) | $2,200 – $4,300 |
| Full shower surround (110 sq ft) | $2,800 – $5,500 |
| Open living area (400 sq ft) | $4,500 – $9,000 |
What drives the price up
- Small rooms. A 40 sq ft bathroom carries the same setup and layout time as a 200 sq ft floor, so the per-foot rate is higher.
- Patterns. Herringbone and diagonal layouts add 20–40% to labor.
- Substrate repair. Deflecting or uneven floors need self-leveler or new underlayment before any tile goes down.
- Wet areas. Waterproofing is a separate trade-quality step and it is not optional.
Get your own number
Run your real measurements through the tile cost calculator to get an itemised estimate, then use the tile quantity calculator for the shopping list.
