Adding a new tile installation to your home can be an exciting investment. The right tile can open up your space and add light and balance to a room. The average cost to install tile floors is relatively inexpensive but depends on several factors. So, first, we’ll discuss the average cost and factors that can affect tile floor prices.
Tile flooring has come a long way from the old linoleum we were raised around. Now, you can get tile flooring for any style to match your needs, even porcelain tiles designed to mimic hardwoods.
What Affects the Cost when installing Tile Floors?
Before calculating the average cost to install tile floors, you must know the factors that affect tile flooring prices. Here are a few things to factor in when it comes to the cost of tile floor installation
- The cost of the tile
- Preparing the area for tile
- The amount required for labor costs
- Other materials needed to do the job correctly
- The removal of old surfaces before installing tile
Now that we know what can affect the average cost to install tile floors in your home let’s look at national averages for installing tile floors.
National Averages of Tile Floor Installation
According to Home Advisor, the national average for installing tile floors is $1,833. The typical national average ranges between $886 on the low end and $2,856. Finally, the national average families may pay on either extreme is $400 on the low end and $5,600 on the high end.
The national average to install ceramic or porcelain tile ranges between $13.50 and $63 per square foot. If by chance, you’re looking to install tile flooring outdoors, the national average is between $14 and $83 per square foot.
Let’s look at what plays a role in these ranges by looking at the aforementioned factors.
Materials
When factoring in the cost to install tile flooring, the type of tile plays a role in what you will pay. Something as simple as the material that you use can affect the price for installing tile floors.
Here is a breakdown of prices by tile flooring material:
- Slate tile – $5 to $15 per square foot
- Glass tile – $5 to $15 per square foot
- Ceramic – $0.50 to $7 per square foot
- Porcelain – $3 to $10 per square foot
- Rectified – $0.50 to $15 per square foot
- Porcelain wood tile – $3 to $12 per square foot
Depending on your materials, the price per square foot can range between $0.50 all the way up to $15 per square foot. Let’s take a look at other factors that can affect the average cost to install tile floors.
Labor
Another significant factor in the cost to install tile flooring is labor costs. The national average cost of labor can run between $4 and $14 per square foot. However, to install ceramic or porcelain tile floors, expect to pay anywhere from $4 to $25 per square foot.
Another factor for tile flooring prices is that some companies will charge per hour. If that’s the case, the prices can average between $30 all the way up to $120 per hour.
These costs cover:
- Preparing the surface
- Laying down the mortar
- Placing the tiles on the floor
- Applying and sealing the grout
You’ll notice that this doesn’t cover the cost to remove old tiles. That would cost extra. In most cases, it would be an extra $2 per square foot to remove the tile.
Another added cost could be the cost for the backer board, a material used over sub-flooring, which can run an additional $5 to $8 per square foot.
Repair or Replace a Sub-Floor
In some cases, you may have a sub-floor that needs repairing because you must fix the sub-floor to lay down the new tile.
The reason why you must fix it is that if you have a compromised sub-floor, it can cause issues of safety. It can also lead to cracked tiles over time.
The average cost to repair a sub-floor can average between $40 to $65 per square foot. Meanwhile, replacing a sub-floor is much less expensive at an average cost between $10 to $20.
Other Factors
Besides the materials and labor, you may have some other costs that factor into the price. Here are some things that can also affect the price of installing tile floors:
- Location
- The number of square feet of tile applied
- Whether you choose to tile floor inside or outside
- Other materials that need to be used for the installation
Considering these factors, you can develop an idea of the price you may pay for your tile flooring.
Location
As with most home remodeling, location affects the cost you pay. For instance, someone in Florida might not pay the same price for labor as would someone in New York City.
That means you should factor location into your budget. That’s especially true when you factor in the cost of living and wages in different areas.
Size of the Project
Undoubtedly, one of the most significant factors that can affect the cost of tile floor installation is the size of the project. Since most costs are calculated by square feet, the size of the project has a great deal to do with the price you’ll pay.
Inside or Outside
The cost to tile an indoor project versus an outdoor project can greatly impact the price you pay per square foot. You’ll recall that the cost for inside installation was $14 versus $25 on the high end.
Other Circumstances
Unfortunately, not all floors are the same. If they were, it would be easy to estimate the cost of tile floor installation. Depending on your home and the issues underneath your flooring, it may cost more. Additionally, you may need the right tools for the job.
The Average Cost to Install Tile Floors: Now You Know!
We hope this article helped you understand the average cost to install tile floors. Depending on several factors, you may be on the low or higher end of the range.
If you’re looking for tools or tips to help you install your tile floors, Rubi can help! We offer a wide selection of products to help businesses and DIYers get the job done right.
Please check out our products online to learn more.
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