Tile
Durable, Beautiful Tile for Any Space
Tile is one of the most durable and versatile materials in a home, ideal for floors, backsplashes, showers, and more. It stands up to moisture and traffic, and the range of materials and patterns means there's an option for nearly any budget and style.
Cost depends on the tile material, the complexity of the layout, and prep. A good tile pro helps you weigh ceramic against porcelain and natural stone, and flags the extras, grout, adhesive, underlayment, that add up on bigger jobs.
Abode connects you with local tile installers. Compare pros, understand your options, and add lasting beauty to your home.
Did You Know?
Well-installed tile can last for decades, which is why its higher upfront cost often works out to a lower cost per year than cheaper flooring.
Tile Cost. How Much Do Projects Cost?
Most projects run between $2,000 and $10,000. The average price is typically around $4,000. Tile is priced by the square foot installed, $10 to $50 for materials and labor together. The $2,000 to $10,000 summary is a project total for a typical 200 square foot floor at roughly $20 per square foot installed; a 30 square foot kitchen backsplash runs $800 to $2,500 and a tiled shower $2,500 to $8,000, and because every row below is a per-square-foot rate rather than a total, the rows read far below that band. Watch the scope on any quote: a materials-only number looks like an installed one, and floors, walls, backsplashes, and showers price very differently.
Typical duration: 1 to 4 days
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Installed, all in | $10-$50 per sq ft installed | Materials and labor together; ceramic lands at $10-$22, porcelain $15-$35, glass $25-$55, and natural stone $40-$90 |
| Tile material | $1-$30 per sq ft, materials only | Ceramic $1-$9, porcelain $4-$14, natural stone and decorative stone mosaics $15 and up |
| Labor, floor and wall tile | $8-$25 per sq ft | Basic ceramic is $9-$18 and porcelain $12-$22; herringbone, diagonal, mosaic, and large-format layouts add 15% to 30% |
| Labor, shower surround | $30-$55 per sq ft | Walls plus the pan, priced well above a flat floor; a Schluter- or WEDI-type waterproofing system adds $450-$750 as a flat line |
| Removing the old tile | $2-$7 per sq ft | Often quoted separately and frequently the second-largest line on a retile |
| Underlayment and prep | $2-$5 per sq ft | Backer board and subfloor repair; grout and thin-set on their own are only $1-$2 per sq ft |
Cost data verified September 2, 2026. How we source cost data.
09/02/2026
Signs You Need Tile
- Cracked, dated, or worn tile
- Wanting a new backsplash or shower
- Updating a floor in a wet area
- A remodel or refresh in progress
- Moisture-prone areas needing durability
Is It Right For You?
Who It's For
- Homeowners tiling floors, walls, or wet areas
- Anyone wanting durable, attractive surfaces
Who It's Not For
- Minor grout repairs a homeowner can handle
- Rooms better suited to other flooring
What to Watch Out For
Intricate patterns raise the cost
Grout, adhesive, and underlayment increase the total
Alternatives to Consider
| Alternative | Better When | Worse When |
|---|---|---|
| Peel-and-stick tile | Cheap, DIY-friendly | Far less durable than real tile |
| Other flooring | May cost less | Doesn't offer tile's moisture resistance |
Is It Worth It?
Tile is worth it for its durability and moisture resistance, especially in wet areas, and its longevity offsets the higher upfront cost.
Questions to Ask Your Pro
- Which tile material suits this space and budget?
- Is prep and underlayment included in the quote?
- How is intricate pattern work priced?
Frequently Asked Questions
Installed, tile runs $10 to $50 per square foot for materials and labor together, which puts a typical 200 square foot floor at $2,000 to $10,000 and a kitchen backsplash at $800 to $2,500.
Ceramic is the most budget-friendly at $10 to $22 per square foot installed, while porcelain runs $15 to $35, glass $25 to $55, and natural stone like marble $40 to $90.
The main drivers are the tile material, labor complexity, room size and layout, and extras like grout and adhesive.
Grout and thin-set are only $1 to $2 per square foot, but backer board and subfloor prep add $2 to $5 per square foot, and a waterproofing membrane in a shower or wet area is a flat $450 to $750.
Labor alone ranges from $8 to $25 per square foot on floors and walls and $30 to $55 on a shower surround, so comparing quotes helps ensure a fair price.
