Cost of Ceramic Tile Installation

Ceramic Tile Installation Cost

The cost of ceramic tile installation will increase or decrease based upon a number of factors. This article is intended to provide you with a checklist of questions to ask yourself and your contractor.

This key will serve as your guide:

$0 = No additional cost
$ = Standard cost
$$+ = Increased cost

How large of an area will be tiled? (Tile installers typically charge by the square foot)

$ - When installing a tile backsplash

$ - When installing tile in a laundry room or bathroom.

$$ - When installing a tile wall or tile countertop

$$$ - When tile flooring is installed throughout the entire home.

Related: Pros and Cons: Ceramic Tile Installation

What type of area will be tiled?

$ - When a flat, open area with very few corners is tiled.

$$ - When an odd-shaped area with lots of corners is tiled. (This type of installation is more labor-intensive as it requires much more cutting).

What type of tile will be installed?

$ - When unglazed tiles (or quarry tiles) are installed.

$$ - When a glazed tile is installed.

$$$ - When custom or hand-painted tiles are installed.

What grade of tile will be installed?

$ - When a tile with a PEI rating of 1 or 2 is installed.

$$ - When a tile with a PEI rating of 3 is installed.

$$$ - When a tile with a PEI rating of 4 or 5 is installed (These tiles should be used in areas with heavy foot traffic. They are commonly found in industrial or commercial settings.)

Related: Ceramic Tile Wear Rating

How large do the tiles need to be?

$ - When large tiles are installed.

$$ - When smaller tiles are installed (It is more labor-intensive to install smaller tiles).

If tile floors are being installed, does the existing flooring need to be removed?

$ - When the new flooring can be installed over the existing floors.

$$ - When the existing flooring needs to be removed prior to the installation of the new tile floors.

What type of preparation is needed?

$0 - When no preparation is needed and the surface is both clean and level.

$$ - When floors need to be leveled or a new subfloor (substrate) needs to be installed.

Learn More: #TileFlooring on Twitter

What type of pattern will be the tile be laid in?

$ - Standard, straight pattern.

$$ - When the tiles are laid diagonally.

$$ - When a mosaic pattern is laid.

$$$ - When a border, inlay, or custom pattern is installed (This typically requires more materials and labor).

If tile flooring is being installed, do the floors need to be heated?

$0 - When only the tiles are installed.

$$ - When a radiant heating system is installed under the tile floor.

Ask the Pro:

Get Matched to Tile Contractors

1. How long do you expect the installation to take?

2. Do you have any references that I could contact?

3. What type of ceramic tile would you recommend?

4. Does the product come with a manufacturer’s warranty?

5. Do you offer a warranty on the workmanship?

6. Can the new tile be installed over my existing floors?

7. Is cleanup included in the cost estimate?

8. How long can I expect the tile to last?

9. What type of grout and adhesive will be used?

10. Will you ensure there is enough clearance for the doors to open and close properly?

11. Will you move or re-arrange furniture before the tile is installed?

12. What type of maintenance does the tile require?

Cost of Ceramic Tile Installation

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