Whether you want a complex tile installation with vibrant colors or simple vinyl plank flooring that will complement your decor, installing bathroom flooring typically costs an average of $1,910, or between $1,530 and $2,295.
Prices vary greatly depending on the size of your bathroom and the type of flooring you choose. Most contractors charge between $13 and $19 per square foot, or around $16 per square foot on average, including materials, to install bathroom flooring.
In this guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Bathroom Size
- Cost Estimator by Flooring Material
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Bathroom Flooring Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $1,910 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,530 – $2,295 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $290 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $6,000 |
The average cost for installing flooring in a 120-square-foot bathroom is $1,910 or $16 per square foot. However, you can get the prices to as low as $290 if you have a small bathroom, choose cheaper materials, and decide to install it yourself.
The costs can also go as high as $6,000 if you install flooring in a large master bathroom with a luxury material, such as marble.
Bathroom Flooring Cost Estimator by Size
Some bathroom flooring ideas are suitable for a small budget. Still, the prices for bathroom flooring materials can get higher depending on the square footage of your bathroom.
Installing a floor in your bathroom typically costs between $13 and $19 per square foot, with labor and materials included. The table below can help you estimate the costs of installing new flooring in your bathroom:
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 40 sq. ft. | $520 – $760 |
| 80 sq. ft. | $1,040 – $1,520 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $1,300 – $1,900 |
| 120 sq. ft. | $1,560 – $2,280 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $2,600 – $3,800 |
Bathroom Flooring Cost Estimator by Material
When it comes to putting in a new floor – bathroom or not – the most crucial factor is choosing the right material. It’s easy to be tempted to add hardwood because of its looks, but that can be a big mistake if you don’t take proper precautions.
The chart below shows the average costs for each flooring material, and next, we will offer a quick look at each of their pros and cons:
Ceramic Tile
What it is: Ceramic tile is probably the most common type of bathroom flooring because it is both durable and budget-friendly. It is made from clay fired at high temperatures.
Price (material only): $2 – $20 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Water resistant | ✗ Cold and hard to stand on |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✗ Prone to cracks and chips |
| ✓ Durable | ✗ Slippery |
Porcelain Tile
What it is: Porcelain tile is the best option when it comes to getting your money’s worth. It is more durable than ceramic, dense, smooth, and impervious to water.
Price (material only): $2 – $30 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Waterproof | ✗ Challenging to install |
| ✓ Durable | ✗ Heavy |
| ✓ Wear-resistant | ✗ Difficult to repair |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✗ Can be more expensive |
Vinyl
What it is: Vinyl flooring is the easiest-to-install option, made from plastic, fiberglass, and PVC. For bathrooms, consider buying SPC or WPC vinyl, which are waterproof and more durable.
Price (material only): $2 – $11 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Waterproof (SPC or WPC grade) | ✗ Difficult to remove and repair |
| ✓ Easy to install | ✗ Not eco-friendly |
| ✓ Durable | ✗ Does not add value to your home |
Polished Concrete
What it is: Polished concrete is a cheap and modern option for bathroom flooring, with almost the same advantages as ceramic. However, it may need to be sealed from time to time, so it doesn’t stain.
Price (material only): $2 – $10 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Water-resistant | ✗ Hard surface |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✗ Slippery |
| ✓ Durable | ✗ Has to be sealed periodically |
Engineered Wood
What it is: If you want the look of wood flooring, engineered wood can be an excellent option, especially if you’re considering it for the powder room or half bathrooms.
Price (material only): $5 – $17 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ More resistant to moisture than hardwood | ✗ Prone to warping |
| ✓ More affordable | ✗ Needs regular maintenance |
| ✓ Looks like hardwood | ✗ Can fade in contact with light |
Cork
What it is: Cork is produced by grounding bark into tiles or sheets. It is a cheap option for the bathroom if you’re looking for an easy-to-install material, but there are more appropriate options.
Price (material only): $5 – $12 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Better at water resistance than hardwood | ✗ Requires sealing |
| ✓ Easy to replace damaged tiles | ✗ Humidity can reduce the durability |
| ✓ Resistant to mold and mildew | ✗ Spills can distort the tiles |
Laminate
What it is: Laminate flooring is made of compressed wood waste with a top image layer. This could be an option if you’re looking for a material that resembles wood in your half bathroom.
Price (material only): $4 – $11 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Resembles real wood | ✗ Needs maintenance |
| ✓ Easy to install | ✗ Can warp with moisture |
| ✓ Easy to remove | ✗ Susceptible to water damage |
Granite
What it is: Granite is a natural stone, or, to be specific, an igneous rock. It can last for decades and give your bathroom a luxurious, unique look at affordable prices.
Price (material only): $2 – $15 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Scratch and stain resistant | ✗ Difficult to install |
| ✓ Durable | ✗ Heavy |
| ✓ Water-resistant | ✗ Requires sealing |
Slate
What it is: Slate is another natural stone tile composed of quartz, sericite, and mineral sediments. It can add real estate value to your home while also looking stylish.
Price (material only): $3 – $22 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Adds value | ✗ Costly |
| ✓ Water-resistant | ✗ Difficult to install and repair |
| ✓ Resistant to cracks and scratches | ✗ Requires sealing regularly |
Travertine
What it is: Travertine is a type of limestone formed from sediments, available in various colors and textures. Although porous, it can be an excellent option for bathroom flooring with the right kind of sealant.
Price (material only): $2 – $30 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✗ Slippery |
| ✓ Adds real estate value | ✗ Prone to stains |
| ✓ Durable | ✗ Requires sealing regularly |
Marble
What it is: Marble is formed when limestone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure. It is one of the most luxurious flooring options, while also being practical.
Price (material only): $5 – $60 per square foot
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Adds real estate value | ✗ Prone to scratches and stains |
| ✓ Elegant and luxurious | ✗ Costly |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✗ Requires sealing regularly |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
There are multiple factors affecting the cost of installing bathroom flooring. We’ll look at those factors next.
Labor Costs
Flooring installation costs will vary greatly depending on the type of flooring you’re installing and the amount of labor required. On average, contractors charge between $4 and $19 per square foot to install bathroom flooring (not including the cost of the material).
Porcelain tiles, for example, cost between $9 and $50 per square foot for the installation alone, whereas ceramic tile installation costs from $5 to $20 per square foot. That is because porcelain tiles are denser, heavier, and difficult to cut, which makes the installation take more hours. The same goes for slate and granite.
On the other hand, materials like vinyl or laminate are lightweight and easy to install, which reduces installation costs.
Subfloor and Underlayment
The first step in installing bathroom flooring is to repair the subfloor and ensure it is level. Suppose there are any cracks or holes in the subfloor. In that case, they need to be repaired before installing tile or any other flooring material, which will add to your final costs.
If the subfloor is too damaged, you may need to replace it for between $2 and $8 per square foot.
If you’re considering installing vinyl or laminate flooring, you must pay attention to the underlayment. The underlayment is a layer between the subfloor and the flooring material, which keeps moisture from getting to the subfloors. A new underlayment installation costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
Tile Size
To keep costs low when installing bathroom tile, you will also need to consider the size of the tiles. Although larger tiles may cost more than smaller ones, installing them is easier and takes less time, which leads to lower installation costs.
On the other hand, if you’re considering getting smaller tiles, or smaller tiles combined in patterns to form mosaics, you can expect to pay more, as it takes more time to install them.
Flooring Removal
Removing bathroom flooring is a part of any bathroom remodel that many people don’t consider. The costs for flooring removal depend on the type of flooring installed, but it usually costs between $1 and $4 per square foot.
Related Services
While considering changing your bathroom floors, why not remodel other parts of the bathroom? Here are some services that can help you give your bathroom a completely new look:
Shower Remodel
You can completely change the look and feel of your shower, making it fit your own personal style. Whether that style is minimalist or traditional, the options available for improving the look of your bathroom are various.
You can change fixtures, replace the shower tile, replace the tub with a walk-in shower, and many more. Shower remodeling costs, on average, $5,980, with most homeowners paying between $2,145 and $10,565.
Toilet and Sink Installation
When the toilet and sink of your bathroom start wearing out, it’s time to replace them. Poor toilet and sink installation can lead to septic and sewage plumbing issues, so if you don’t have any experience with plumbing, it’s best to leave that to a professional.
Toilet installation costs $460, ranging from $275 to $655, with the toilet included. As for the sink, it costs around $565 to install a new one, with homeowners nationwide paying between $310 and $820.
Bathroom Vanity
A vanity is a vital part of your bathroom, so it pays to take your time and choose the right one for your needs. However, this can get expensive fast, especially if you want something fancy.
When installing a new vanity, you must consider the size, material, countertop material, and type of fixtures. Vanity installation ranges from $315 to $2,710, with an average of $1,145.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you’re considering installing flooring in your home DIY, you may wonder if it’s worth the time and effort. The answer is: it depends.
Vinyl sheets or planks are very straightforward to install and don’t usually require removing old flooring. Instead, you just have to click the planks together or peel-and-stick the sheets to install them on top of the old flooring material.
On the other hand, a tile floor installation requires more time and expertise. It may require you to familiarize yourself with all the tools and materials before starting. Here is what you’ll need:
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Spacers | $3 |
| Flooring trowel | $7 |
| Grout float | $12 |
| Safety goggles | $14 |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Level | $21 |
| Thin-set mortar | $21 |
| Grout | $25 |
| Tile cutter | $100 |
| Total cost: | $221 |
Tile installation costs around $221 to for the DIY equipment alone. That’s lower than the typical cost of labor, but suppose you don’t have any experience at all. In that case, you should probably hire a professional, as a bad tiling job can cost you more along the way.
Cost of Flooring Installation by Location
There are many factors to consider when pricing bathroom flooring. Some of these factors are the type of flooring, the installation process, and the labor charges, as we’ve addressed throughout this guide.
Additionally, you need to consider that your cost can vary regionally, that is, depending on where you live, because labor costs differ from place to place. For example, metropolitan areas typically have higher labor costs than rural areas. You will also need to factor in transportation costs, especially if you live in an area where the materials you want aren’t widely available.
Reach out to a local flooring contractor for a quote specific to your area.
FAQ
Vinyl sheets that you can peel and stick are the cheapest and easiest-to-install flooring option. They are waterproof (if SPC or WPC), stain-resistant, durable, and come in various styles, which make them an excellent choice for bathroom flooring, especially if you’re on a budget.
Porcelain is the best flooring material for bathrooms. It can last a lifetime, is easy to clean, and withstands high foot traffic. Most importantly, it is impervious to water, so it won’t warp, swell, or peel from moisture and humidity.
Porcelain is the flooring option that lasts the longest. If properly installed, porcelain flooring can last 50 years to a lifetime, with no need for regular sealing or other maintenance.
Final Thoughts
New flooring can completely change your bathroom, giving it an upscale look. However, it’s essential to take precautions while installing flooring, as bathrooms are usually highly subject to moisture and standing water. As such, find a professional installer near you today, so your flooring can resist the humidity of a bathroom for the longest time possible.
Main Photo by: PxHere
