Ceramic is one of the most common tile materials. Ceramic tile installation can cost you an average of $2,425, including materials and labor. Most homeowners nationwide pay between $730 and $4,175, but you can end up paying as little as $325 and as much as $8,790.
There are many types of ceramic tile on the market, with prices varying according to type, shape, color, and many other factors. Typical rates range from $7 to $40 per square foot, including materials and labor.
In this guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Ceramic Tile Installation Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $2,425 |
| Typical Price Range | $730 – $4,175 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $325 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $8,790 |
Most homeowners pay between $730 and $4,175 for ceramic tile installation, but some end up paying as little as $325 or as high as $8,790, mainly depending on the project size and the tile’s quality.
Expect to pay on the lower end if you’re planning a small home improvement project with cheaper ceramic tiles, such as a stoop or entryway steps.
Ceramic Tile Cost Estimator by Project Size
Ceramic tiles can be used both indoors and outdoors. As with standard outdoor tile installation costs, ceramic tile installation will depend significantly on the square footage of your project.
Ceramic tiles cost, on average, between $2 and $20 per square foot. The cost to have the tiles professionally installed ranges between $5 and 20 per square foot, with a total cost ranging from $7 to $40 per square foot, including materials and labor.
The table below shows the average overall costs per area size, including the materials and labor costs. Use these price ranges to estimate your project costs, whether you’re planning an outdoor living area, a pool deck, or just a walkway.
| Area Size | Average Overall Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| 10 sq. ft. | $70 – $400 |
| 20 sq. ft. | $140 – $800 |
| 30 sq. ft. | $210 – $1,200 |
| 50 sq. ft. | $350 – $2,000 |
| 80 sq. ft. | $560 – $3,200 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $700 – $4,000 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $1,400 – $8,000 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The following factors also impact the overall costs for ceramic tile installation:
Tile Type
Ceramic tiles can be glazed or unglazed. For indoors, it’s more common to use glazed tiles, as they have a glossy coat that prevents stains and looks smoother. Unglazed tiles are matte and more common outdoors, as they are more durable, slip-resistant, and impact-resistant.
Glazed ceramic tiles cost between $2 and $15, and unglazed ceramic tiles cost, on average, from $2 to $30.
Tile Shape
When choosing the right shape or arrangement of ceramic tile for your space, you may be tempted to go for the more complicated shapes and designs. However, more intricately shaped tiles or custom shapes will cost more to manufacture and install than square or rectangular tiles.
The table below displays the average costs of ceramic tiles based on their shape:
| Tile shape | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. (Materials only) |
| Square | $2 – $10 |
| Rectangle | $2 – $15 |
| Hexagon | $8 – $20 |
| Mosaic | $15 – $40 |
| Non-standard | $12 – $40 |
Tile Size
Small tiles can be more affordable than large ones because they’re lighter, easier to install, and less expensive per unit of the area covered.
Larger tiles will usually require a completely level surface to adhere appropriately, so if you don’t have the right tools for leveling your floor, it could mean more money spent on hiring someone else to grade the land.
Tile Pattern
The type of tile pattern you want to install in your home also affects the installation costs. For example, tiles installed in straight rows require little expertise, so they are cheaper than more intricate patterns.
Tile patterns such as herringbone, Versailles, basketweave, and mosaic can increase the installation costs by 10% to 20%.
Water Absorption Rating
Tiles can be classified based on their water absorption or porosity ratings. There are four main porosity classifications for ceramic tiles:
- Non-vitreous: Absorbs about 7% of water
- Semi-vitreous: Absorbs 3% to 7% of water
- Vitreous: Absorbs 0.5% to 3% of water
- Impervious: Absorbs less than 0.5% of water
Vitreous and impervious tiles are more suitable for the outdoors and high-traffic areas, and they are more expensive than non-vitreous and semi-vitreous tiles. Vitreous and impervious tiles are less prone to warps and cracks and are more water-resistant and stain-resistant.
Surface Preparation
If you need to prepare the surface (or subfloor) where the new tiles are going to be placed, including cleaning, leveling, or removing old flooring, you might need to hire a professional that can charge you an additional $2 to $10 per square foot to do the job for you.
The smoother the surface and the fewer repairs the subfloor needs, the less it will cost you.
Overages
When estimating the costs for your ceramic tile project, make sure you purchase about 10% to 15% more tiles than you need. That will allow you to cover any breakage that may happen during installation and provide some extra tiles in case any repairs are needed down the road.
Related Services
If you’re not just looking for a small backsplash or countertop tile installation, but to ultimately improve your outdoor living space, consider these related services:
Landscaping
A landscape design is one of the many ways to make your home more appealing. When done right, landscaping can be the difference between a home that’s just ok and one that’s amazing. It can include planting flower beds or shrubs, a new outdoor kitchen, and many other services.
Depending on your desired services and features, a professional landscaper can charge between $4,000 and $20,000 to design and install a landscape for you.
Land Grading
If you’re looking to install tile in your yard, but the ground where you want to install it isn’t flat, you might need to hire a professional for land grading. Grading is the process of making your yard more level and even. By grading your yard, you can create a smooth surface that’s easier for you or a contractor to lay tile on.
Land grading costs range from $100 to $3,400, the lower end for minor grading jobs and the higher for major jobs involving heavy machinery.
Paver Patio
Pavers are a type of tile that imitates the look of natural stone and that have been used since ancient times to make flooring and walkways. They’re durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain.
With pavers, you can create an outdoor space that will look great for years to come—and you won’t have to worry about cracking or chipping like you would with ceramic tile floors. A paver patio can cost you between $3,476 and $8,872.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
The good news is that you can install ceramic tiles yourself if you have a small project and some handy skills. However, it is a challenging task, and you’ll need to be patient and willing to get down and dirty with a grout float, thin-set, tile spacers, and plenty of sharp edges.
The table below shows the average prices for every tool and material you’ll need to install ceramic tiles:
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Spacers | $3 |
| Flooring trowel | $7 |
| Grout float | $12 |
| Plastic sheeting | $15 |
| Rubber mallet | $16 |
| Outdoor-rated thin-set mortar | $21 |
| Level | $21 |
| Grout | $25 |
| Manual tile cutter | $50 |
| Sealant | $40 |
| Total cost of equipment: | $210 |
The materials to install ceramic tiles cost an average of $210, not including the tile itself. That cost could be lower if you already have some of the tools at home.
Check out this outdoor tile DIY tutorial if you want to know how to install ceramic tiles in 10 simple steps.
Cost of Ceramic Tile Installation by Location
Ceramic tile installation prices vary by location. In general, areas where humidity is higher, like Alaska and Florida, can have higher installation prices.
This is because your installer will likely need to use special waterproofing techniques like sealing grout joints or waterproofing concrete floors before installing your tiles, as humidity increases the risk of water damage and cracking.
FAQ
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are close in price, but ceramic tiles are cheaper, costing between $2 and $20 per square foot. Porcelain tiles cost $2 to $30 per square foot.
Ceramic tiles can be uncomfortable to stand and walk on, as they get cold in the winter and have a more rigid surface. They are also heavy, making them inadequate for upper-story flooring installation.
Ceramic tiles are strong but can chip or crack if you drop something heavy on them. That’s why it is recommended to buy more than you need and save it for possible future repairs. To protect the tiles’ edges, you can also prevent chipping by filling the grout right to the top.
Final Thoughts
The final cost of installing ceramic tile can vary greatly, but most homeowners pay between $730 and $4,175, with an average of $2,425. Though you can certainly DIY your ceramic tile project, there’s no doubt a professional will have the process well under control. So, if you’re ready to change up your outdoor space with ceramic tile, hire a tile installer near you.
Main Photo by: PxHere
