Tile flooring is one of the most common flooring options for bathrooms and kitchens. In addition to making beautiful floors, tile is easy to clean, durable, and affordable. It offers great versatility and comes in a plethora of shapes, colors, and sizes. Tile can complement any design and floor plan and creates a timeless look that can continue to look stunning for years to come.
Some tile options with cool features like heated flooring, water resistance, scratch resistance, etc. How much you can expect to pay for tile installation depends on several factors that we will discuss in this article.
Tile Installation Costs
If you’re considering installing tile in your kitchen or bathroom, one of the top questions that come to mind is how much it will cost you. The cost to tile your kitchen or bathroom will depend on the type of tiles you choose, your location, the size of the area, and how complex the installation process is. There is also some prep work involved when it comes to tile installation that can impact the overall cost.
The costs are separated into two parts: tile cost per square foot and labour costs per square foot.
Generally, the cost to install tile in Canada runs anywhere from $8 to $21 per square foot for ceramic tile flooring. So, the overall cost ranges around $4,600 total if you choose one of the more affordable tile options.
Labour Costs for Tile Installation
The labour costs for tile installation varies based on where the tiles are being placed. The location is important because it indicates how much time it will take to complete the installation. Installing tiles in bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms tends to take more time and requires advanced expertise.
This is because these rooms have sinks and drains that new tiles will need to be cut to accommodate. If the design of these rooms is complex, you can expect the labour charges to increase. The size of the tile also has an impact on the cost. Larger tiles take less time and effort to install than smaller tiles, so the labour cost for small tiles may be more than it is for larger tiles.
On average, labour charges for installing new tile is between $6 to $45 per square foot. Floor tiling labour costs fall at the lower end of this range while backsplash and countertop tiling command a higher labour cost.
Most tile installers charge per square foot, others charge per hour. The average hourly rate is $80 to $125 per hour.
Tile Installation Costs Per Project
Tile can be installed on your floor, countertop, bathroom/shower or backsplash. We’ll break down the cost per project so you have a good idea of what to expect for the labour.
If old tiles need to be removed before installing new ones, there will be an additional cost of about $730 to $1,500 for tile removal and disposal. A sealant will need to be applied to unglazed sealant, adding another $130 to $650 to the cost.
Tile for the Shower
The size of your shower and the tile pattern affect your installation costs. A straight-set pattern is the most common pattern for shower towels and is often the standard most tile contractors use when giving a quote. If you want a more creative option, e.g. diagonal or another pattern, be prepared to pay an additional cost.
The cost for shower tiles ranges from $10 to $50 per square foot. When you add the cost of other materials and the labour, your total cost will be somewhere between $1,000 to $13,000.
Tile for the Bathroom
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are two of the most popular types of tiles for bathrooms. They are both durable and do well in moist environments. The cost for these tiles typically falls between $9 to $32 per square foot. Bathroom tile installations can be complex because there are a number of features in your bathroom that need to be worked around. This includes your toilet, your sink, and your bathtub or shower. So, your bathroom tiling costs will typically range anywhere from $390 to $780.
Tile for a Walk-In Shower
How much you spend will depend on the size of your shower and the type of tile you choose. The standard walk-in shower is about 84 square feet.
On average, installing tile in the shower will cost approximately $1,000 to $3,900.
Tile for Kitchen Backsplash
The cost to install backsplash depends on the size of the space, the material and if you need the existing backsplash removed. On average, a budget of $30 to $45 per square foot is ideal for backsplash tile installation. More intricate patterns or designs can increase the cost.
Glass tile is quite common for backsplashes and costs approximately $41 per square foot. We recommend budgeting about $780 to $1,600 for backsplash tile installation.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring comes in a variety of styles. There is a tile type for every budget and ranges from affordable choices to high-end tile options. The cost to tile a floor will depend on the size of the room and the level of difficulty.
On average, a kitchen floor of 130 square feet costs $1,200 to $2,550, but costs can rise to around $3,650 if your kitchen is larger.
Tile for Kitchen Countertop
Tile countertops are less expensive than natural stone countertops.
If you are considering coffee kitchen countertops, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $115 per square foot, excluding labor charges.
Cost for Tile Replacement and Removal
Before you can install new tiles on your floor, you’ll need to have the existing tiles removed. Many contractors include the removal costs in the price estimates, but it’s important to clarify this with your tile installer before the work begins. Removal costs are roughly $4 per square foot.
If there is any damage to the subfloor that needs repair prior to the tile installation, you can expect an additional cost. And if a new subfloor needs to be installed, there may be an additional labor cost that is separate from the cost of materials.
Contact Us
Zelta is your one-stop shop for all your tiling needs. Give us a call today and we’ll help you find the right tiles for your home.
