How Much Does It Cost To Install Bathroom Floor Tile?

Bathroom tile floor installation cost factors

When assessing the cost to install tile in your bathroom, a few factors will affect the overall cost: 

• Bathroom size: You might think the bigger the bathroom, the higher the cost. However, a smaller bathroom will be more expensive because of the small space and amount of tile-cutting necessary. 
• Bathroom layout: Any unusual shapes or walls of multiple lengths will affect the overall price. 
• Tile size and hardness: Large tiles take less time to install, so they’re more cost-effective. If the tile is hard it takes longer to cut, which also increases the price. 
• Floor removal: If the old flooring needs to be removed, it’ll cost between $1 and $2 per square foot. 
• Water damage: Sometimes, a bathroom accumulates water damage under the floor, resulting in rot or mold. Anything damaged should be cut out and replaced, which incurs extra costs. 

Bathroom tile flooring cost per square foot

The cost to install tile floor in the bathroom will likely include an underlying base layer. Your contractor may have a preference, but generally, you can choose from the following materials: 

• Thin, waterproof membrane underlayment costs from $3.50 to $5 per square foot. 
• Cement board underlayment - also called a backerboard and of the most common foundation - runs from $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot with an installed cost of $3.50 to $5.50. 
• Self-leveling underlayment can be easily poured and creates a natural level. It costs between $4.00 to $5.00 per square foot.

The material cost to lay any type of tile is between $3 and $10 per square foot. The most common types of bathroom tile are porcelain and ceramic, both clay-based materials that have been shaped, molded, and glazed. 

With materials and labor, it costs between $7 and $14 to install ceramic tile and $12 to $19 to install porcelain. Porcelain is more expensive than ceramic because it can resist stains and handle moisture better as a heavy and dense material. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are cooked in a kiln, and each maintains its color, is moisture- and stain-resistant, and will last a very long time. Porcelain is longer-lasting and generally tougher than ceramic.

Labor costs to install tile in a bathroom

Hiring a professional tile installer will ensure the job gets done right the first time. Sometimes a contractor will charge by the hour to do your bathroom floor. It’s more common for them to charge per square foot, along with other factors like the layout of your bathroom, any removal work that needs to be done, and the type of underlay you choose. It ranges from $25 to $100 per hour if they charge by the hour. Urban areas will have higher rates than smaller towns. A contractor may also charge a flat rate. 

You’ll pay, on average, $4 to $8 per square foot for the adhesive and $7 to $14 per square foot for the underlay. Laying the tiles costs $4 to $8 for lower-range materials such as ceramic and $12 to $14 per square foot for higher-end products like marble, natural stone, or granite. Generally, you can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per square foot. 

• A small bathroom of about 40 square feet will cost $300 to $600.
• A medium-sized, 75-square-foot bathroom will cost $563 to $1,125.  
• Large bathrooms of 160 square feet will cost $1,200 to $2,400.

Cost of bathroom tile types

Usually, larger tiles are less expensive than small tiles because they’re less labor-intensive to size, cut, and fit. Large tiles cost $5 to $15 per square foot to lay, while smaller ones can be double that. When selecting what tiles are right for your bathroom, you have a wide variety to choose from. Bathroom tiles are available in materials including ceramic, porcelain, and cut stone, and they can be durable and non-slip.

Ceramic tile

This is usually the most cost-effective option. It’s water-resistant and fairly durable, although it will chip if it becomes brittle or suffers impact. It costs between $1 and $7 per square foot.

Porcelain tile

Formed at a higher temperature than ceramic, porcelain tiles are harder and more resistant. It costs between $3 to $10 per square foot, with an extra $1 or $2 added for a slip-resistant tile.

Porcelain wood tile

This is a great way to give your bathroom floor the appearance of wood with the durability of tile. It costs $3 to $12 per square foot for this style of tile. It comes in wood-like looks such as walnut, oak, chestnut, and ash wood.

Vinyl tile

This material is popular because it comes in various colors and patterns and is affordable. It also has a durable walking surface, making it a long-lasting option. They cost $0.41 to $5 per square foot.

Stone tile

Generally, it costs $5 to $20 per square foot for stone flooring, but if natural stone flooring needs to be cut, the cost goes up to $50. There are many types of stone to choose from, including limestone, clay, granite, sandstone, slate, and basalt.

Marble tile

This classic, elegant tile costs between $10 to $20 per square foot and is often available as pre-cut tiles, which helps to lower the cost slightly. 

Resilient tile

Resilient tile includes linoleum, cork, and rubber. It’s defined by its durable yet elastic nature and is great for families with children or bathroom floors that get a lot of traction. This type of flooring costs from $1 to $7 per square foot. 

DIY or hire a pro

To save on costs, sometimes people like to tackle these home projects DIY. If you have a bit of experience and a weekend to spare, you’ll likely be able to retile your bathroom yourself. 

If you are going to DIY, ensure you have all the tools and materials you need to complete the project successfully. If you have to rent tools, it would be worth checking estimates to have your floor professionally done, as the cost will be comparable. You’ll need tile spacers, grout and grout sealer to protect the tiles from mold and moisture, thin-set mortar, silicone caulking for around the toilet and bathtub, and proper tile cutters to fit the tiling properly to the shape of the floor. 

These costs all add up, and if you’re not sure of the process, you may make mistakes that a professional will have to remedy later. If many small cuts need to be made, leaving the job to a pro may be smart, as these intricate details will only look good if done correctly. An amateur job could result in raised, cracked, or loose tiles or an incomplete finish in the corners. This not only looks haphazard but could result in water damage below.  

A professional will be sure to avoid these problems while doing a more efficient job without wasting tiles from poor cuts.