How Much Does It Cost To Install Bathroom Flooring?

Bathroom floor replacement costs

You’ll know it’s time for a bathroom floor replacement when your current flooring starts to look worn, outdated, or warped. There are many factors involved, but if you’re wondering how much it costs to replace bathroom flooring in general, Americans pay an average range of $1,500 to $8,000. 

Many factors affect bathroom flooring costs, including the condition of your current floor and subfloor, the materials you choose for the best flooring for your bathroom, and whether you do a DIY project or hire a professional. The size and shape of your bathroom also play a significant factor in cost. When thinking about cost, consider these factors:

1. If the subfloor needs to be ripped up, it’ll cost more. If it just needs basic repairs or is in good condition, it’ll contribute less to your overall costs. 
2. The materials you use for your new bathroom flooring will affect the overall cost. Some types are long-lasting and durable, while other cheaper options may cost less but will wear out faster. 
3. Larger floors are less time-consuming because the tiles are easier to fit, while small and uniquely shaped bathrooms take more time. 

Best bathroom flooring to install

There are many great options for your new bathroom flooring. Here’s a guide to the best bathroom flooring materials you have to choose from: 

Porcelain tile or porcelain wood tile

Porcelain is formed at a high temperature, making it a very durable, water-resistant, and long-lasting material. Porcelain wood tile gives your bathroom flooring the appearance of wood with the durability qualities of porcelain.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic is generally the least expensive option. It has many of the durability qualities of porcelain, but it risks becoming brittle over time or cracking if anything is dropped on it.

Vinyl sheets, tile, or plank

Vinyl is another economical option many people choose when they want to have a custom print or specific color scheme in their bathroom. It’s not as long-lasting as the other options but is a solution for a quick fix.

Stone or marble tile

For a stone look, you may choose from limestone, sandstone, slate, and granite. This bathroom flooring is the most expensive option, as the contractor will have to custom-cut the stone to your bathroom. Marble tile is the least expensive stone; it’s available in pre-cut tiles and has a very elegant finish.

Installation costs for bathroom flooring

To determine how much it’ll cost for your bathroom floor replacement, you’ll have to decide if you’ll take a swing at DIY or hire a  professional. If you hire a contractor, expect to pay by the square footage and shape of your bathroom rather than by the hour, although that does sometimes happen. If the contractor does charge by the hour, you’ll pay between $25 and $100 per hour. 

It’s more common to pay per square foot. Americans pay between $5 and $10 per square foot on average. The contractor will factor in the adhesive, the underlay, and the new bathroom flooring. It costs $4 to $8 for lower-range materials, such as ceramic, and $12 to $14 per square foot for higher-end products, like stone. 

A bathroom of 60 square feet usually costs between $800 and $1100, but with so many factors at play, you’ll want a more accurate estimate. When assessing how much does it cost to replace and install bathroom flooring, here’s what you need to take into consideration: 

• Bathroom size and shape: When a contractor lays tile in a large bathroom, they won’t need to cut and measure as many tiles, so it costs less. In small or oddly shaped spaces, more labor is required to fit tiles, which drives up the price.
• Floor removal: Sometimes the subflooring needs to be removed, which costs about $1 to $2 per square foot.
• The materials: Some flooring is simple to lay, such as vinyl flooring for your bathroom, while others are more difficult, like stone. When the tiles or sheets are easy to cut, it can make for a quick job, while harder materials are more difficult to cut. This is another reason ceramic is less expensive than porcelain tile. 

DIY or hire a pro

Paying a professional to do your bathroom floor replacement may seem like an unnecessary expense if you can do the project yourself. That’s not always the case, as the materials themselves can be pricey, and a professional will know exactly what needs to be done. 

If you’re confident in your handy know-how and are willing to set aside a weekend to do the job, here’s what you need to know about how to replace a bathroom floor:

• Make sure you have all the equipment you need for the bathroom floor replacement. If you don’t have them on hand, you’ll need to rent them. In that case, it may be worth it to hire a professional.
• Have a plan. You’ll want to avoid as many errors as possible, so carefully measure everything and research what sealants and tile spacers you’ll need. 
• Assess the subfloor. If there’s any damage to the concrete or wood below, it’ll need to be removed and replaced. A contractor will be able to do this for an extra dollar or two per square foot. 
• Have a steady hand for small cuts. Installing bathroom flooring requires fine measurements and installation of small proportions, so having the ability to do this is critical for a DIY project. Otherwise, tiles may end up cracked, raised, or loose.