Tile Cost Calculator
Project & prices
Removing old tile typically runs $2–$5 per sq ft.
Estimated total project cost
$1,812.00
- Tile (132 sq ft incl. waste)
- $528.00
- Thinset & grout
- $144.00
- Backer board / prep
- $180.00
- Trim
- $0.00
- Labor @ $8.00/sq ft
- $960.00
- Demolition
- $0.00
- Cost per sq ft
- $15.10
Estimates for budgeting only. Get at least three local quotes before committing.
Tools the pros use for this job
Cement Backer Board
BXI Inorganic Ceramic Fiber Thermal Insulation Board(2732F) - 12'' X 8'' X 0.4'', Pack of 1 - High Density - Flame Retardant, Heat Resistant, High Temperature Insulation
Check price on AmazonThe standard substrate for wet areas and most floors.
Self-Leveling Underlayment
BXI Inorganic Ceramic Fiber Thermal Insulation Board(2732F) - 12'' X 8'' X 0.4'', Pack of 1 - High Density - Flame Retardant, Heat Resistant, High Temperature Insulation
Check price on AmazonFlatten the floor first — it is cheaper than cracked tile later.
Tile Tool Kit
Tile Tools Stainless Steel Square Notch Trowel Set Plus Rubber Grout Float and Grout Sponge for Tiling Installation Grouting
Check price on AmazonDIY labor is where the savings are; the kit pays for itself on job one.
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How this calculator works
Typical 2026 US ranges, per square foot:
- Ceramic tile: $1–$4 · Porcelain: $3–$8 · Natural stone: $6–$20
- Setting materials (thinset + grout): about $1.20
- Backer board or membrane: $1–$3
- Labor: $6–$14 for floors, $10–$20 for showers and backsplashes
Demolition of old tile typically runs $2–$5 per square foot, and mud-set tile over wire lath costs more to remove than tile over backer board.
Doing your own labor on a 120 sq ft floor commonly saves $1,000–$1,700 — the main reasons to hire a pro are showers, large-format tile, and floors that need real flattening work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to tile a 12x12 room?
About 144 sq ft. With mid-range porcelain at $5 per sq ft and pro labor at $9 per sq ft, expect roughly $2,300–$2,800 installed, or $1,000–$1,300 as a DIY job.
Is tile cheaper than luxury vinyl plank?
Materials are comparable, but tile labor costs more because of substrate prep and cutting. Tile lasts far longer in wet areas, which is where the extra cost pays back.
What raises tile labor costs the most?
Small rooms, herringbone or diagonal patterns, mosaic sheets, large-format tile needing lippage control, and any wet area requiring waterproofing.
Related calculators
- Tile Quantity CalculatorHow many tiles you need for any room, wall, or floor — with waste.
- Waste Factor CalculatorHow much extra tile to buy for cuts, patterns, and breakage.
- Grout CalculatorPounds of grout by tile size, joint width, and thickness.
- Thinset & Mortar CalculatorBags of thinset by trowel notch size and coverage.
Guides worth reading next
- Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile: Which Should You Actually Buy?Density, water absorption, PEI ratings, price per square foot, and the rooms where each material genuinely makes sense — without the showroom spin.
- How to Measure a Room for Tile (Step by Step)Measure any room for floor or wall tile: handle closets and alcoves, convert inches to decimals, subtract fixtures, and add the right waste percentage.
- Choosing the Right Tile Size for Your RoomHow tile size changes a room: when 12×24 beats 4×4, why small rooms can take large tile, grout line math, and the flatness rule for big formats.