Tile installation costs $7 to $15 per square foot for tiling a floor, shower, or bathroom walls and $20 to $35 per square foot for a backsplash. Tile contractors charge $40 to $100 per hour on average. Total costs depend on the room, project size, and quality and size of the tile.

• Tiling a backsplash costs $600 to $1,300.
• Tiling a floor costs $1,000 to $4,500.
• The cost to retile a shower is $800 to $3,000.

Porcelain and ceramic tile flooring lasts 50 to 100 years on average, while natural stone tile such as granite and marble has a life expectancy of more than 100 years.

Tile adds value to a home when properly installed with up-to-date materials. Installing tile flooring, bathroom walls, or a backsplash has a 50% to 70% return on investment on average.

Laying new tile takes 1 to 3 days to install on average, depending on the size of the project, type and size of tile, and if there's a subfloor in place with suitable floor joists.

When selecting the best type of tiling to use for your home, consider the various ratings and tile types:

Tile ratings

• PEI Rating – Indicates the tile hardness and durability. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, with most residential floors needing a 2 or 3 rating depending on foot traffic.
• Slip Resistance Rating – The coefficient of friction (COF) measures the slip resistance of tile on a scale of 1 to 10, with ten being the most slip-resistant.

Types of tiling

• Ceramic and porcelain is the most common and cost-effective tiling materials used in homes. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are stain-resistant, easy to install, flexible, temperature-tolerant, and water-resistant for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Glass tiling is one of the most visually appealing materials that's easy to clean, impervious to water, and eco-friendly. However, glass is one of the most expensive materials and requires professional installation.
• Natural stone – Granite, slate, limestone, and travertine are beautiful, eco-friendly, and durable stones that are not as slippery as ceramic. Natural stone is also the most expensive, can be scratched or chipped, and some need sealing to prevent water damage.
• Marble has a unique, smooth, shiny look that mirrors the look of natural stone. Marble is a natural material that's durable and easy to clean. Marble is more expensive and softer than porcelain, and can be scratched or chipped.
• Metal – Copper and stainless steel tiling provide a high-end rustic appearance in shades of red, brown, and green. These materials are easy to clean and eco-friendly, but changes in appearance over time, need regular maintenance, and are among the most expensive materials.

Ceramic and porcelain tile are the cheapest and most cost-effective, but have a few differences:

Porcelain tile

• Denser and more durable
• Longer lifespan
• Higher PEI rating
• Best for high traffic rooms and bathrooms
• More water-resistant

Ceramic tile

• Softer
• Easier to cut and install
• Cheaper
• Best for interior floors, walls

Tile can be installed over tile if the subfloor is concrete or a sound surface that's level and free of mold and mildew. Tile can also be installed over concrete, linoleum, vinyl, plywood, and drywall, depending on the circumstances and tile material used.

Start by searching our list of tile layers, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:

• Get at least three estimates from tile installers to compare.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Select companies that are licensed, insured, and certified.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Look for tile contractors that are a member in the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) or training through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF).
• Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
• Ask for a full itemized estimate in writing.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best tile installers in your area.

When hiring a tile installer, ask them the following questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many similar projects have you completed?
• Can I see your portfolio of tiling projects?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Are you certified with the NTCA or CTEF?
• Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
• Are there any potential complications you foresee with this project?
• How long will the project take?
• What precautions do you take for mold and mildew?
• Do you use greenboard in damp areas?
• Does your installation allow for expansion?
• Do you use sealant on the tiles and grout?
• How do you plan to connect the new tile with flooring in adjacent rooms?
• Do you install subfloor heating?
• Who's the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• What does your warranty policy include?
• Can you provide me a written estimate or contract with a breakdown of all costs?
• What happens when your costs exceed the budget?
• What’s your payment schedule?
• What do I need to provide to get started?