A rough figure for the cost of tile is anywhere from $1 per square foot to $20 per square foot.
Quarry tile is usually made from clay or shale. Quarry tiles are essentially the same materials as bricks and cost around $2 per square foot.
Ceramic tile is available in a number of styles, colors and finishes. You’ll pay around $1 to $3 per square foot for basic, unglazed ceramic tiles and $4 to $20 per square foot or more for glazed, ornamental or custom ceramic floor tiles.
Porcelain tile can also vary greatly in price. You can pay as little as $3 per square foot for low end porcelain tiles and up to $30 for high-end styles and designs.
Terracotta tile costs approximately $1 to $3 per square foot.
An environmentally friendly tile choice is recycled glass tile. These glass tiles start at around $2.50/square foot and cost up to $25 per square foot or more.
Mosaic tile, small tiles under two inches that come in a number of shapes and patterns, are typically mounted in a particular pattern on paper or meshed sheets. Individual mosaic tiles can be swapped out to create new patterns as well. They are a more expensive option, starting at around $3 per square foot and costing up to $50 per square foot for intricate or custom designs.
Stone tile such as slate tile, marble tile or granite tile can be purchased for as little as $2 to $10 per square foot, though the cost can increase significantly for special designs or custom orders.
Installing tile can be as cheap as $2 to $5 per square foot in some areas, though more tile installation cost is somewhere around $5 to $7.50 and in some locations, $10 to $15 a square foot.
Installing wall tile is slightly more expensive than floor tile.
If the existing floor is in good shape (that is, relatively smooth, clean, level and firmly attached to the subfloor) then new tiles can be laid over it. If not, it must be removed and the subfloor prepped at an additional cost in labor.
If your existing floor tiles need a re-grouting plan on approximately $1 to $3 per square foot including all labor and materials.
Grout costs around $20 to $25 per bag (plan on about 1 bag per room). Grout sealer costs $15 to $20 a bag.
Acrylic mix for tile grout (which aids adhesion) costs around $25 per gallon. Figure one gallon per room.
Grout sealer is $15 to $20 a quart.
You can purchase pre-colored grout or grout colorant kits to custom match grout to tiles.
A 10 pack of Dremel bits for grout removal costs roughly $20.
Shopping For Tile Floor Installation?
For all things tile (tile designs, installation, etc) visit HGTV.com.
If you’re going to purchase and install tile yourself, make sure all tiles are from the same manufacturing lot or else the colors could be slightly different. Also, order 15-20% more tiles than you think you will need to allow for breakage during cutting and installation.