How Much Does It Cost To Install Mosaic Tile?

What Pattern Is Best?

Before beginning the project, decide what pattern you want to create with the tile. One option is to place the tiles in a specific pattern to create symmetry or even an image. Another option is to set the tiles at random for laid-back charm. The design you choose will influence the type of tile you purchase, so decide which option you want to ensure you buy the right ones.

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Consider the colors that are going to be used in the room. Incorporating a few interesting splashes of color into the mosaic can add appeal to its overall look, but going too far from the color scheme in the room can make the mosaic look a bit haphazard and out of place.

How Big Should the Tiles Be?

Tile is available in many different sizes, and it can even be broken when smaller pieces are needed. If you plan to cover a large space with the tile, such as a floor, you may want to use bigger pieces of tile. For more intricate designs or smaller areas, such as the backsplash in the kitchen, smaller pieces may be best.

Is Installation a DIY Project?

Installing mosaic tile isn't overly difficult, but for uniform results, it's best to work with a professional that is skilled in accurate spacing and grouting techniques and tile cutting. A professional will also apply a quality sealant to the tile to protect it from water damage.

Written by

Jennifer Carlson

December 7,

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Tile installation cost

Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot or $2,000 to $10,000 total on average for 200 square feet, depending on the tile material, labor cost, and location. Tile floor installation typically costs more than tile walls. Common tile materials include ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass.

Tile installation cost by size Square feet Average installed cost 50 $500 &#; $2,500 100 $1,000 &#; $5,000 150 $1,500 &#; $7,500 200 $2,000 &#; $10,000 250 $2,500 &#; $12,500 300 $3,000 &#; $15,000 350 $3,500 &#; $17,500

Gray tile flooring matching the gray rectangular stone backsplash in modern kitchen

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Average cost to install tile

The following table shows the average total cost to install 200 square feet of tile, including labor and materials.

Average cost to install 200 SF of tile, including labor and materials - ChartAverage cost to install tile National Average Cost $6,000 Minimum Cost $500 Maximum Cost $17,500 Average Range $2,000 to $10,000

Choose a standard tile size and basic shape to save money on your installation. Intricate tilework costs more than average.

Tile cost by material

Stone and glass tiles typically cost the most to install. Porcelain and ceramic are both made of fired clay, but they vary slightly in cost and durability. Vinyl and linoleum are the cheapest options but are only used on floors.

Tile cost by material Tile material Average cost per square foot installed Details Ceramic $12 &#; $40

• Made of coarse-grain clay
• Durable but not as strong as porcelain or stone

Porcelain $15 &#; $50

• Refined clay
• More water-resistant than ceramic

Vinyl $2 &#; $16

• Inexpensive
• Mimics ceramic or stone

Linoleum $4 &#; $11

• Cheap and easy to install
• Prone to dents and scratches

Stone $10 &#; $50

• Many different types
• Most require regular sealing

Glass $20 &#; $100

• Most expensive option
• Low maintenance once completed

A worker installing ceramic tile flooring in a home.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile installation costs $12 to $40 per square foot for labor and materials, depending on the area size, location, and whether the tile is glazed. Installing ceramic tiles on floors or in showers typically costs more than on walls.

Porcelain tile

Porcelain tiles cost $15 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on the size and pattern. Porcelain tiles are made of finer-grain clay than ceramic, are fired at higher temperatures, and are less porous. Ceramic tiles cost less but are not as naturally water-resistant.

Vinyl tile

Vinyl tile flooring costs $2 to $10 per square foot, while luxury vinyl floor tiles cost $4 to $16 per square foot installed. Luxury floor tiles (LVT) differ from normal floor tiles in thickness and durability. Vinyl tiles often look like ceramic and stone tiles.

Linoleum tile

Linoleum tile flooring costs $4 to $11 per square foot installed. Linoleum is an inexpensive flooring material that requires sealing to be waterproof and stain resistant. Click-together linoleum tiles cost more but are much easier to install than glue-down tiles.

Stone tile

Stone tiles cost $10 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on the material. Popular stones like slate and limestone cost less, while high-end materials like granite or marble cost more than average. Travertine is a type of limestone that is commonly used to make tiles.

Stone tile floors in shades of gray with marble backsplash in kitchen

Glass tile

Glass tiles cost $20 to $100 per square foot with installation, depending on the size, pattern, and color. Mosaic designs made with small tiles are time-consuming and take precision to complete. Unlike other materials, glass does not require sealing and is relatively low maintenance.

Terrazzo tile

Terrazzo tile costs $15 to $35 per square foot installed or $8 to $20 per square foot for materials alone. Tile sizes range from 8"x8" to 24"x48". Terrazzo tiles are cheaper but do not provide the limitless customization or the smooth, seamless look of poured terrazzo flooring.

Cost to install tile by location

The cost to install tile varies by location and job size. Tile setters may charge different labor rates for backsplashes and countertops than walls or floors. Some have minimum service fees for small jobs, so combine projects when possible.

Tile installation cost by location Location Average size
(square feet) Average total cost Kitchen floor 130 &#; 184 $1,300 &#; $9,200 Kitchen backsplash 20 &#; 40 $200 &#; $2,000 Kitchen countertops 30 &#; 66 $300 &#; $3,300 Bathroom floor 40 &#; 160 $400 &#; $8,000 Shower 42 &#; 120 $420 &#; $6,000 Bathroom walls 104 &#; 274 $1,000 &#; $13,700 Living area floor 200 &#; 320 $2,000 &#; $16,000

Floor tile

Installers typically charge more to install a tile floor than a wall. Floor tiles are generally easy to put into place, but the adhesive contractors use to lay the tiles is extra-strength and costs more than average.

When selecting tile for your floors, choose a tile with a textured surface instead of a smooth, glossy surface to provide more traction and prevent slipping.

Backsplash tile

Backsplash installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material. Installing a tile backsplash typically costs more than other projects because measuring, cutting, and fitting in a kitchen requires more precision.

Modern white cabinets and rectangular glass tile backsplash

Shower tile

The cost to retile a shower or bathroom is $7 to $25 per square foot, depending on the material, size, and design. Installing tile in a shower can be difficult if the space is small or hard to access. The installer may also need to add a new waterproof membrane behind the tile to prevent leaks.

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Grey glass tile shower surround with granite countertop

Tile installation cost calculator

Tile prices depend mostly on the material you choose as well as the labor fees, which are determined by the individual contractor.

Tile installation cost factors Factor Average cost per square foot Materials $2 &#; $30 Labor $8 &#; $20 Total cost $10 &#; $50

The following factors affect the cost to install tile:

• Tile patterns &#; Complex patterns like mosaic, herringbone, Versailles, wood-look, or basketweave cost more to install than a basic pattern or design.

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• Area size &#; Larger tile projects cost more, but your contractor may charge more for working in small, hard-to-reach areas like shower stalls.

• Location &#; Tile floors typically cost less in labor fees to install than backsplashes but more than walls.

• Tile materials &#; Most tile installers include adhesives, grout, and underlayment in their material costs. The total cost will vary depending on the type and quality of these materials.

• Tile porosity &#; The more vitreous or waterproof a tile is, the more expensive it will be. Porous ceramic or terra cotta is cheaper but not as durable.

• Tile rating &#; Tiles are rated on their durability. Class I tiles cost less but are not durable enough to be used on floors. Class II to III tiles are used on light to moderate traffic, while Class IV and V can be used in any area of a home or workplace.

• Heated floors &#; Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed. If you are considering adding radiant floor heating, install it before laying new tile to avoid the expense of removing the new tile floor and redoing it later.

A tile installer laying a ceramic tile floor.

Tile labor

The labor cost to install tile is $8 to $20 per square foot on average, depending on the tile location and type. Tiny, intricate designs or ceramic tile floors typically cost more to install because they're more difficult and time-consuming.

Removing old tiles or flooring materials typically costs extra but may be included in your estimate. Tile removal costs $2 to $7 per square foot. Carpet removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot.

If the floor or wall beneath the tile is damaged or you're trying to salvage old tile rather than replace it, you may face these additional costs:

• Tile repair costs $10 to $50 per square foot on average.

• Reglazing tile costs $4.00 to $12.00 per square foot.

• Tile and grout cleaning costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot.

• Replacing the subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot. If the panels are damaged or no longer level, part or all of the subfloor may require repairs or replacement before tile is installed on top.

Tile shape

Tile prices vary depending on the shape. Square and rectangular tiles cost less than irregular shapes, hexagonal tiles, or mosaic designs. Custom or hand-cut shapes cost much more than prefabricated tiles. Rectangular or subway tiles cost $7 to $35 per square foot installed.

Tile installation FAQs

Can you install new tile over old tile?

You should remove tiles before installing new materials unless the old tiles are level and in good condition. Layering new tiles, carpet, vinyl flooring, laminate, or linoleum over broken tiles can result in an uneven floor and cover up mold or damage.

You may also want to remove tiles if the new material will increase the size of the floor or wall so much that it causes problems with door thresholds, cabinets, or baseboards.

Can you install tile directly on concrete or drywall?

In most cases, you can install tile directly on concrete or drywall without underlayment. However, you will need to install a vapor barrier and cement board under the tiles in your bathroom or outdoor areas. This will prevent mold, water damage, and pests.

Do I need a permit for tile installation?

Tilework typically does not require a permit unless it's part of a greater remodel project or you're moving plumbing fixtures or electrical outlets around. Check with your contractor or local building codes to make sure your project doesn't need a permit.

Do you tip tile installers?

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Tile installers, like most other contractors, typically do not expect or require a tip. However, if you feel they provided excellent service or exceeded your expectations, consider giving them a 10% to 20% tip.

Kitchen backsplash installed with small square mosaic tiles

Getting estimates from tile contractors

Before hiring a tile installer near you, follow these steps:

• Get at least three similar tile estimates to compare.

• Look for tile installers certified by one or more of the following organizations:

  • National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)

  • Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)

  • Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA)

  • Tile Council of North America (TCNA)

• Read reviews for their tile installation services on HomeGuide and Google.Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured tile company that's been in business 5+ years.

• Ask to browse their portfolio for pictures of recent tile projects.

• Avoid suspiciously low quotes, which usually indicate poor quality tilework.

• Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.

• Never pay in full before the tile installation begins.

Questions to ask tile installers

Make sure you hire a high-quality tile installer by asking the following questions:

• How long have you been in business?

• Do you have any certifications for working with tile?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• How long will it take to install the tile?

• What type of grout do you recommend?

• How long should I avoid using this room?

• Does this estimate include cleanup and disposal costs?

• What other fees can I expect?

• What should I do to prepare the room before you start?

How we get this data

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.

Want more information on Mosaic Tile Assortments? Feel free to contact us.