Porcelain tile flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices today. It’s strong, water-resistant, and comes in many styles. But before you choose porcelain tiles for your home, it’s important to know how much it will cost to install them.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about porcelain tile flooring installation costs, including prices per square foot, what affects the price, and how to save money.
What Is Porcelain Tile Flooring?
One of the ceramic tiles is porcelain tile. but it is of finer clay, and is baked by a much greater heat. This makes it stronger, denser and water resistant compared to normal ceramic tiles.
Porcelain tiles are excellent to use:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways
- Living rooms
- Basements
They are available in various colours, finishes, and patterns. You can find glazed porcelain tiles, rectified tiles, and even large-format porcelain tiles that look like stone or wood.
How Much Does Porcelain Tile Flooring Installation Cost?
Costs of installing a porcelain tile floor are all averagely between 8 and 15 dollars a square foot. This does not just include the costs of the tiles but the labour to install the tiles as well.
These are the numbers quickened:
| Item | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
| Tile (materials only) | $3 – $10 |
| Labor (installation) | $5 – $10 |
| Total Cost | $8 – $15 |
Therefore, it will cost you anything between 1,600 dollars to 3,000 dollars in a typical 200 sq. ft. room.
Cost Examples for Different Room Sizes
| Room Size | Low End | High End |
| 100 sq. ft. | $800 | $1,500 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $1,600 | $3,000 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $4,000 | $7,500 |
These prices may increase or decrease based on various factors, and this is what we shall discuss below.
What Affects the Installation Cost?
The amount you pay on your new porcelain tile floor can be varied in a number of ways.
1. Type and Quality of Tile
Designer or finest porcelain tiles will prove costly. The high quality or the imported tiles could cost more than the basic ones.
2. Tile Size and Style
- Tile of large sizes (such as 24×24 inch) are more difficult to set and more time consuming.
- The prices of mosaic or tiles with their own patterns are higher as there is additional cutting and layout.
3. Layout Design
Grid pattern is the most popular fast being installed. When you opt to take complex patterns such as herringbone or diagonal patterns, be prepared to pay more in labor.
4. Subfloor Condition
In the event that your subfloor is degraded or off-level, there should be its repair before you proceed with the process. The square foot cost of subfloor leveling is around 2 dollars to 5.
5. Old Floor Removal
The cost of removal of the carpet, vinyl or conventional tile is added to the work. This typically ranges between 1-4 dollars per sq. ft.
6. Location
Installation of the tiles varies in prices according to cities and states. Provided you are staying in a large city such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, you may pay more than in the rural location.
Labor Cost for Installing Porcelain Tile
Professionals installers often demand between 5 10 dollars per sq. ft. of labor only. This includes:
- Preparing the subfloor
- Laying the tiles
- Cutting tiles to fit edges and corners
- Applying grout and sealant
The more serious a project is the longer it would take and more costly it would be. Make sure to get an estimate of the work of the licensed tile installer.
Extra Costs to Keep in Mind
When putting on the porcelain tile additional expenditures can occur. These include:
| Extra Work | Estimated Cost |
| Removing old flooring | $1 – $4 per sq. ft. |
| Leveling the subfloor | $2 – $5 per sq. ft. |
| Custom tile cutting or designs | $2 – $5 extra per sq. ft. |
| Grout and sealant | Included or $0.50 – $2 sq. ft. |
| Waterproof underlayment (optional) | $0.75 – $1.50 per sq. ft. |
| Tile sealing (optional) | $0.50 – $2 per sq. ft. |
These should be or should not be included in your quote so it is best to enquire.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
You may consider saving on the installation of porcelain tile yourself. These are some of the advantages and disadvantages you should consider before you might attempt it.
DIY Pros:
- Save on labor costs
- Full control over the project
- Good for small, simple spaces
DIY Cons:
- You’ll need special tools
- Mistakes can be costly
- It is a long process and is time-consuming
- Uneven tiles or poor grout lines can ruin the look
Unless you have experience, hiring professional tile installers is the safer and better choice. An expert learns to treat the surface, straight line and not to break tiles.
How to Save Money on Tile Installation
These are some of the fundamentals of cost cutting:
- To minimize odds making laborers use simple designs (such as straight rows).
- Larger tiles may not be used in a small room or a weird shaped room.
- Choose cheap tiles which may be beautiful.
- Buy tiles when they are on sale or have a clearance.
- Obtain at least three price estimates of local tile setters.
- Take out the worn out flooring with your own hands (provided it is safe).
- Restrict unusual tile cuts or margins which necessitate additional work.
Porcelain vs. Other Flooring Materials
When it comes to comparing porcelain tile to other popular flooring options, this is what we get:
| Floor Type | Cost (Installed) | Durability | Water Resistance |
| Porcelain Tile | $8 – $15 per sq. ft. | Very High | Excellent |
| Ceramic Tile | $7 – $12 per sq. ft. | High | Good |
| Vinyl Plank | $4 – $7 per sq. ft. | Medium | Good |
| Laminate Flooring | $5 – $8 per sq. ft. | Medium | Low |
| Hardwood Flooring | $10 – $20 per sq. ft. | High | Poor |
The porcelain tile can be distinguished by its long-lasting life, its water resistance, and its low maintenance. It is marvellous gain in the long run. Here we have done a comparison of Porcelain tiles vs Ceramic, Porcelain vs Vanyl Plank, and Porcelain vs Laminate Flooring for a better understanding of costs.
Final Thoughts
Porcelain tile flooring is an intelligent investment to install. It is beautiful, tough and it works good in humid rooms and kitchen. The installation cost might appear rather high, but the amount of value it can give to the house defined by the durability it has ensures that it is worth the price.
Be it the plain tiles or expensive design; it is beneficial to know the complete cost so that to arrange accordingly. It is important to compare quotes, question and network with professionals who are known to guarantee the best outcome.
