How Much Does It Cost To Tile A Kitchen Floor?

Whether you're building a new home or renovating your kitchen, tile can be an excellent flooring choice because it is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. Luckily, tile flooring also comes in a wide price range, so anyone can achieve the timeless look, whether you're on a budget or not. Tiles themselves can range anywhere from $1 per square foot to as much as $80 or more per square foot. In fact, the most expensive tile in the world costs $1 million per square foot and is made with diamonds, mother of pearl, abalone, and black onyx. On average, however, most people can expect to spend about $17 per square foot to tile their kitchen floors. For an average kitchen of about 160 square feet, mid-range ceramic tiling will cost around $2,000 for materials alone.

Of course, the total cost of your kitchen tiling project will depend greatly on the type of tile, the size of your kitchen, and whether you plan to install the flooring yourself or hire a professional. Here's what you need to know about the true cost of kitchen tile, and other ideas to help you get the most bang for your buck. 

Clay-based tiles like ceramic and porcelain are some of the most affordable and durable options for kitchen flooring. Ceramic tile generally ranges between $7 and $45 per square foot, but it's relatively easy to find tiles on the lower end of that scale. Porcelain starts a bit higher, costing around $12 to $40 per square foot, but it is slightly more durable and resistant to stains and water damage. Some other, more expensive tile options include granite and terrazzo, but these aren't commonly used in kitchens due to their slippery nature. Once you've settled on your tile, you'll also need to pay for grout, thinset mortar, and possibly tile backer board. 

In addition to your material costs, you'll need to factor in the price of labor. Professional installation services will generally cost at least $3 per square foot but could charge $15 or more depending on the tiling material and the difficulty of the job. Contractors will also charge more if they need to remove existing flooring or repair areas of the subfloor. On the plus side, however, professional tile installers will be able to help you make the right tiling decisions for your budget and lifestyle and will ensure that the finished product looks and feels seamless. 

If you're willing to perform the labor yourself, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars on your tiling project, but it's important to know what you're doing to avoid ruining your floors and requiring costly repairs. Luckily, installing tile on your own is relatively straightforward if you have the right equipment. First, you'll need to correctly measure the space and cut the tile with a wet saw or tile cutter. Next, install the tile backer board, also known as the tile membrane. Lay the tiles in small sections using thinset mortar, then let dry and apply grout. 

Oftentimes, you don't even need to purchase real ceramic, porcelain, or travertine tile to get a similar luxury look. Vinyl and laminate can be much more affordable, costing roughly $1 to $3 per square foot. Another trendy and affordable option is stained and sealed concrete, which can cost as little as $0.20 per square foot if you install polished concrete floors by yourself. If you're determined to have real tile in your kitchen, it's best not to go for the cheapest option. Higher-end tile is often better quality, which means it can last for decades with proper care and is less likely to break if you drop something. Spending a few more dollars per square foot now can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long term.