A contractor will likely charge between $18 and $28 per square foot for a tile replacement. This range in pricing is mostly dependent upon tile selection, existing conditions, and project size. For this reason, we will look at how this number was calculated, and how you can build an estimate to determine your cost of a tile replacement.
Table of Contents
Accurate Formula for Tile Replacement
In all of my articles one of the first things I discuss is the importance of qualifications. For example, when a contractor delivers bids or sets a budget, as I am doing here, we must first clarify what is, and what is not, included in the pricing. Therefore, I have included a few qualifications below.
- Includes labor rates in Texas at the time of this post.
- Includes labor for cutting, troweling, placing, grouting, cleaning, sealing, and caulking.
- Includes material allowance of $5/SF of tile. Allowance excludes taxes and markup.
- Includes unit pricing based on 300 SF of tile.
- Includes cost of tile flooring.
- Includes crack isolation membrane beneath tile.
- Assumes a 24”x24” ceramic tile.
- Excludes cost for removing existing walls, tile, or flooring.
- Excludes tile base.
- Excludes epoxy grout.
- Excludes repair of subfloor. Assumes subfloor is in level, workable condition.
- Excludes specialty tile patterns such as herringbone, crosshatch, and basketweave.
Understanding the qualifications listed above, I have a simple formula I like to use to determine the cost of a tile replacement. To begin, we must first determine the total square footage of tile. Then, we must determine how much it will cost us to install 1 square foot of tile. Lastly, we multiply the total square footage of tiles by the cost to install each square foot of tile, then we have determined our tile installation cost. Furthermore, the cost for each SF of tile will usually fall in the range of $18-28/SF.
(Total square footage of Tile) x (Cost to purchase and install of 1 square foot of Tile) = (Tile Replacement Cost)
4 Basic Considerations to Determine Tile Replacement Costs
In my previous article, Construction Estimating Basics, I dive into how contractors divide their estimates into four main buckets of materials, labor, equipment and consumables. Once you have determined how much to carry for each of these portions, we will need to factor in overhead and profit to determine our final cost. I clarify how overhead and profit is determined in my post, “How Much Profit Do Contractors Make?”.
The Spruce says tile installation “costs an average of $27 per square foot”. Let’s find out how close our estimate is to theirs.
What Materials Are Required in a Tile Replacement?
Tile – 24” x 24” Ceramic Tile
- $5 per square foot Allowance
- 300 SF x 1.2 (adjusted for broken tiles) = 360 SF
- 360 SF x 5 = $1,800
Mortar – Crack Proof Thinset Mortar
- Covers about 95 SF
- We will need mortar beneath tile and the crack isolation membrane
- $30/Bag
- (300 SF x 2) = 600 SF/ 95 = 6.2 Bags (Round Up) 7 Bags
- 7 bags x $30 = $210 before Taxes
Grout – Polyblend Plus (25 lb Bag)
- Covers about 650 SF
- $20/Bag
- 300 SF / 650 = 0.46 bags (round up) = 1 bag
- 1 Bag x $20 = $20
Crack Isolation Membrane – ⅛” Schluter DITRA 150
- Covers 150 SF
- $330/Roll
- 300 SF / 150 SF = 2 Rolls
- 2 rolls x $330 = $660
1800 + 210 + 20 + 660 = $2,690 (pre-tax)
$2,690 x 1.0825 = $2,911.93
$2,911.93 / 300 = $9.7 per square foot for materials
Labor for Tile Replacement
In my recent post on tile installation cost we built out in detail many man manhours it takes to install 1 SF of tile. To expand, Merriam-Webster defines a manhour as “a unit of one hour’s work by one person that is used especially as a basis for cost accounting and wages”. Moreover, we concluded it takes about 0.39 manhours per square foot of tile. This calculation includes the following tasks:
- Prepare surface
- Layout/Size Tiles
- Mix/Lay Mortar
- Set Tiles/Tile Spacers
- Mix/Lay Grout
- Clean, seal, and caulk
How Much do Tile Installers get Paid?
Similar to any profession, time, experience, location, and market conditions impact how much tile installers are paid. Furthermore, at the time of my posting, US Bureau of Labor Statistics says tile installers make an average of $20 per hour in Texas.
Total Manhours x Average Rate = Cost of Work
0.39 manhours x $20 = $7.8 per square foot for labor
What tools do I need for a Tile Replacement?
We consider equipment and consumables are anything contractors will purchase or rent in the construction process that will not remain on site after construction is complete. Moreover, I generally assume that professional tile installers will own their equipment and consumables and like to include around 5% of the project cost, before fee, for purchasing and replacing some of the items listing below:
- Buckets
- Tile Trowels
- Wet Tile Saw
- Tile Nippers
- Chalk Reel and Chalk
- Measuring Tapes
- Rubber Mallet
- Sponge
- Rags
In conclusion, I would carry 5% for replacing equipment and consumables.
($9.7+$7.8) = $17.5 x 0.05 = $0.88 per square foot for consumables
How Much Profit do Tile Contractors Make?
As mentioned in my article “How Much Profit Do Contractors Make?”, we discuss how many factors play into the final number such as the type and size of the contractor as well as the current market. Moreover, some contractors view the overhead and profit as “one bucket of money” while others may be more detailed and split this out. Nevertheless, Tile Letter says tile installation companies should aim for 30%, which is generally what I would have expected. I like to use 35%.
$9.7/SF (Materials) + $7.8/SF (Labor) + $0.88/SF (Consumables) = $18.38/SF
$18.38/SF x 1.35 (35% Markup) = $24.81 per square foot of tile
Some key factors that can lead to higher pricing may include tile selection, tile size, tile pattern, grout type, and more.
- First, in the example above, we assumed the owner would choose a tile worth $5 per square foot. Therefore, if they choose a more expensive tile, the contractor would charge more.
- Second, in the example above, we assumed a 24” x 24” tile. This impacts cost because larger tiles allow for a quicker installation, smaller tiles require additional labor that can increase cost.
- Tile pattern can also increase labor cost creating more cuts, layout, and placement precision.
- Lastly, grout types, such as epoxy can increase cost depending on the location of where tile will be installed.
All in all, The Spruce’s estimation of $27 per square foot would fall pretty close in line as 24” x 24” tile is on the larger side, we excluded epoxy grout, assumed ceramic tile, and assumed a simple installation method.
Other important Posts
I provide a full breakdown of the manhours and calculations for the tile installation in my article on tile installation cost.
Additionally, contractors can provide detailed qualifications in order to increase profits, reduce change orders, and limit frustration of owners. Qualifications allow contractors to clearly layout and identify what is included in their bid. Find out more in our post Qualifications: How to Win More Jobs and Increase Profits.
Disclaimer
Clear Construction estimates does not take responsibility for pricing calculated in this post being representative of your local market. You should do research for your area. We have written this to provide a general understanding of how to estimate and prices shown above are not guaranteed. We have no sponsors or affiliation with the links provided.
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Great Post!
Great thoughts. Thanks for the tips.
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