Tile installation cost depends on tile size and pattern complexity as much as material — large-format tile and intricate patterns both take more skill and time to install well.
What to look for
- Substrate prep — an uneven subfloor needs leveling before tile goes down, and skipping this leads to cracked grout lines later.
- Waterproofing membrane, for wet areas like showers — the same principle from bathroom remodels applies here directly.
- Grout type — sanded versus unsanded, and whether it's sealed, affects long-term maintenance.
- Pattern complexity reflected in the labor price, not just the tile cost per square foot.