Choosing the right floor tiles is crucial when planning a bathroom remodel project.
The bathroom flooring should be durable, waterproof, and of course, aesthetically appealing.
But bathroom floor tiles drastically differ in material, quality, and price. The selection process may overwhelm some homeowners.
To find the best tile for your bathroom floor, here’s everything you need to consider.
Average Cost To Tile A Bathroom Floor
Doing a whole bathroom remodel is typically a pricy ordeal. It often entails changing the water fixtures and replacing the pipework.
However, we only want to focus on the price of bathroom floor replacement.
While it’s not as large a project as a whole bathroom renovation, budgeting is still essential when choosing the best tile for a bathroom floor.
Indeed, prices will vary depending on numerous factors. Overall, the bathroom tile floor installation costs approximately $650-$1,100 for a 50-square-foot bathroom.
Keep in mind that this calculation includes installation labor costs and other supplies needed for the project. Flooring removal is not included.
It can cost between $200 and $450 to remove the old tile flooring from a 50-square-foot bathroom.
Bathroom Floor Tile Installation: A Full Cost Breakdown
You might feel excited about replacing the old tiles on your bathroom floor.
It’s probably just the refresh your home needs. But even brief research into the topic will prove that bathroom floor tile prices come in many different materials and prices.
The initial steps in this process include determining your budget and precisely measuring the square footage of your bathroom.
Consider the following tile materials and the price per square foot.
| Material | Price per Square Foot | Price per Square Foot Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $0.50-$4 | $2.50-$56 |
| Porcelain | $3-$8 | $15-$112 |
| Vinyl | $1-$3 | $5-$42 |
| Natural Stone | $5-$12 | $25-$168 |
| Marble | $10-$20 | $50-$280 |
| Glass | $12 – $25 | $60-$350 |
| Waterproof Laminate | $1.95-$4 | $9.75-$56 |
| Cork | $2-$12 | $10-$168 |
| Engineered Wood | $3-$14 | $15-$196 |
While flooring tile generally costs less than a kitchen backsplash installation, the labor cost is still considerable.
Depending on the type of tile, the labor alone will cost between $5 and $14 per square foot for your bathroom floor.
Have you purchased the tiles separately and plan to hire a contractor? The hourly rates range between $55 and $90, depending on where you live and the company’s services.
Keep in mind that you can always install the bathroom floor tiles yourself and save money. However, you need the right tools, skills, and time to complete the project.
Additional Price Factors
Again, the total price for bathroom floor tile replacement will depend, first and foremost, on the material you choose.
The following considerations will affect the price too.
- Job size and complexity – The labor rate increases if the bathroom has a small floor and the contractor needs to cut many tiles.
- Tile size – Naturally, larger tiles are faster to install, so the labor rate will likely stay lower.
- Tile hardness – Some bathroom floor tiles are much harder than others. More rigid tiles are rough on the tiler’s saw blade and take more time to cut. Softer tiles are more affordable to install.
- Installer’s reputation – The best bathroom floor installers are always busy, as word of mouth serves as their marketing plan. They typically charge more but also guarantee better installation quality.
- Location – Coastal cities and large metro areas are more expensive for home renovations.
Did you know? The most expensive bathroom tile in the world is Pietra Firma Luxtouch. It costs a whopping $350,000 per square foot. It contains diamonds, pearls, black onyx, and pieces of abalone shell.
Best Tile Materials For A Bathroom Floor
We’ve touched on the bathroom flooring materials when discussing prices, but that paints an incomplete picture. For most homeowners, the budget dictates home renovation.
You can choose between several different options within the same budget, so it’s important to have all the necessary information.
Here are the top tile material options, including their pros and cons.
1. Ceramic Tiles
By far, one of the best and most common bathroom flooring options is ceramic tiles.
Choosing better-quality ceramic guarantees durability and low maintenance.
Homeowners can choose from countless styles, patterns, and colors to ensure the tiles complement their home.
Another reason ceramic tiles are so popular, especially among the installers, is that they are easy to cut.
Ceramic tiles are the perfect choice for bathroom floors as they resist moisture well and don’t absorb odors or bacteria.
Ceramic Tiles Pros:
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Easy to work with
- Easy to clean
Ceramic Tiles Cons:
- Cold surface
- Very heavy
2. Porcelain Tiles
One of the best features of porcelain tiles is their stain resistance.
Porcelain floor tiles can get slippery, so keeping them dry is essential.
Porcelain tiles are available in many colors and textures, but proper care is vital, as they tend to crack with age.
Porcelain Tiles Pros:
- Excellent stain resistance
- Versatility
- Chip-resistant
Porcelain Tiles Cons:
- Difficult to install
- Grout needs sealing
3. Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl tiles may be the answer if you want a fast, simple, and stylish solution for your bathroom floor. Vinyl falls into the category of inexpensive materials, and the quick installation process keeps the price pretty low overall.
Compared to porcelain, vinyl is much less slippery.
The selection of colors and styles of vinyl tiles has increased over the years.
Vinyl Tiles Pros:
- Waterproof
- Withstands heavy foot traffic
- Cost-effective
Vinyl Tiles Cons:
- Discoloration may occur
- Bulging due to incorrect installation
4. Natural Stone Tiles
You may think of stone tiles as the material for foyers or terraces. While that was the standard years ago, today, many homeowners enjoy natural stone flooring in their bathrooms.
Limestone, granite, slate, and other stone types are the go-to choices.
Natural stone tiles are available in many colors, including blue, red, gold, and cream hues.
Natural Stone Tiles Pros:
- Natural ambiance
- Very durable
- Textured
- Less slippery
Natural Stone Tiles Cons:
- Pricey
- Harder to clean
5. Marble Tiles
Indeed, marble is a natural stone too. However, because it’s so trendy, we’re dedicating an entire category to marble tiles.
You may have seen bathroom remodels with marble stone covering the space from top to bottom.
It’s a style many desire, and installing marble tile flooring makes an incredible difference.
Marble Tiles Pros:
- Elegant
- Adds to home value
- Easy to polish
- Timeless
Marble Tiles Cons:
- Brittle
- Porous and needs sealing
Pro Tip: Natural stone tiles are one of the best solutions if your home is located in an area with high humidity levels. They withstand the humidity exceptionally well, and as a bonus, their surface is very quiet.
6. Glass Tiles
The aesthetic appeal of glass floor tiles is undeniable.
The stained-glass effect creates an incredible illusion of depth and elevates any space.
The challenge with glass tiles is making sure to choose floor-rated material.
It’s also vital to pick textured tiles to avoid potential slips.
Smaller glass tiles typically have many grout joints, which makes them less slippery.
Glass Tiles Pros:
- Beautiful
- Easy to install
- 100% water resistance
Glass Tiles Cons:
- Professional installation required
- On the expensive side
7. Waterproof Laminate
It’s vital to ask for water-resistant laminate tiles or planks when shopping for this flooring.
Because standing water accumulation is typical for bathrooms, calculating gaps along the bathroom wall is crucial.
Waterproof Laminate Pros:
- Affordable
- DIY installation possible
Waterproof Laminate Cons:
- Not versatile
- Not durable
8. Cork Tiles
If you’re looking for bathroom tiles warm to the touch, cork might work.
Cork tiles are becoming more popular due to their warmth and how soft they feel on your feet.
Cork אiles are available tinted and in several colors.
The installation process is pretty straightforward, as it requires gluing and polyurethane to prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor.
Cork Tiles Pros:
- Excellent insulation
- Easy installation
- Sustainable choice
Cork Tiles Cons:
- Prone to fading
- May absorb water over time
9. Engineered Wood
Some homeowners are very keen on the idea of having hardwood floors in the bathroom. But that’s quite impractical, as wood requires significant upkeep and will likely develop water damage.
A potential solution is engineered wood.
Engineered wood has all the look and feel of hardwood but offers additional water resistance.
Plus, Engineered wood is often less expensive.
Engineered Wood Pros:
- Looks great
- Costs less than hardwood
- Long life expectancy
- Water-resistant
Engineered Wood Cons:
- Not many styles available
- Challenging installation
Is Porcelain Or Ceramic Tile Better For Bathroom Floors?
Some might use the terms “ceramic” and “porcelain” interchangeably to describe the same style. But that’s not accurate, and even though these materials are similar, they feature notable differences.
Overall, ceramic costs less and is a better option for walls and low foot traffic.
Porcelain is usually the go-to for floors, as it tolerates moisture and high foot traffic better.
What Type Of Finish Is Best For A Bathroom Floor?
Homeowners have many excellent finish options, including unglazed, glossy, textured, polished, and matte for ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Glossy and matte finishes are very popular, and they both increase safety and add to the floor’s overall appearance.
How Thick Should A Bathroom Tile Floor Be?
The standard porcelain tile thickness ranges between 1/4 and 3/4 inches.
In contrast, ceramic tiles are in the 3/4 to 3/8 range.
Natural stone tiles are usually around 1/2 inch thick, though thinner options are available.
Glass tiles range between 1/3 and 1/4 inch in thickness.
What Kind Of Tile Is Best For The Shower Floor?
If you tile your shower, choosing the best option will ensure you stay safe.
Tiles for the shower should be durable and offer excellent water resistance.
Probably the best shower floor option is smaller, mosaic-style ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Natural stone tiles are also a great option for a shower floor, as they are porous and tolerate humidity well.
When choosing shower floor tiles, make sure to ask about the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) rating.
You need tiles with a DCOF rating of at least 0.40 for your shower.
Did you know? Ceramic is one of the most versatile and oldest materials used on the planet. The oldest manufactured ceramic artifact was found in the Czech Republic and is around 30,000 years old.
How To Choose Floor Tile Size
Homeowners usually decide whether to buy square or rectangular tiles depending on the size and layout of their bathroom.
If you want to ensure the room feels more spacious, larger tiles are usually the better option.
Some of the most popular dimensions are 8 x 24 inches and 24 x 24 inches for standard-size bathrooms.
Popular Bathroom Floor Tile Shapes
By far, the most popular bathroom floor tile shape is a rectangle.
It comes in numerous dimensions, starting from the smallest, 2 x 2 inches, to as large as 60 x 60 inches.
Plank-style tiles also look amazing, and come in many dimensions and materials.
Mosaic tiles are great for showers, but perhaps not for the entire bathroom floor.
Should Your Bathroom Floor Tile Material And Wall Tile Be the Same?
Many homeowners choose to install the same tiles on the bathroom floor and walls. Indeed, this creates a seamless appearance.
Experts advise against this, as floor tiles should offer more durability.
Wall tiles don’t bear any weight, so they can be more delicate.
The best course of action is to find floor tiles from the same collection as wall tiles to achieve that cohesive look.
Which Type Of Tile Is Best For Bathroom Floor?
That’s not an easy question to answer. There’s no doubt that porcelain and ceramics are the most popular choices.
Choosing high-quality porcelain or ceramic tiles is likely to offer excellent longevity and give you a lot of choices in terms of style.
But marble is always in style too. It absorbs sound and humidity and provides an upscale look.
What Is The Most Durable Floor Tile For The Bathroom?
Many options are indeed available, but in terms of durability, three materials stand out from the rest.
Natural stone and high-quality ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most durable options for bathroom floors.
What Is The Most Popular Tile For Bathrooms?
That often depends on the current trends.
It seems marble is very much in style these days, but cork and glass tiles are popular due to their sustainability element.
Ceramic tiles never really go out of style.
Choosing The Best Bathroom Floor Tiles
An old bathroom tile floor devalues your home and can even become a hazard.
That’s why investing in a brand-new floor can feel exciting.
But navigating through so many choices and prices can leave you scratching your head in confusion.
Keep in mind that you’re unlikely to go wrong with porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone, but there are some other fantastic solutions to choose from as well.
The price ranges are significant, allowing homeowners to work within their budget.
Labor costs vary too, so don’t forget to consider that in your planning and budgeting process.
