Let’s not waste time. Tile installation costs money. People always ask me, “How much does it cost to tile my floor?” or “What’s a fair price to redo my bathroom tile?” It depends not on being vague, but because it does. There are a bunch of factors that change the price, and if someone gives you a flat number without even seeing your space, run.
Here’s the short answer:
In New Jersey, tile installation cost anywhere between $10 to $35 per square foot, sometimes more if you want something custom or complicated. Basic ceramic tiles in a straightforward pattern? That’s on the low end. Big, high-end porcelain tiles with mosaic borders or natural stone, or if it’s an older home that needs prep work you’re moving toward the top of that range.
What Goes Into That Cost?
People think it’s just about laying tile down and walking away. It’s not.
Here’s what you’re paying for:
- Prep Work:
Floors need to be level. If your subfloor is uneven or has water damage, it’s gotta be fixed. That means time, tools, and sometimes materials like self-leveller or cement board.
- Materials (Not Just Tile):
The tile is one piece. You also need:
- Thinset (the adhesive)
- Grout
- Spacers
- Sealer (for natural stone or grout sometimes)
Waterproofing membrane (especially for showers and bathrooms)
- Labor:
This is the big one. Good tile work takes time and skill. If your tile guy’s too cheap, that’s a red flag. It means they’re rushing or skipping steps. And trust me, fixing bad tile work costs way more than doing it right the first time.
- Design/Pattern Complexity:
Diagonal layouts, herringbone, and custom borders take longer. More cuts, more measuring, more potential for waste.
- Demo and Cleanup:
Are we tearing out old tiles? Carpet? Laminate? That adds to labor and dump fees. And after it’s all done, it’s on us to leave the place clean, not full of grout, haze and dust.
When to Do It (and When to Wait)
If your floor is cracking, tiles are loose, or the grout is shot, don’t wait. That’s not just cosmetic. Water can get underneath, mould can start, and subfloors can rot. If you’re already remodelling your bathroom or kitchen, do the tile during that window. It saves time and avoids doing things twice.
Waiting too long leads to:
- More damage = more cost later
- Having to rip out cabinets or fixtures if you change your mind after
- Wasted money on patch jobs that don’t hold up
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
I see these all the time:
- Choosing the cheapest installer.
You’ll pay more in the long run. Bad tile jobs look awful and fall apart. - Not understanding square footage.
We need to measure not just the open floor, but also under toe kicks, around nooks, etc. Always add 10–15% for waste, cuts, and breakage. If you only order exactly what you need, you’re setting yourself up for delays. - Skipping waterproofing.
Bathrooms and kitchens especially. If a guy’s not putting in a waterproof membrane under your shower tile, stop him. - Using the wrong grout or thinset.
Not all materials are compatible. Big tiles need different adhesives than mosaics. And natural stone needs unsanded grout or it scratches. - Going DIY without research.
The Title seems easy. It’s not. A lippage nightmare (where the edges stick up), bad spacing, or crooked lines, they’ll haunt you every day.
What Happens If It’s Done Wrong
Worst case? Water damage, mold, cracked tiles, popped grout. You might have to tear out the entire floor or wall and start from scratch. That’s not just money it’s dust, noise, and time you didn’t plan for.
I’ve walked into homes where the whole job had to be redone. It’s painful to see someone pay twice. Once to do it cheaply, then again to do it right.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect with Us
At Precise Tile & Stone, we’re not going to throw you a $3 per sq ft estimate and hope you don’t notice the corners we cut. We do things by the book and sometimes better than the book. We’re licensed, insured, and careful. We work clean. We show up on time. And we explain what’s going on.
If your tile job needs a quick patch or a full gut and remodel, we’ll tell you straight. No fluff, no pressure. Just facts and good work.
If you’re in NJ and you want it done properly, not just fast and cheap, call me.
Precise Tile & Stone
📍 11 E Main St, Little Falls, NJ
📞 +1 973-985-2626