How Much Does Tiling Cost

How Much Does Tiling Cost? | Cost of Bathroom, Kitchen, and Outdoor Tiling

Tiling is a favorite way for homeowners in Canada to make their homes more attractive, comfortable, and useful. No matter if you have tile in the bathroom, the kitchen, or on your patio, you have a material that will last and look great for years. Before you begin choosing your design and colors, it’s necessary to learn about the costs of tiling in Canada.

You’ll find out here, step by step, about the prices for all aspects of tiling a home in Canada. Whether you’re changing your entire bathroom or just touching up your kitchen backsplash, this guide will help you with budgeting.

Average Tiling Costs in Canada

First, let’s talk about the costs for tiling on a general scale across Canada. The extra costs can change a lot, depending on where you are, what type of tile you pick, and the size of the project.

• What is the expected total tiling cost for every project? $1,000 – $5,000+



• The money you pay for each square foot includes materials and the cost to set them up. $10 – $50+



• DIY tiling cost (materials only): $2 – $25 per sq ft



• Professional installation labour: $4 – $15 per sq ft

These figures are rough; the particulars can differ a lot between different tiling areas. We’ll now explore, in more detail, what you might pay for a bathroom, a kitchen, or outdoor projects.

What Affects Tiling Costs?

You’ll have a better understanding of tiling costs if you consider these leading aspects first:

How much tiles will cost depends largely on the product you buy.

• Ceramic tiles: $2 – $7 per sq ft



• Porcelain tiles: $3 – $10 per sq ft



• Natural stone (e.g., marble, granite): $7 – $25+ per sq ft



• Glass tiles: $5 – $15 per sq ft



• Mosaic tiles: $6 – $30 per sq ft



• Vinyl/peel-and-stick tiles: $1 – $5 per sq ft

Depending on the difficulty, type of tile, and a person’s experience as an installer, labour costs in Canada can vary between $4 and $15 per square foot. If you have tiling done on a large or vertical scale, tiling services might be expensive and require more attention to detail.

Levelling, priming, or waterproofing the subfloor or wall calls for an increased cost. Fixing up tile walls or taking out loose tiles could increase the price by $1 to $5 per sq ft.

Working in places such as stair risers, uneven outdoor areas, or hidden behind fixtures increases labour time as well as the expenses involved.

Using standard grout is affordable, yet having epoxy grout or a chosen colour can make it more expensive. You should add $0.50 to $2 per square foot for sealing when working with natural stone.

Bathroom Tiling Costs in Canada

Average Cost Breakdown

• Floor tiling: $10 – $30 per sq ft



• Shower wall tiling: $15 – $50 per sq ft



• Tub surround: $12 – $40 per sq ft



• The rough price for a bathroom with tiling that covers an area of 40–80 sq ft: $1,000 – $5,000+

Common Tile Choices for Bathrooms

• Because porcelain resists water and is tough, it is the most preferred type.



• You can choose ceramic for floors and walls because it is more affordable.



• These stones (marble and travertine) are luxurious to look at, but they need to be sealed.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Waterproofing membranes or underlays: $2 – $5 per sq ft



• Heated floors (optional): $10 – $20 per sq ft installed



• Niche/shelving installation: $100 – $300 each

DIY Saving Tips for Your Bathroom Tiling

• Choose premium tiles to use as accents or border pieces instead of covering the whole wall with them.



• Penny-pinch on your labour costs by using plain designs.



• Go with regular tile sizes to finish the job more quickly.

Kitchen Tiling Costs in Canada

Average Cost Breakdown

• Kitchen backsplash tiling: $20 – $60 per linear foot



• Kitchen floor tiling: $10 – $30 per sq ft



• All the tiles should be installed, covering both the backsplash and the floor; $1,200 – $4,000+

Best Tiles for Kitchens

• Many backsplashes made of glass tiles are on trend, though the installation can be difficult.



• Both in the kitchen and the bathroom, ceramic and porcelain tiles are often used for backsplashes and flooring.



• To install mosaic tiles, you must have sharp skills and pay special attention to the grout.

Special Considerations

• If you choose to have a tiled backsplash, you may have to cut the tiles around any electrical outlets and switches.



• Ensure there is no unevenness in your subfloor, and it is reinforced for kitchen floors.

Budgeting Tips for Kitchen Tiling

• If you have a tight budget, DIY with peel-and-stick tiles (around $2 – $5 for each square foot).



• Opt for Tuscan and English styles to ensure your flooring won’t age quickly and require a costly replacement in the future.



• Having the ceramic tile run mostly only on the part of the wall that you see can make the job more affordable.

Outdoor Tiling Costs in Canada

Average Cost Breakdown

• Patio tiling: $15 – $35 per sq ft



• Outdoor steps/landings: $20 – $50 per sq ft



• Outdoor kitchen/BBQ tiling: $25 – $60 per sq ft



• Full patio job (150–300 sq ft): $2,000 – $9,000+

Tile Types Suitable for Outdoors

• Porcelain: Ideal for Canadian climates



• Concrete or stone tiles: Durable, but heavy and labour-intensive



• Slate or granite: High-end, stylish, and weather-resistant

Climate Considerations

Because of the cold weather in Alberta and Quebec, be sure to install frost-proof tiles with low water absorption.

Extra Costs

• Base preparation (gravel, concrete, waterproofing): $3 – $10 per sq ft



• Sealing (especially for natural stone): $1 – $2 per sq ft



• Anti-slip coating: $2 – $4 per sq ft

How to Cut Down on the Cost of Tiling Outdoors

• Tile only high-traffic zones.



• You could use interlocking pavers if you want to save money.



• Indoor tiles you have left can be used for the roof or footings of a porch.

DIY vs Professional Tiling

• Tools and materials: The total cost for the grouting project ranges from $100 to $500 (including the tile cutter, spacers, adhesive, grout, etc.).



• Time investment: It may take someone new to work on the floor a whole weekend.




DIY works well for projects such as backsplashes in the kitchen or floors in the laundry room. Yet, in areas like showers and large patios that are likely to be very moist, it’s best to let a professional handle the flooring.

• A professional has the necessary facts and equipment to get the job done perfectly.



• Several companies will provide a warranty or guarantee for what they have built.



• Things that would take you a weekend may be completed by them much faster, in only one day.

Differences in the Cost of Regional Tiling in Canada

The cost of building varies from province to province for reasons including demand in each province, the supply of construction workers, and the transportation of building supplies.

• Toronto/Vancouver: If you decide to work in some top markets, you should expect labour costs to be more than $15 per square foot.



• Calgary/Edmonton: You’ll pay about $10 – $12 per sq ft for a mid-range vinyl floor.



• Halifax/Winnipeg: Using lower-cost labour can lead to paying more for the materials.

Always ask at least 3 contractors to give you a quote, and make sure to choose someone based on what other people say, how well they did their previous jobs, and how professional they seem.

Some Additional Expenses Might Surprise You

Tiling requires more than simply picking the tiles and their adhesive. A few unexpected expenses can take homeowners by surprise.

• Getting rid of old surfaces made from tiles or dismantling existing ones. $200 – $800



• Subfloor repair or levelling compound: $1 – $4 per sq ft



• Custom patterns or inlays: Add 20–30% more to labour costs



• Permits: You would use an engineer only if you are making changes to the structure.

Set aside a contingency budget for your project in case of any additional expenses.

Tiling Maintenance and Long-Term Value

Porcelain and stone tiles can keep their quality for 20 to 50 years. What the roof is made of will determine the level of maintenance it requires.

• Ceramic/porcelain: Cleaning it is simple, and it does not often need sealing again.



• Natural stone: Always seal your leather regularly to avert stains.



• Grout: If left unattended for a while, it may turn discoloured, so choose epoxy grout for better protection.

Tiling as Compared to Other Flooring and Wall Finishes

Thinking about the pros and cons of tiling when compared to other finishes can guide you in choosing whether it suits your budget and what you want your space to achieve.

• Nevertheless, it doesn’t stay intact as long as tile and may get damaged by heavy goods or hot items.



• Since tiles do not wear out quickly, they are better for wet areas and will last for years.

• Laminate gives the same impression as tile, though for a cheaper price that ranges from $3 to $10 per square foot.



• The seepage of water in the bathroom can make the floors warp and not work as well.



• Compared to laminate, tiles are stronger in terms of waterproofing, housekeeping, and lasting a long time.

• The surfaces behind your sink and stove can be finished with tiles or by painting/wallpapering them.



• If you go for paint, it’s much cheaper, but cleaning and maintaining tiles is a breeze.



• In areas like the bathroom and behind cooktops, where it could get damp, you will need to use a protective layer with wallpaper.

Overall, even though tiles are pricier to buy and install, they usually end up having the longest lifespan, best handle common moisture, and retain their value longer than floors made from other materials.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tiling Options

• Recycled glass tiles: Beautiful and long-lasting; these tiles work well as backsplashes or for walls you want to stand out.



• Reclaimed ceramic or stone tiles: Great for rustic, one-of-a-kind looks.



• Mixed tiles: Products made from porcelain or ceramic using recycled materials. Some manufacturers from Canada and other countries make products using materials recycled up to 50%.

• Opt for products that have little to no VOCs in the adhesives and grouts you use inside.



• Use up your extra tiles to make art, decorate your table, or design garden paths so you can help keep things out of the landfill.



• Make sure to take used tiles to those local centers that receive construction materials.



• While eco-tiles are a bit pricier (about $10 to $30 per square foot), they work well both for how they look and for being good for the environment.

Tiling Requirements and Restrictions in Canada

Most of the time, there is no need for a building permit when doing tile work, unless you are adding tiles to a bigger area. However, there are exceptions:

• Structural changes: If you’re changing walls that help support the building, or if you’re making big changes to your bathroom, you might have to get explicit permission and permits from the authorities.



• Waterproofing: Waterproofing designs for bathrooms and wet rooms are available. In some parts of Canada, waterproofing is required and must be certified (especially for newly built properties).



• Strata or condo rules: When you own a condo unit, ask the strata before installing any tiles.

Conclusion

Though buying tiles can be costly at first, the extra style, strength, and value they add to your home are well worth it, especially in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or places you spend time outdoors. Depending on the type of materials, labor expenses, and the place, Canadians can pay $10 to $50 per square foot for a contractor to build their foundation. However, if you choose wisely, check the job quote carefully, and pay close attention, the result will last a long time at a lower cost.