A single builder installed plywood subfloor is suitable for carpeting only. A tile floor must be set over a sturdy base. If you stand on the carpet in your home and press down with your feet you will feel the bounce or “Deflection” in the floor.

Cost to install tile includes preparing the surface by cleaning it free of dust or oil, possibly installing a sub-floor or uncoupling membrane or dry pack portland cement mix, troweling thinset, setting the tile, grouting the joints, caulk and cleaning up. As a result, the tile setter handles each square foot of space no less than 5 times during the course of the job.