Cost to install tile includes the cost of thins-set mortar, grout and the actual physical labor. Labor is usually the most expensive part of tile installation because tile setting is an art and extremely difficult task which takes years to master. As we mentioned in the website, anyone can slap some glue on a wall and toss a few tiles, but a true artisan will make it sing!
A tilled surface is covered with hundreds of individual tiles which must set the perfect distance from one another. The entire surface must be plumb, level and smooth, with virtually no difference in height from tile to tile or as we refer to it as “lippage”.
Another factor in setting tile is movement of the home or building due to settling or changes in the seasons, not to mention “deflection”, or the amount of give that the wall or especially the floor moves when a load is placed on it such as foot traffic, appliances or furniture. All of these factors come into play when deciding what type of underlayment product or systems are best suited for that particular application as deflection will without a doubt cause tiles and grout to loosen and crack.
Tile labor 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.
Additionally, cost of labor also is based on the size of the tile selected. Very large or very small tile tend to be much more expensive to install. A 12”x12” tile floor may cost between $8 and $25 per square foot to install. A kitchen backsplash ranges between $30 and $100 per square foot and the same goes for bathroom walls depending on the size of the tile.