When your bathroom’s tiles are old, damaged or simply not your style, retiling the space is an effective and affordable home improvement project. Depending on the size of the room, materials and labor costs will vary significantly. However, a well-done retile job will add years to the life of your existing tile, and it may also increase the value of your home.
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, choose simple, budget-friendly ceramic tiles for walls and floors. Ceramic tile has a low water absorption rate and is sturdy enough to withstand moisture exposure for decades. You can find these tiles at most home improvement stores for less than $10 per square foot.
Choosing more expensive or exotic tiles for your floor or shower is more of a luxury, but they can make your bathroom look amazing. Glass tiles, for example, are a beautiful addition to any bathroom and offer a high level of elegance for just over $30 per square foot. However, they’re prone to scratches and can break easily. For this reason, they’re best used as accent pieces or as accents on a wall rather than as the main tiling material.
One of the biggest factors that influences a retile project is the amount of prep work required. In most cases, the more extensive the preparation is, the higher the cost of the retile job. This is why it’s important to consult a professional before beginning the process.
The type of tiles you choose is another major cost driver. The least expensive options are vinyl and ceramic, while high-end natural stone tile like marble is the most expensive. Generally speaking, the easiest materials to install are vinyl and ceramic, while more difficult materials such as natural stone require more advanced installation techniques and can cost up to $6 or more per square foot in labor costs alone.
If you’re planning to save on retiling bathroom cost, try combining projects that require the same contractors and address the same area of your home, such as your kitchen backsplash or front entryway. This can help lower overall costs and save time. It’s also important to remember that attempting to DIY a complicated project such as retiling your own bathroom can lead to costly mistakes and structural damage that can be difficult to fix. This is why it’s always a good idea to hire a professional tile installer.