How expensive or complex retiling your bathroom is depends on a few factors, mainly bathroom size, materials used, and the reason for retiling. The average cost to retile a bathroom is $12.50 per square foot, with an average price of $2,000, including labor. Though homeowners can spend as little as $450 for a small bathroom project with budget-friendly materials.* 

Our guide breaks down bathroom retiling costs by bathroom size, tile type, labor, and other factors. We’ve also included tips on how to save money on bathroom retiling and do-it-yourself (DIY) versus professional tile projects. Check out our bathroom addition cost breakdown if you want to do a bigger project.

*Article cost data averaged from Angi, Home Advisor, and Home Depot.

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What Are Signs You Need To Retile Your Bathroom?

Your bathroom is constantly exposed to moisture, making your tile floors and shower walls break down quicker or develop issues. The most common signs you need to retile your bathroom include:

• Cracked or broken tiles: Broken tiles can be dangerous, and even the smallest cracks or holes in tiles allow in water that can lead to mold. Cracks or breakages in your shower tiles could become enough of an issue to cause structural problems.
• Moldy grout: Seeing mold on your grout indicates it’s become porous due to the sealant failing. Whether on your floor or in your shower, mold exposure can have severe health consequences. It can also signify further moisture and mold issues behind the tile.
• Outdated designs or colors: Bathroom remodels have one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. Updating to a more attractive or modern look will make your bathroom more comfortable and highly lucrative if you ever sell your home.

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What Factors Affect Bathroom Retiling Costs?

Your bathroom retiling project’s total cost depends on your bathroom size, the project scope, and the type of tile you choose.

• Bathroom size: The bigger the bathroom, the more tile you’ll need. The cost of installing tile is calculated per square foot, with an average cost of $12.50 per square foot.
• Bathroom retiling: Square footage applies to every surface: floor, shower walls, backsplash, and countertops. If you want to retile your shower, this can cost $25 per square foot and is one of the more expensive projects for your bathroom tile renovation.
• Tile type: The tile material is a big cost factor. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are on the lower end of material and installation costs, while glass and marble tiles are on the higher end. 

Cost by Bathroom Size

The higher the square footage, the higher the cost to retile your bathroom. Here’s a table showing the average cost to retile a bathroom by size.

Cost To Retile a Shower and Bathroom Floor

Retiling a shower is an expensive addition to your bathroom retiling project. The shape and complexity of shower areas take more time and skill to retile. Installing ceramic floor tiles costs $5–$17 per square foot, while the shower area is between $8 and $25 per square foot. Below is a table showing the average cost to retile an 80-square-foot bathroom floor and 35-square-foot shower using ceramic tile.

Cost by Type of Tiles

The type of tiles you choose for your bathroom renovation can greatly affect your retiling project’s cost. Inexpensive tile such as travertine costs $3–$5 per square foot, while hand-painted ceramic tiles or natural stone can cost $15 per square foot. Here’s a table showing different types of tile along with the material cost, followed by the installation cost for an 80-square-foot bathroom.

Labor Cost

Tiling a bathroom is labor-intensive, especially if you choose something complex, such as a mosaic tile design. Labor costs for bathroom tile installation are between $3 and $15 per square foot, but some contractors charge hourly, ranging from $30–$120 per hour. The typical bathroom will cost $1,200–$5,000, but this depends on the project size, how long it takes to retile your bathroom, and the labor market in your area. It should take a professional three to five days to complete the job.

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Additional Cost Considerations When Retiling a Bathroom

Depending on your project, there may be other cost considerations when retiling a bathroom.

Shape and Complexity of Tile Used

Some types of designs, such as mosaic, herringbone or natural stone, are more difficult and take longer to install. Your contractor may charge extra for labor because of the added complexity. Below is a table with popular designs and average prices.

Removing and Disposing of Old Tile

Before installing the new tile, the old tile must be removed and disposed of. This is a labor-intensive task, with contractors charging $1.50–$4.50 per square foot, depending on your location.

Replacing Shower Drywall or Underlayment

Removing existing tile from showers and backsplashes may damage surfaces it was attached to, whether it’s a mortar float, concrete board, or drywall. If you have a shower floor, the tile may have been placed over a mortar bed with a hot mop to make it waterproof.

Removing floor or vanity tile can also damage the underlayment or concrete slab that the tile adhered to. Damage is expected since the tile was meant not to come off its substrate. If you had water intrusion in the shower or around the toilet, there may be more drywall, plywood, or framing repairs.

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Can You Retile Your Bathroom Yourself?

DIY bathroom tiling renovation is possible, but some homeowners may prefer to hire a professional contractor.

Professional Retiling a Bathroom

Your bathroom is one of the most important areas in the house, and you don’t want it to be a construction zone for very long. A professional retiling company can get the job done quicker and more efficiently than most homeowners. Professionals also have the necessary tools and equipment, such as tile saws, power drills, and trowels, to cut and fit tiles into tight spaces properly. 

DIY Retiling a Bathroom

You can save $600–$800 on labor costs by retiling the bathroom yourself, but you’ll still need to purchase all of your tools and equipment. A wet tile saw will cost anywhere from $200–$900. If you need more tools than that, DIYing to save on costs won’t make sense. In addition to the tile saw, you’ll need a tile spacer, grout float, and grout sealant.

Even if you save on costs, this type of work requires precision to ensure everything is done correctly. If you don’t work quickly, your bathroom could be out of commission for a long time.

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How To Save on Retiling a Bathroom

Here are some ways to save money on your bathroom remodel cost.

• Choose basic ceramic tiles.
• Opt for a simple pattern since diamond-laid floors are more work than a straight-laid one.
• Shop around for materials and visit multiple stores to find the best deal.
• Remove the old tiles yourself.
• Use affordable tiles as the main pattern and expensive tiles as accent pieces.
• Only tile certain areas instead of the entire bathroom.
• Avoid moving plumbing fixtures.
• Regrout instead of replacing tiles if they’re still in good shape.
• Get at least three quotes when hiring a professional contractor.

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Is the Cost of Retiling Your Bathroom Worth It?

According to Zillow, even a midrange bathroom remodel can have a 70% return on investment. Repairing and updating your tile can impact how your bathroom looks and how it handles moisture and wear and tear. Retiling your bathroom is most worth it if you have a mold or moisture problem, as both can seriously affect your health or become a big expense beyond your bathroom.

Thankfully, tiling options fit almost any budget, from cost-effective basic ceramic to higher-end natural stone and glass. You can even do some of the work yourself to save on bathroom retiling costs, but we recommend hiring a professional contractor for a complex job or if you don’t have time to DIY. 

Use the tool below to see which professionals in your area handle bathroom refinishing projects. For inspiration, check out our guide to bathroom tile designs.

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FAQ About Retiling a Bathroom

What is the average cost to retile a bathroom?

The average cost of tiling a bathroom is $2,000, including labor, or $12.50 per square foot. This depends on various factors, such as bathroom size, tile type, and project scope. If you choose a complex design or you want to tile around your shower, this could increase your home improvement project cost.

Is tiling a bathroom a DIY project?

Tiling a bathroom can be a DIY project for DIY-savvy homeowners, but it does require precision and careful planning. If you feel uncomfortable doing the entire project on your own, you can just remove the old tile yourself to save on costs. We recommend hiring a professional if you have a large or complicated tiling project.

How do I know how many tiles I will need to tile the bathroom?

You’ll first need to find out the square footage of the area you plan to tile. Next, find the number of tile boxes you need based on the area of your bathroom space. Tile boxes typically specify the total square footage the tiles in the box should cover. In addition, you may need trim tiles like liners, bullnose, or outside corner beaks.

Tiles must be cut and not all leftover pieces are useful, so always buy 10%–15% more than required by a square foot measurement.

How do I find a tile contractor?

Get referrals from friends or family members who recently retiled their bathroom. You can also search for tile contractors in your area. Always check references and get multiple quotes before making a decision.

How long does it take to retile a bathroom?

On average, it takes a professional three to five days to complete a bathroom retiling job, but this depends on the bathroom’s size and the project’s scope. Intricate designs in large bathrooms will take longer than simple designs in small bathrooms. You can get a time estimate when the contractor gives you a bathroom tiling quote.

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