Free Tile Installation Estimate Templates (2026)

Quick answer: Tile installation runs about $24 to $34 per square foot in 2026 with demo and prep, so an 800 sq ft floor costs roughly $19,400 and a 3,000 sq ft commercial floor about $101,700. A full bathroom tile job with a tiled shower is about $13,300.

Tile jobs are won and lost before the first piece of tile goes down. The tile itself is only part of the cost. Demolition, floor flattening, membranes, waterproofing, thin-set, grout, trim, and setter hours add up fast, and any one of them left off the estimate comes out of your pocket.

Tile is also unforgiving. A floor that is not flat shows up as lippage, a shower without proper waterproofing fails behind the wall, and a rushed grout job looks cheap on day one. Pricing the prep and the details correctly is how you protect both your margin and your reputation.

These three templates cover the jobs tile contractors price most often: a residential floor tile installation, a full bathroom tile remodel, and a commercial tile project. Each one breaks the job into preparation, materials, labor, and other costs, so you can adjust the details for the specific job in front of you.

---

---

How to Use These Templates

Each template is organized into surface preparation, tile and materials, labor, and other costs. Here is how to make them work for you:

1. Visit the site and measure every surface to be tiled. Check the substrate for flatness, moisture, cracks, and movement.
2. Confirm the tile selection with the customer, including size, material, pattern, and grout color.
3. Calculate quantities with a waste factor that fits the pattern and tile size.
4. Price the prep honestly, including demo, leveling, membranes, and waterproofing.
5. Estimate labor for setting, grouting, sealing, and any trim or baseboard.
6. Add equipment, disposal, and delivery, then apply your overhead and profit.

The costs shown are mid-range U.S. estimates for 2026. Tile prices, labor rates, and regional conditions vary, so always verify pricing before sending a live estimate.

---

Template 1: Residential Floor Tile

This template covers 800 sq ft of porcelain floor tile (12 x 24) across a kitchen, entry, and hallway, including demo of existing flooring, uncoupling membrane, and tile baseboard. Adjust quantities and pricing for your specific job.

Surface Preparation

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Remove existing flooring and underlayment	800	sq ft	$1.50	$1,200.00
Self-leveling patch for low spots	150	sq ft	$3.50	$525.00
Uncoupling membrane	800	sq ft	$2.25	$1,800.00
Floor cleaning, vacuuming, and priming	800	sq ft	$0.30	$240.00
Surface Preparation Subtotal				$3,765.00

Materials

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Porcelain floor tile (12 x 24, includes 10% waste)	880	sq ft	$4.50	$3,960.00
Modified thin-set mortar (50 lb bags)	18	bag	$24.00	$432.00
Sanded grout (25 lb bags)	8	bag	$26.00	$208.00
Grout sealer	1	gallon	$45.00	$45.00
Spacers, leveling clips, and caulk	1	lot	$120.00	$120.00
Metal edge trim and transitions	40	lin ft	$5.50	$220.00
Door thresholds	4	each	$35.00	$140.00
Tile baseboard (4 x 12 in bullnose)	120	lin ft	$5.00	$600.00
Materials Subtotal				$5,725.00

Labor

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Tile setter (journeyman)	48	hours	$58.00	$2,784.00
Tile helper	24	hours	$38.00	$912.00
Grouting and sealing labor	800	sq ft	$0.85	$680.00
Baseboard tile installation	120	lin ft	$4.00	$480.00
Labor Subtotal				$4,856.00

Equipment and Other Costs

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Wet saw rental (10 in)	1	week	$125.00	$125.00
Dumpster rental and disposal fees	1	each	$450.00	$450.00
Material delivery	1	lot	$150.00	$150.00
Equipment and Other Costs Subtotal				$725.00

Summary

	Amount
Surface Preparation	$3,765.00
Materials	$5,725.00
Labor	$4,856.00
Equipment and Other Costs	$725.00
Direct Cost Subtotal	$15,071.00
Overhead (15%)	$2,260.65
Profit (12%)	$2,079.80
Total Estimate	$19,411.45

Tips for This Template

• Include a waste factor in the tile quantity and say so on the estimate. The template carries 10% extra, and diagonal or herringbone layouts need more.
• Do not skip the floor flattening. Self-leveling patch and an uncoupling membrane cost real money, but they prevent cracked tile and callbacks. Our tile setting and thin-set guide explains how substrate and mortar choices affect the finished floor.
• List the transitions and thresholds separately. Door thresholds and metal edge trim are small lines that are easy to forget.
• Price grout and sealer as their own items. Customers who upgrade to a stain-resistant grout are paying for a better result, and you should too.
• Photograph the existing floor before demolition. It documents the starting condition and helps explain any prep surprises.

---

Template 2: Bathroom Tile

This template covers a full bathroom tile job: tiled shower with niches and bench (about 100 sq ft of wall tile), 50 sq ft of heated floor tile, and a vanity backsplash. Adjust quantities and pricing for your specific job.

Surface Preparation

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Existing tile removal (floor)	50	sq ft	$4.75	$237.50
Existing tile removal (walls)	120	sq ft	$4.50	$540.00
Thin-set and mastic removal and grinding	170	sq ft	$2.75	$467.50
Cement board installation (1/2 in, walls)	120	sq ft	$3.50	$420.00
Cement board installation (floor)	50	sq ft	$3.00	$150.00
Waterproof membrane (liquid or sheet)	170	sq ft	$2.50	$425.00
Shower pan liner and mortar bed	1	each	$700.00	$700.00
Level check and skim coat	50	sq ft	$2.75	$137.50
Surface Preparation Subtotal				$3,077.50

Shower Tile

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Shower wall tile (12 x 24 porcelain)	100	sq ft	$9.00	$900.00
Shower floor tile (2 x 2 mosaic, anti-slip)	12	sq ft	$15.00	$180.00
Shower niche (prefab, tiled)	2	each	$185.00	$370.00
Shower curb tile	3	lin ft	$27.00	$81.00
Accent strip (glass or stone listello)	10	lin ft	$19.00	$190.00
Shower bench (tiled, mortar)	1	each	$475.00	$475.00
Shower Tile Subtotal				$2,196.00

Floor Tile

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Bathroom floor tile (12 x 24 porcelain)	50	sq ft	$9.00	$450.00
Floor tile pattern upcharge (staggered or herringbone)	50	sq ft	$2.75	$137.50
Threshold and transition strip	1	each	$38.00	$38.00
Heated floor mat (electric, with thermostat)	50	sq ft	$13.00	$650.00
Floor Tile Subtotal				$1,275.50

Vanity Backsplash

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Vanity backsplash tile	8	sq ft	$10.00	$80.00
Vanity Backsplash Subtotal				$80.00

Grout and Finishing

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Grout (unsanded for walls, sanded for floor)	170	sq ft	$1.35	$229.50
Grout sealer	170	sq ft	$0.50	$85.00
Silicone caulk (color-matched, corners and changes of plane)	60	lin ft	$2.75	$165.00
Tile edge trim (Schluter Jolly or similar)	30	lin ft	$6.00	$180.00
Grout and Finishing Subtotal				$659.50

Materials

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Modified thin-set mortar	8	bag	$24.00	$192.00
Cement board screws	1	lot	$28.00	$28.00
Waterproofing seam tape, corners, and sealant kits	1	lot	$185.00	$185.00
Spacers, wedges, and leveling clips	1	lot	$70.00	$70.00
Materials Subtotal				$475.00

Labor

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Tile setter (journeyman)	32	hours	$60.00	$1,920.00
Tile helper	16	hours	$40.00	$640.00
Labor Subtotal				$2,560.00

Summary

	Amount
Surface Preparation	$3,077.50
Shower Tile	$2,196.00
Floor Tile	$1,275.50
Vanity Backsplash	$80.00
Grout and Finishing	$659.50
Materials	$475.00
Labor	$2,560.00
Direct Cost Subtotal	$10,323.50
Overhead (15%)	$1,548.53
Profit (12%)	$1,424.64
Total Estimate	$13,296.67

Tips for This Template

• Bathrooms are labor-heavy and detail-heavy. The template carries a shower pan, niches, a bench, and a heated floor mat, and each one adds hours. Price them as their own lines.
• Waterproofing is not optional. Price the membrane, seam tape, and corner kits properly, and follow the manufacturer’s flood test and cure requirements. Our waterproofing guide covers the options.
• Use unit pricing for small areas. A few square feet of backsplash or a mosaic shower floor takes much longer per square foot than open floor tile.
• Pattern upcharges are real. Staggered and herringbone layouts add cutting time, so include them as a separate line.
• Confirm plumbing fixtures and trim locations before you start. Moving a valve after the wall is tiled is expensive.

---

Template 3: Commercial Tile

This template covers a 3,000 sq ft commercial tile job: 1,500 sq ft lobby in large-format porcelain, 500 sq ft of restroom floors with wainscot walls, and 400 sq ft of break room quarry tile. Adjust quantities and pricing for your specific job.

Floor Preparation

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Existing floor covering removal	3,000	sq ft	$1.50	$4,500.00
Concrete grinding and profiling	3,000	sq ft	$1.25	$3,750.00
Self-leveling underlayment	1,000	sq ft	$4.50	$4,500.00
Crack isolation membrane	500	sq ft	$2.25	$1,125.00
Moisture testing (ASTM F2170)	6	each	$125.00	$750.00
Primer and sealer (concrete)	3,000	sq ft	$0.35	$1,050.00
Floor Preparation Subtotal				$15,675.00

Lobby and Common Area Tile

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Porcelain tile (24 x 24, rectified)	1,500	sq ft	$7.50	$11,250.00
Large-format tile installation (lippage control system)	1,500	sq ft	$6.50	$9,750.00
Accent inlay and border	100	lin ft	$18.00	$1,800.00
Entry transition strip (brass or stainless)	3	each	$85.00	$255.00
Lobby and Common Area Tile Subtotal				$23,055.00

Restroom Tile

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Floor tile (12 x 12 porcelain, anti-slip, ADA)	500	sq ft	$7.50	$3,750.00
Wall tile (12 x 24 porcelain, wainscot to 48 in)	800	sq ft	$8.50	$6,800.00
Waterproof membrane (uncoupling, Schluter Ditra type)	500	sq ft	$3.25	$1,625.00
Cove base tile (6 in)	150	lin ft	$8.50	$1,275.00
Accent tile band	50	lin ft	$15.00	$750.00
Restroom Tile Subtotal				$14,200.00

Kitchen and Break Room

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Floor tile (12 x 12 quarry tile, anti-slip)	400	sq ft	$6.50	$2,600.00
Backsplash tile (4 x 4 or subway)	50	sq ft	$10.50	$525.00
Commercial cove base	80	lin ft	$8.50	$680.00
Kitchen and Break Room Subtotal				$3,805.00

Grout and Sealant

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Epoxy grout (restrooms and kitchen)	1,700	sq ft	$2.50	$4,250.00
Standard sanded grout (dry areas)	1,800	sq ft	$1.25	$2,250.00
Grout sealer (all standard grout)	1,800	sq ft	$0.45	$810.00
Silicone sealant (perimeter and wet areas)	500	lin ft	$2.50	$1,250.00
Expansion and control joint sealant	100	lin ft	$4.50	$450.00
Grout and Sealant Subtotal				$9,010.00

Trim and Transitions

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Metal edge trim (Schluter Reno-T type)	100	lin ft	$6.50	$650.00
Stair nosing (porcelain or metal)	10	each	$55.00	$550.00
Threshold (marble or metal)	8	each	$45.00	$360.00
ADA transition (max 1/4 in change)	5	each	$35.00	$175.00
Trim and Transitions Subtotal				$1,735.00

Labor

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Tile foreman	60	hours	$62.00	$3,720.00
Journeyman tile setter	120	hours	$55.00	$6,600.00
Tile helper	80	hours	$38.00	$3,040.00
Laborer (material handling)	40	hours	$32.00	$1,280.00
Labor Subtotal				$14,640.00

Equipment and Other Costs

Line Item	Qty	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Wet saw rental (10 in)	3	week	$125.00	$375.00
Mixing drill and paddles	1	lot	$65.00	$65.00
Debris removal and cleanup	1	lot	$1,500.00	$1,500.00
Equipment and Other Costs Subtotal				$1,940.00

Summary

	Amount
Floor Preparation	$15,675.00
Lobby and Common Area Tile	$23,055.00
Restroom Tile	$14,200.00
Kitchen and Break Room	$3,805.00
Grout and Sealant	$9,010.00
Trim and Transitions	$1,735.00
Labor	$14,640.00
Equipment and Other Costs	$1,940.00
Direct Cost Subtotal	$84,060.00
Overhead (10%)	$8,406.00
Profit (10%)	$9,246.60
Total Estimate	$101,712.60

Tips for This Template

• Commercial tile is a process job. Include moisture testing, grinding, and profiling in the estimate, since many commercial flooring failures trace back to the slab.
• Large format tile needs a flat substrate and a lippage control system. Price both so the finish quality is built into the bid.
• Epoxy grout costs more per square foot and takes more labor than standard grout. Use it where the spec or the environment calls for it, such as restrooms and kitchens.
• Lower markup percentages are typical on commercial bids because the dollar amounts are larger and competition is tighter. Our template uses 10% overhead and 10% profit.
• Include ADA transitions and expansion joints. Missing them in the bid usually means paying for them later.

---

Adjusting These Templates for Your Business

Know Your Tile and Material Costs

Tile selection swings the estimate more than almost anything else. A basic porcelain tile and a handmade designer tile can differ by many times in price. Keep current pricing from two or three suppliers, ask about contractor accounts, and always confirm lead times. Thin-set, membranes, and trim also vary by brand, so update those unit costs regularly.

Calculate Your True Labor Cost

Use job costing tools to track what labor really costs you. A setter’s hourly wage is only part of it. Add workers comp, insurance, payroll taxes, tools, and truck costs, and the real number is much higher. Your billing rate needs to cover that cost plus overhead and profit. If you pay installers by the square foot, make sure the rate still covers supervision, prep time, and callbacks.

Offer Good-Better-Best Options

Tile is a natural fit for tiers. Show a standard porcelain option, a mid-range option with a better pattern or trim package, and a premium option with larger format or specialty tile. Most customers pick the middle, and some go premium. You never sell the top option if you never present it.

Move to Digital Estimates

Homeowners usually compare two or three tile bids, and the contractor who sends a clear, itemized estimate first often wins. Projul’s estimating tools let you build and send estimates from the jobsite right after you measure. No going back to the office. No delays. Schedule a demo to see how it works.

---

How to Estimate a Tile Job Step by Step

Whether you are pricing a kitchen floor or a commercial lobby, follow this process to build accurate tile estimates every time.

Step 1: Complete the Site Visit

Measure every surface and note the existing floor or wall covering. Check the substrate for flatness with a straightedge, look for cracks and moisture issues, and confirm access for materials and equipment. Take photos of everything. A 30-minute visit prevents most surprises.

Step 2: Confirm the Tile and Layout

Agree on tile size, material, pattern, grout joint, and trim details before pricing. Layout decisions change cut waste and labor hours. A staggered or herringbone pattern can add a significant amount of setting time.

Step 3: Calculate Quantities and Waste

Multiply length by width for each area, add them up, and apply a waste factor for the pattern. Include linear footage for trim, baseboard, and edge profiles. Count thresholds, niches, and transitions as individual items.

Step 4: Price the Preparation

Include demolition, disposal, leveling, crack isolation, membranes, and waterproofing. Prep is often a large share of the labor and the cost, and it is the part customers do not see. Make it visible on the estimate so they understand the value.

Step 5: Estimate Setting, Grouting, and Finishing Labor

Break labor into setting, grouting, sealing, caulking, and cleanup. Use your own production rates rather than a published average. Add helper time for mixing, material handling, and cleanup.

Step 6: Add Equipment, Disposal, and Delivery

Wet saw rentals, mixing equipment, dumpsters, and material delivery are real costs. List them so they do not get buried in overhead.

Step 7: Apply Overhead and Profit, Then Send

Add your overhead and profit percentages, double-check the quantities, and send the estimate quickly with estimating software. Follow up within 48 hours if you have not heard back.

---

Common Mistakes That Cost Tile Contractors Money

Underpricing prep. Demo, leveling, and membranes can be a large part of the job. If your estimate only lists tile and setting, you are working for free on the prep.

Skipping the waste factor. Running short of tile mid-job means a delay, a possible dye lot mismatch, and extra delivery. Add waste to every tile line.

Ignoring the substrate. Moisture, cracks, and uneven slabs cause failures. Test and price accordingly, especially on commercial jobs.

Forgetting small items. Trim, thresholds, spacers, caulk, and sealer feel minor, but together they add hundreds of dollars.

Using one labor rate for everything. Floor tile, shower walls, mosaics, and large format all move at different speeds. Price each by its own production rate.

---

Related Estimate Templates

Looking for templates for other trades? These free estimate templates follow the same format with realistic line items and pricing for 2026.

• Flooring Estimate Templates: hardwood, laminate, and vinyl installs
• Bathroom Remodel Estimate Templates: full and partial bathroom remodels
• Concrete Estimate Templates: foundations, flatwork, and decorative
• Epoxy Flooring Estimate Templates: garage and commercial floors
• Cabinet and Countertop Estimate Templates: kitchens and baths
• Waterproofing Estimate Templates: basements and wet areas
• Masonry Estimate Templates: brick, block, and stone
• General Contractor Estimate Templates: full project estimates

Need a template for a different trade? Check our full list of free estimate templates covering construction trades from roofing to flooring.

---

What Every Tile Estimate Needs Beyond the Numbers

• Tile specifications. Manufacturer, size, color, finish, and pattern. Do not just write “floor tile.”
• Measurements. The square footage and linear footage you priced from, including the waste factor.
• Scope of work. Write a clear scope of work. “Remove existing flooring. Install uncoupling membrane. Install 12 x 24 porcelain tile in a straight lay. Grout, seal, and install tile baseboard.”
• Timeline. “Estimated 8 working days from start, with grout cure time between steps.”
• Warranty details. Your workmanship warranty and the manufacturer warranties on tile, membranes, and setting materials.
• Payment terms. “50% deposit at scheduling, 50% due at completion.” Use invoicing software to collect payments faster.
• Exclusions. “Does not include subfloor repair, plumbing changes, permits, or furniture moving.”
• Extra tile policy. Say how overage and dye lots are handled.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the FAQ section above for answers to common questions about tile installation costs, waste, waterproofing, lippage, and estimate validity.

---

Start Sending Better Estimates Today

These templates give you a strong starting point for residential floor tile, bathroom tile, and commercial tile projects. Plug in your tile pricing, adjust for your market, and start sending professional estimates that win more jobs.

If you want to stop losing bids to contractors who respond faster, Projul’s estimating features let you build and send tile estimates from the jobsite. Built for contractors. Schedule a live demo and see the difference.

---

DISCLAIMER: We make no warranty of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the information presented on this website. Posts are subject to change without notice and cannot be considered financial advice.