Retile Bathroom Cost in 2026
Average cost: $10 - $40 per square foot
A typical floor and tub surround (80 sq ft) costs $800 - $3,200
Includes materials and professional labor.
Bathroom retiling replaces old tile on floors, walls, and shower surrounds. Retiling an 80 sq ft bathroom (floor and tub surround) costs $1,600-$2,400 in 2026 with ceramic or porcelain tile, including removal, prep, and installation.
Calculate Your Cost
Your Estimated Cost
$800 - $3,200
Based on 80 square foots in National Average
Prices updated March 2026
Cost Breakdown
What This Means
For 80 square foots in National Average, expect to pay $800-$3,200 with mid-range materials that balance quality and cost.
About $800 goes to materials and $1,000 covers labor. At $25 per square foot, your project is right at the national average.
This is a smaller project that most contractors will complete in a day or two. Many handle this with cash savings or a small personal loan.
Tips for your project:
- •DIY could save you $800, but budget extra time and factor in your skill level.
- •A smaller 56 square foot project would run about $1,400.
- •Always get 3 quotes—prices can vary 20-30% between contractors.
What If...
Budget materials
Use builder-grade or economy materials
$600 - $2,400
-$680 (-34%)
Premium materials
Upgrade to high-end finishes
$1,080 - $4,320
+$376 (19%)
Smaller (60 square foots)
Reduce project scope by 25%
$600 - $2,400
-$680 (-34%)
Larger (100 square foots)
Expand project scope by 25%
$1,000 - $4,000
+$200 (10%)
DIY installation
Do the work yourself (materials only)
$1,020 - $1,380
-$800 (-40%)
What to Ask Your Contractor
1Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Why ask: Protects you from liability if someone gets hurt on your property.
Red flag: Hesitation or claims that insurance "isn't necessary" for this job.
2Can I see references from similar projects?
Can I see references from similar projects?
Why ask: Retile Bathroom requires specific experience. Past work shows capability.
Red flag: Unable to provide any references or only has very old ones.
3What's included in your $2,000 quote—and what's not?
What's included in your $2,000 quote—and what's not?
Why ask: Prevents surprise charges for permits, disposal, or finishing work.
Red flag: Vague answers or unwillingness to put details in writing.
4How do you handle unexpected issues like mold or water damage behind walls?
How do you handle unexpected issues like mold or water damage behind walls?
Why ask: Remodels often uncover hidden problems. Know the process upfront.
Red flag: Claims they "never encounter issues" or won't discuss change orders.
5What's the realistic timeline, and what could cause delays?
What's the realistic timeline, and what could cause delays?
Why ask: Honest contractors set expectations. Weather, material backorders, and inspections cause delays.
Red flag: Unrealistically short timelines or guarantees of "no delays."
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Percentage | Cost Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | 40% | $320 - $1,280 |
| Labor | 50% | $400 - $1,600 |
| Waterproofing, grout & backer | 10% | $80 - $320 |
| Total | 100% | $800 - $3,200 |
*Based on floor and tub surround (80 sq ft) at national average prices.
What Affects the Cost
Tile material
Ceramic costs $2-8/sf, porcelain $4-15/sf, natural stone $10-50/sf
Tile size and pattern
Large format tiles cost less to install; mosaics and patterns add 20-50% labor
Demolition needs
Removing existing tile adds $3-6/sf; repairing substrate adds $2-5/sf
Waterproofing system
Shower waterproofing membrane adds $400-1,000 for material and labor
Impact: H = High, M = Medium, L = Low
DIY vs. Hire a Contractor
🔨 DIY
Risk: Medium — floor tile is forgiving; shower waterproofing is critical
👷 Hire a ProRecommended
Includes: Professional installation, cleanup, warranty, and permit handling.
Cost by State
| State | Cost Range (per square foot) | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $8 - $33 | -18% |
| Alaska | $14 - $55 | +38% |
| Arizona | $10 - $41 | +2% |
| Arkansas | $8 - $32 | -20% |
| California | $14 - $54 | +35% |
| Colorado | $12 - $47 | +18% |
| Connecticut | $13 - $50 | +25% |
| Delaware | $11 - $44 | +10% |
| Florida | $10 - $42 | +4% |
| Georgia | $10 - $39 | -2% |
| Hawaii | $15 - $58 | +45% |
| Idaho | $10 - $39 | -2% |
| Illinois | $11 - $45 | +12% |
| Indiana | $10 - $38 | -5% |
| Iowa | $9 - $37 | -8% |
| Kansas | $9 - $36 | -10% |
| Kentucky | $9 - $35 | -12% |
| Louisiana | $9 - $36 | -10% |
| Maine | $11 - $43 | +8% |
| Maryland | $12 - $48 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $13 - $51 | +28% |
| Michigan | $10 - $39 | -2% |
| Minnesota | $11 - $44 | +10% |
| Mississippi | $8 - $31 | -22% |
| Missouri | $9 - $37 | -8% |
| Montana | $10 - $40 | Avg |
| Nebraska | $9 - $36 | -10% |
| Nevada | $10 - $41 | +2% |
| New Hampshire | $12 - $46 | +15% |
| New Jersey | $12 - $50 | +24% |
| New Mexico | $9 - $34 | -15% |
| New York | $13 - $53 | +32% |
| North Carolina | $10 - $39 | -2% |
| North Dakota | $8 - $34 | -16% |
| Ohio | $10 - $38 | -4% |
| Oklahoma | $9 - $35 | -12% |
| Oregon | $12 - $48 | +20% |
| Pennsylvania | $11 - $42 | +6% |
| Rhode Island | $12 - $47 | +18% |
| South Carolina | $9 - $36 | -10% |
| South Dakota | $8 - $34 | -16% |
| Tennessee | $9 - $37 | -8% |
| Texas | $9 - $38 | -6% |
| Utah | $10 - $40 | Avg |
| Vermont | $11 - $45 | +12% |
| Virginia | $11 - $43 | +8% |
| Washington | $12 - $49 | +22% |
| West Virginia | $8 - $33 | -18% |
| Wisconsin | $10 - $41 | +2% |
| Wyoming | $8 - $34 | -16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to retile a small bathroom?
Retiling a small bathroom costs $800-$3,000. Floor-only (40 sq ft) runs $400-$1,200. Adding a tub surround (80 sq ft total) costs $1,200-$2,500. Full walls and floor (120+ sq ft) range from $2,000-$4,000.
How much does labor cost to tile a bathroom?
Tile installation labor costs $5-$15 per square foot or $35-$60 per hour. A typical bathroom takes 1-3 days. Labor is 50-60% of total cost. Complex patterns, small tiles, and tight spaces increase labor costs.
Can I tile over existing bathroom tile?
Yes, if existing tile is firmly attached, level, and in good condition. Clean thoroughly and use a bonding primer. This approach saves demolition costs but adds floor height (problematic at doors) and does not address underlying issues.
How long does it take to tile a bathroom?
Bathroom tiling takes 2-5 days depending on scope. Floor only takes 1-2 days. Floor and tub surround takes 2-3 days. Full bathroom takes 4-5 days. Add 24-48 hours cure time between tiling and grouting.
What is the best tile for bathroom floors?
Porcelain tile is ideal for bathroom floors: durable, water-resistant, and slip-resistant options available. Choose tiles rated for floors (PEI 3+) with textured or matte finishes for safety. Large format tiles (12x24+) minimize grout lines.
Related Projects
Need to calculate materials for your project? Try our sister site CalcOnce.com for concrete, lumber, paint, and more calculators.
Return on Investment
Recoups 60-70% at resale; high visual impact