Tile Project Cost Calculator
Turnkey budget calculator comparing DIY material-only costs against professional contractor installation across floor tile, shower tile, and backsplash projects.
Formula
Turnkey Budget = (Mat Sq Ft × Mat Rate) + (Sq Ft × Labor Rate) + Demo Prep
1. Mat Sq Ft = Area × (1 + Waste %) 2. Material Cost = Mat Sq Ft × Material Rate + Setting Supplies ($1.50/sq ft) 3. Labor Cost = Area × Pro Labor Rate 4. Demo Cost = Demo ? (Area × $3.50) : 0 5. Total Turnkey Budget = Material + Labor + Demo
Inputs
- Total Project Area
- Tile Project Type
- Demolish Old Tile?
Worked example
Demolishing old tile and installing new porcelain floor tile with professional contractor labor.
Outcome: Material cost (168 sq ft with 12% waste) is $1,092 (including thinset/grout). Pro installation labor is $1,200. Demo & haul away is $525. Total turnkey installed budget: ~$2,817 (DIY savings: ~$1,725).
Why does shower tiling cost more per square foot than floor tiling?
Shower tiling requires extensive multi-step waterproofing (Kerdi membrane or liquid membrane), precision slope screeding to the drain, plumbing valve penetrations, and delicate niche corner trims.