Bathroom Flooring Installation Costs: What to Expect

When planning a bathroom remodel, understanding installation costs for flooring is essential, not just for aesthetic appeal but for practicality as well.

Choosing the right flooring is essential, says a design expert. It should match your style while being able to handle moisture and humidity effectively.

Fortunately, a broad range of options exists at various price points, ensuring there’s something suitable for every budget. Explore hard-wearing bathroom flooring ideas that are easy to maintain and provide good slip resistance.

What Are the Costs of Bathroom Flooring Installation?

It’s wise to consider flooring early in the remodeling process. This allows ample time to select the most suitable option while ensuring it can be installed before other fixtures are in place. Below, we break down the costs associated with different types of bathroom flooring.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is a popular choice for bathrooms, including wet rooms, thanks to its durability and variety. Available in numerous designs and colors that mimic stone and wood, it’s both stain and scratch-resistant.

Prices for porcelain tiles start at about $2 per square foot (or £15 per square meter) and can exceed $13 per square foot (£100 per square meter) based on factors like design intricacy and finish.

These Norway Forge Matt porcelain tiles, priced at $14 per square foot (£80 per square meter), offer the aesthetic of natural stone without the high maintenance. They are inspired by blue-grey Ceppo di Gre stone from Italy and have a unique pebble effect.

Large Format Tile

Large format porcelain tiles create a more seamless look, reducing the number of grout lines. However, be cautious as they may result in more waste in smaller areas.

Advancements in technology have made large format tiles more affordable. For instance, the Silica Storm 47.2 x 23.6 inch (120 x 60cm) tiles are priced at $7.26 per square foot (£58.80 per square meter), making them comparable to smaller tiles.

Marble Tile

Known for its elegance, marble flooring instantly adds a touch of luxury to any bathroom. However, it’s more porous than other stones and requires regular maintenance to prevent stains and scratches. Always consult your supplier for guidance before purchase.

Subway tiles in Carrara marble typically cost around $17 per square foot (£137 per square meter), with prices increasing for rarer varieties.

This sophisticated bathroom features handcrafted Elite 15 flooring in Emperador Light and White Thassos marble, priced upon request, cut in a geometric pattern for a modern twist on a classic material.

Encaustic Tile

Modern encaustic tiles offer a contemporary take on traditional Victorian designs. Crafted using artisanal methods, they are typically found in the mid to upper price range.

Ric Rac handmade encaustic tiles, priced at $27.25 per square foot (£220.50 per square meter), are made from natural pigments, cement, and marble, resulting in a unique finish. They can be used for both floors and walls, but require sealing to guard against stains.

Patterned Tile

There’s no shortage of designs available to create striking floors, ranging from budget-friendly machine-made options to more expensive handmade tiles.

This elegant bathroom features a vibrant tiled floor made with Promenade cement tile in Clover Wheel design, costing $39 per square foot (£318 per square meter). Sealing is recommended for bathroom applications.

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tiles are often a luxurious choice, starting around $20 per square foot (£150 per square meter). Prices increase for intricate designs made from rare materials. Their small size makes them ideal for shower floors, conforming to slopes effectively while providing slip resistance.

This hand-cut Arbus stone mosaic floor features polished Calacatta Radiance and other premium stones, custom-priced from a mosaic specialist.

Vinyl Tile

Vinyl flooring options offer an affordable solution that mimics the look of wood or tile. Typically made from layered vinyl, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is durable, with prices starting around $5 per square foot (£40 per square meter).

“LVT is an excellent choice for bathrooms due to its water and stain resistance,” advises a design manager. It works well in family bathrooms, handling frequent splashes and offering slip resistance.

LVT is widely available in various styles, replicating natural materials without the upkeep. The Signature Parisian Pine LVT with a Basket Weave pattern costs from $9 per square foot (£71.99 per square meter).

Cork Tile

Cork, sourced from the bark of the cork oak without harming the tree, is an eco-friendly flooring option. It boasts waterproof properties and excellent insulation, making it a great fit for bathrooms.

This cork flooring, priced at $6.50 per square foot (£53 per square meter), features a protective coating that makes it stain resistant and easy to clean. It comes in planks that click together, suitable for underfloor heating.

Painted Finish

For a budget-friendly refresh of old floorboards or plain tiles, consider painting the floor. Most paint brands offer durable formulas for this purpose. This checkerboard design uses Chalk Paint in Old Violet, priced at $132 per gallon (£21.95 per liter), with a finish of Chalk Paint Lacquer for durability.

Wood Flooring

The trend of using wooden flooring in bathrooms mirrors the care given to living spaces, providing a seamless flow and adding warmth and character.

However, due to moisture fluctuations, it's recommended to choose engineered wood flooring, which is more stable than solid wood. Ensure it’s suitable for bathroom use and avoid areas prone to extensive splashing.

This Habitation Great Hall Parquet engineered wood flooring costs $11 per square foot (£89.99 per square meter), shown with an Apollo basin in Forest Green.

Installation Costs for Bathroom Flooring

Labor costs for installation generally start around $200 per day (£150 per day), but this can vary based on location, flooring type, project size, and complexity.

It’s advisable to obtain multiple quotes for comparison. Make sure the quotes cover all necessary materials, area preparation, and cleanup, in addition to labor.

Finding a Bathroom Flooring Installer

Consult your flooring supplier for installer recommendations, as many showrooms maintain lists of approved professionals. Additionally, ask friends and neighbors for referrals, and check local online platforms for potential candidates. Meet with installers, review their past work, check references, and carefully evaluate quotes before making your final decision.