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Question:

I'm new to floor tile.. can someone explain the charges?

The tile at the store says $5.00 per square foot.. so I'm assuming that's the cost of the tile only.. and then how much does it generally cost to install? Another $5 or more per square foot? I am new to this all.

Answer:

$ 4.00 - $ 6.00 per sq ft installed......includes grouting.....but no material, pay for all material.... lic. gen. contractor
The installation will probably be less than $5.00, probably a $1.50-$2.00 less. That is presuming you want it laid in straight lines. If you want it laid in diagonials or some sort of pattern then you are in the ballpark. Your best bet is just ask and make sure before they start.
Yes that is a sq ft price. Installation prices vary from area to area. Normaly, you can call an installer and they will give a free in home estimate although some do charge for this. I live in the southern US. Here the normal price for installation is about $3.00 to $5.00 per sq ft on a ready site. Prep work (ie current flooring removal, furnature moveing, etc) is extra.
what the tile store quoted you is the price of the material only. depending on the area of the country you live in, tile installation prices vary. labor prices can range from $2-$10 a square foot depending on the size of the tiles, any pattern you may choose (brick pattern, diagonaly, etc), the type of material you choose (i charge upwards of $15 per foot for glass tiles. i know you are talking floor tiles, and i know you didn't pick a glass tile, but i've seen it done, and believe me, it's well worth $15 a foot!). moving furniture can incur an additional charge; save this money by clearing the room yourself. any floor prep can be additional. if your floor is off-grade (as in not a concrete slab, or you are referring to an upstairs room) then an installer will charge additional for the cost and installation of an underlayement, which is required for tile if installed over plywood. talk with anyone you know who has had ceramic tile installed recently and see who they might recommend. the tile store might offer recommendations as well. get about 3 before you commit to an installer. to giver you a general idea on prices--if you choose a 16 inch tile to be installed over concrete on a straight pattern (square tiles, not diagonal or diamond pattern), you're looking to pay about $3-5 labor per square foot. good luck!

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