How to Calculate the Per Square Foot Cost of Ceramic Tile
When you're building or remodeling your home, making accurate cost estimates is vital to the bottom line of your project. A prime example is ceramic flooring. While the square-foot price of the tile is typically posted at the point of sale, there are more materials that will go into the installation itself. Although reputable professional ceramic installers will give you an itemized estimate, it is to your benefit to know in advance the full picture of the costs involved. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Determine the total square feet of the area where the tile is to be installed by multiplying the length of the room by the width. This figure is the total square feet of installed tile.
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2
Calculate the number of tiles required by computing the floor coverage of your tile. For example, a 12 by 12 inch tile is 144 square inches and will cover one square foot; a tile that is six by eight inches is 48 square inches: 144 square inches per square foot divided by 48 equals three so you will need three tiles per square foot of floor area.
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3
Multiply the number of tiles per square foot by the total square feet of area and add ten percent for cutting waste: this is the total number of tiles you will need to purchase. Consider the cost of the style of tile you have chosen.
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4
Calculate the amount of cement board or alternate substrate you will need to install beneath the tile by dividing the square foot per board into the total room size and round up. Add the cost of the required number of installation screws to your cement board total.
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Add the cost of thinset mortar that will be required to install the tile. Because brands of thinset are sold in various quantities, you will need to determine the coverage per bag for your project and multiply the number of bags to arrive at total cost. As before, round up to the next whole number to determine the total cost. Repeat this step with the grout you have chosen to finish your ceramic.
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Consider the cost of miscellaneous items such as spacers, trowels, grout floats and sponges, and any tools you will need to purchase or rent to complete the ceramic installation; if you are having the ceramic professionally installed, the installer will provide his own tools and other necessities.
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Tally all of the items and divide by the total square feet of installed tile to arrive at your final calculation of per square foot cost.
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Tips & Warnings
If your subfloor requires leveling this will add to the cost.
If you are having ceramic installed professionally, there will typically be charges for additional services such as furniture removal, appliance disconnection and removal and any required trimming of doors.
References
Resources
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