Tile installation estimates are measured in square feet of installed surface. Labor runs $6–$18/sq ft depending on tile size, pattern complexity, and surface type (floor vs. wall vs. shower). Materials (tile, grout, setting materials) are priced separately and typically marked up 20–30% over cost. This template comes pre-filled with 6 common tile installer line items — edit any value, add your client info, and print or download as PDF.
Build a professional estimate with line items, markup, and tax — instantly, for free.
Step 1 — Project Details
Step 2 — Line Items
| Description | Unit | Qty | Unit Price | Subtotal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$ | $1,350.00 | ||||
$ | $907.50 | ||||
$ | $390.00 | ||||
$ | $450.00 | ||||
$ | $185.00 | ||||
$ | $240.00 |
Step 3 — Markup & Tax
Project
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Date
April 14, 2026
Client
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Address
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| Description | Unit | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor — tile installation | Sq Ft | 150 | $9.00 | $1,350.00 |
| Floor tile (allowance per sq ft) | Sq Ft | 165 | $5.50 | $907.50 |
| Wall tile (allowance per sq ft) | Sq Ft | 60 | $6.50 | $390.00 |
| Backer board — cement board | Sq Ft | 200 | $2.25 | $450.00 |
| Thinset mortar and grout — materials | Lot | 1 | $185.00 | $185.00 |
| Tile trim and Schluter edge profiles | Linear Ft | 40 | $6.00 | $240.00 |
Point your camera at the job. Suparate reads the scope, applies your rates, and builds the estimate — no typing required.
Specify the tile size and pattern in your estimate
State the tile size, pattern, and any special cuts in your estimate. If the client changes the tile size after signing (e.g., 12×24 to 24×48), issue a change order — large format tile takes more time to install and cut.
Add a 'substrate preparation' line
Clients rarely understand that backer board, uncoupling membrane, or self-leveling compound is a separate cost from the tile itself. List it explicitly — hiding it in 'labor' creates disputes when they see the total.
Test for lippage before starting large-format tile
Floors with high lippage (variation > 3/16" over 10 ft) require leveling compound before large-format tile can be installed. Assess during your pre-estimate site visit and include the leveling as a conditional cost.
Measure the room or surface dimensions and multiply L × W for floors, or height × perimeter for walls. Add a 10% waste factor for straight-lay patterns, 15–20% for diagonal or herringbone layouts. Large-format tiles (24×24+) require extra waste factor for cuts — allow 15–20% minimum. Always measure and calculate independently; don't rely on the client's estimate.
Standard floor tile (12×12 to 18×18, straight lay): $6–$10/sq ft installed. Large format tile (24×24+): $10–$15/sq ft. Mosaic/penny tile: $15–$25/sq ft. Shower walls with multiple niches and fixtures: $14–$22/sq ft. Diagonal or herringbone pattern add 15–25% to labor cost. These are labor-only rates; price materials separately.
A complete estimate includes: substrate preparation (backer board or uncoupling membrane), thinset mortar, tile material at markup, grout and grout sealer, trim profiles (Schluter, Jolly, or tile bullnose), labor, and any demolition of existing flooring. Exclusions: plumbing or electrical in the wet area, waterproofing membrane (list separately), and leveling compound if needed.
Yes. Diagonal layout adds 15–25% to labor. Herringbone or basketweave adds 25–35%. Custom mosaic or hand-cut stone can double your standard labor rate. Always specify the pattern in your estimate and note the surcharge separately — it prevents the client from changing to herringbone after signing without understanding the cost implication.