National Average Improvement and Repair Cost
Pro
DIY
Hours:
18.8
29
Cost:
$ 1840
$ 400
Would you do this project? According to our survey, 66% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.
The average price to Install Quarry Tiles noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.
How much does it cost to have quarry tile installed? A contractor charges $1,840 to install quarry tile and you can do the job for $400 and save 78 percent.
Quarry tile is a popular flooring material, especially in high traffic areas like a kitchen, bathroom, or entryway because it provides a long-lasting, durable surface that is easy to clean and withstands years of abuse. Years ago these tiles were a natural stone that was quarried; however, today the tiles are mostly extruded and fired clay. They are available in natural earth tones and come in many sizes, but the most popular are 1/2 or 3/4-inch thick and rectangular in shape, mostly in squares of 3 to 8 inches.
A tiling contractor will install a 10-foot by 15-foot quarry tile floor for $1840, which includes the labor and material. An experienced do-it-yourselfer can do the job for $400, the cost of the materials, and save 78 percent. The savings are well-earned because this is a job that takes considerable time, not to mention a large outlay for the materials. Figure you’ll spend a good two days-plus laying the tile floor while a contractor will take less time.
A breakdown of the job includes several phases: preparing the floor, installing a cement backboard as a sound and level base, laying out the placement of tiles, then cutting and installing them over a bed of thin-set mortar with spacers for proper alignment, and finally grouting and sealing.
You’ll find a selection of quarry tiles at home and flooring centers as well as at tile retailers, where you can usually rent or buy the tools you need: nippers, a grout float, notched trowel, and chalk line. You’ll need a large sponge, bucket, and measuring tape. Invest in a pair of kneepads to protect your shins since most of the job involves working on your hands and knees.
Because the backs of some quarry tile have rough and often uneven backs, it’s a good idea to back-butter them which means apply adhesive on the back of the tile as well as on the setting surface of the floor. Applying two wet surfaces together gives you the best adhesive power.
Here’s information from SFGate on how to install quarry tile.
Now you know the average cost to install quarry tiles which includes the labor and material, and what’s involved, so you can decide to do it yourself or hire a contractor.
Still deciding on flooring? Check out our guides on other options below:
