Memphis, TN · Updated
Tile Installation Cost in Memphis: Fair Price and Permit Info
Tile installation cost in Memphis typically runs $14.41 to $17.79 per square foot, with about $16.10 as a typical estimated price (an estimate, not a quote).
Memphis homeowners pay nothing to use it. One pro, introduced by name first.
Typical price · Memphis, TN
Shower remodel
$3,650
Low$1,700High$7,700
Source: angi.com, 2026-09 · All 8 local prices
Memphis tile installation cost prices at a glance
| Job | Low | Typical | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tile installation | $14/sq ft | $16/sq ft | $18/sq ft | homewyse.com, 2026-09 |
| Shower remodel | $1,700 | $3,650 | $7,700 | angi.com, 2026-09 |
| Floor tile installation | $14/sq ft | $16/sq ft | $18/sq ft | homewyse.com, 2026-09 |
| Bathroom tile installation | $15/sq ft | $17/sq ft | $19/sq ft | homewyse.com, 2026-09 |
| Shower pan installation | $750 | $1,250 | $1,950 | angi.com, homewyse.com, thisoldhouse.com, 2026-09 |
| Wall tile installation | $10/sq ft | $14/sq ft | $19/sq ft | homewyse.com, 2026-09 |
| Tile repair | $14/sq ft | $16/sq ft | $18/sq ft | homewyse.com, 2026-09 |
| Tile removal | $4/sq ft | $5/sq ft | $7/sq ft | homewyse.com, 2026-09 |
Typical ranges from public data (homewyse.com, angi.com, thisoldhouse.com; September 2026), not a quote — your contractor's written contract sets the price.
These price ranges are based on national averages adjusted for Memphis and are not actual quotes. Prices as of Sep 2026.
Estimate your tile installation range in Memphis
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All Memphis tile price ranges.
Choose the job closest to yours; each page explains the range and what drives it in Memphis.
How it works.
How it works in Memphis.
- A few quick answers. Job, size and timing for your Memphis tile installation project, in about two minutes.
- Your pro, by name. We email the name of one Memphis tile pro before anyone gets in touch.
- A quote in writing. They price the tile installation job on paper so you can check it against the Memphis range.
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Know what to ask.
What a fair tile installation quote looks like.
Before you say yes, ask
- Is the warranty in writing?
- Is backer board included?
- What if the subfloor is damaged?
- Which membrane will you use?
- Does the grout need sealing?
Questions.
July Is Memphis's Humid Month: Tile Installation Tips and FAQs
How much does tile installation cost in Memphis with Shelby County plumbing permits?
Permit fees depend on the type of work and are not included in this estimate.
How much is porcelain tile to install in Memphis?
Porcelain tile installation costs are included in the $14.41 to $17.79 per square foot range, with prices depending on the quality of materials and labor. No specific price distinction is made for porcelain in local pricing data.
What license should a tile installer in Memphis hold for exterior work in a Memphis local?
In Shelby County, Tennessee requires a Home Improvement license for residential remodeling projects costing between $3,000 and $24,999, which must be backed by a $10,000 bond or equivalent (Home Improvement Contractor (TN Board for Licensing Contractors)). To verify a contractor's license, you can check at verify.tn.gov (Homeowner's Affidavit for Building Permits (Memphis and Shelby County)).
The full Memphis guide to tile installation.
Every Memphis detail, with citations
On this page · 12 sections
Local historic districts may require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Memphis Landmarks Commission (Memphis Landmarks Commission Certificate of Appropriateness resource (2025)).
Cost of Tile Shower in Memphis with EPA RRP Rule Considerations
Memphis adopted the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments effective December 31, 2021 (Joint ordinance adopting the 2021 IRC with local amendments (Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code)).
Tile and terrazzo installations are classified separately under Tennessee's contractor system (Rules of the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, Chapter 0680-01 Licensing (rev. Sept 2022)), which may affect how contractors bid or scope their services for residential projects in Memphis. This classification ensures specific expertise is applied to each type of installation.
Cost tile bathroom in Memphis
Ceramic tiles are often chosen for their durability and long service life of 75–100 years (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1). Proper installation includes movement joints to prevent cracking, and mortar coverage must be correct to avoid voids under tiles (www.tileletter.com).
Ceramic tile installation cost per sq ft Memphis
Ceramic tile installation in Memphis costs $14.41 to $17.79 per square foot. Ceramic or porcelain tile flooring typically has a service life of 75–100 years (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1) Installation requires proper movement joints and adequate mortar coverage to avoid cracking or voids under the tiles (www.tileletter.com).
What changes the price in Memphis
Each local rule or condition below changes what to do, choose or pay for this job; sources included. More rows: full table.
| Local rule or condition | What it changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Work started in Memphis/Shelby County before a permit is issued is charged a double permit fee, per the 2022 fee schedule | Starting tile installation without a permit could result in double the permit fee if discovered later (source). | 2022 Fee Schedule, Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement |
Memphis Price Bands for Tile Installation by Job Type
Tile installation costs in Memphis depend on job type and local factors. Fees, regulations, and housing conditions influence the price range of $14.41 to $17.79 per square foot. Understanding these details helps you plan accurately for your project.
The Memphis/Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement oversees permit reviews and inspections (Construction Enforcement (Develop 901, Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development)). Their office is located at 6465 Mullins Station Road (2022 Fee Schedule, Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement), where you can apply for permits or ask questions about local codes. Newer construction may allow for easier tile installation compared to older structures (ACS 5-year 2020-2024, B25034 Year Structure Built).
Where Memphis Homeowners Can Trim Tile Installation Costs Themselves
Memphis homeowners can reduce tile installation costs by handling certain tasks themselves, such as preparing surfaces and managing permits where applicable, without sacrificing quality or compliance.
Related for Memphis homeowners: Bathroom Shower Renovation Cost.
Memphis/Shelby County residential alteration and repair permits cost $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation, with a $50 minimum and $325 maximum (2022 Fee Schedule, Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement). However, movement joints must still be installed properly using 100% silicone, urethane or polysulfide sealants as required by ANSI and TCNA guidelines (www.tileletter.com). Proper joint placement prevents future issues like tenting due to temperature changes (www.tileletter.com).
Choosing the right tools and materials can also cut costs. For example, using a trowel with the correct notch size ensures adequate mortar coverage and avoids problems like cracked tile edges or hollow sounds under tiles (www.tileletter.com). Additionally, avoiding acidic cleaners on calcareous stone prevents etching or dulling of marble or limestone surfaces (naturalstoneinstitute.org). These steps help Memphis homeowners complete tile projects with fewer errors and less need for professional intervention.
How long common tile installation options last and what to know (general industry sources, not local rules). More rows: full table.
| Option | Typical service life | What to know | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural stone tile: marble, granite, slate | 100+ years | NAHB lists marble and granite flooring at 100+ years and slate at 100 (source) | NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1 |
Local wage data (BLS)
BLS OEWS May 2025 wages.
| Occupation | Metro | US | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Laborers | $22.70 | $25.02 | 0.91× |
| Tile and Stone Setters | $22.04 | $28.49 | 0.77× |
Public wage data (BLS OEWS, as cited above; October 2026), not a quote — your contractor's written contract sets the price.
Quote check: local band
$14–$18 per square foot
Before you sign a tile installation cost quote in Memphis
- Scope of work including tile type and finish
- Warranty terms for tile and labor
- Schedule with start and end dates
- Disposal of old materials and debris
When a pro may not be needed
For major installations, a repair-only quote from a professional is the cautious route to ensure compliance with local codes. Always verify if historic district rules apply (Memphis Landmarks Commission Certificate of Appropriateness resource (2025)).
What to do next on a Memphis tile installation cost job
- Contact the Memphis Landmarks Commission if your home is in a historic district (Memphis Landmarks Commission Certificate of Appropriateness resource (2025)).
- Check verify.tn.gov to confirm the installer’s license before signing a contract (Homeowner's Affidavit for Building Permits (Memphis and Shelby County)).
- Consider seasonal delays, as Memphis experiences moderate weathering and termite risk (Joint ordinance adopting the 2021 IRC with local amendments (Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code)).
Local data notes for Memphis
- Memphis covers about 750 km² (290 sq mi) of land (US Census Gazetteer). COMPUTED (Census 2024 Gazetteer land area) (US Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer (place internal point INTPTLAT/INTPTLONG))
Repair or replace the tile?
Not an inspection, just a rule of thumb. Your choices are not sent anywhere.
Shower remodel
Ranges: national cost guides adjusted for Memphis (estimate). Question weights and age cut-offs are planning rules of thumb (ESTIMATE), not local data.
Quote check: what a written quote should cover
Tick each item the written quote already covers, then ask about anything left unticked.
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Before they contact you, we give you the pro's name. Ask them for their license number and check it yourself — look it up at verify.tn.gov.
Page history
- — Updated 90% of the text; new sections: Memphis tile installation cost prices at a glance, Cost of Tile Shower in Memphis with EPA RRP Rule Considerations, What in Memphis changes a tile installation cost job; removed: Local Price Table (MLGW's 2023 Water Quality Report Lists, Memphis cost of tile shower, Memphis Price Bands for Tile Work on Homes
- — Updated 91% of the text; new sections: Local Price Table (MLGW's 2023 Water Quality Report Lists, Memphis cost of tile shower, Memphis Price Bands for Tile Work on Homes; removed: Memphis tile installation cost prices at a glance, Cost of Tile Shower in Memphis with EPA RRP Rule Considerations, What in Memphis changes a tile installation cost job
- — Updated 23% of the text
- — Updated 91% of the text; new sections: Cost of Tile Shower in Memphis with EPA RRP Rule Considerations, Memphis tile installation cost prices at a glance, What in Memphis changes a tile installation cost job; removed: Memphis cost of tile shower, Local Price Table (MLGW's 2023 Water Quality Report Lists, Memphis Price Bands for Tile Work on Homes
- — First version
We list content changes only, not spelling or layout fixes.