When you start a tile project—whether it’s your bathroom, kitchen, foyer, or basement floor—the same question always comes up: Should I go budget or premium?
It’s natural to want beautiful results without overspending. But in tiling, there are areas where paying a bit more pays off for years—and others where saving smartly makes total sense. This guide breaks down where it makes sense to spend more and where you can confidently save, using real examples and price ranges from The Tile Shoppe.
What “Budget” vs “Premium” Really Mean
These terms are relative. “Budget” doesn’t mean poor quality, and “premium” doesn’t always mean the best choice for every space. It depends on your priorities—durability, design, and usage.
- Budget or Entry-Level Tiles: Durable, functional, simple in color and finish, often around $2.49 to $3.49 per sq. ft.
- Premium Tiles: Designer finishes, large formats, natural stones, or luxury porcelains, often $6.00 to $7.49+ per sq. ft.
Examples from our website:
- La Mallorca Milano Bianco Polished Porcelain 12×24 — $2.49/sq. ft.
- Armani Grey Porcelain Glazed Slab 36×108 — premium designer finish.
- Romantic Youth Porcelain Glazed Slab 36×108 — a luxury piece used for feature walls or floors.
What Affects the Cost of a Tile Project
Tile projects are more than just tile price. Here are the main things that add up:
| Cost Component | What It Covers | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tile Material | The per sq. ft. cost of the tile itself | Main visible part of your budget |
| Substrate & Prep | Removing old floor, leveling, backer board | Prevents cracks and unevenness |
| Waterproofing & Membranes | Barriers against water damage | Essential for bathrooms and showers |
| Adhesives & Mortar | Bonds tile to the surface | Cheap glue = future repair bills |
| Labor & Cutting | Skilled tile setting and cleanup | Labor can be 40–50% of total cost |
| Grout & Sealers | Fills joints, protects from moisture | Affects final look and longevity |
| Waste & Layout | Extra tile for cuts or pattern alignment | Higher waste with complex designs |
Where It Makes Sense to Spend More
1) Substrate & Preparation
A solid foundation is everything. If the floor isn’t level, tiles can crack or pop loose no matter how good they are. Spending on leveling compounds, backer boards, and surface prep prevents expensive repairs later.
Smart tip: Never skip substrate prep. You can buy less costly tiles—but you can’t fix bad prep after installation.
Explore installation materials in our Adhesive, Mortar & Grout collection.
2) Large-Format Tiles and Slabs
Big tiles are a big trend. They create modern, seamless looks with minimal grout lines.
- Aria Ice Polished Porcelain Tile 24×48 — $19.92 per piece
- Romantic Youth Porcelain Slab 36×108 — $261.21 each
Large tiles need flat surfaces and professional installation, but the results are stunning and timeless. This is a place to spend more if your space can handle it.
Browse our Large Format Tiles for more inspiration.
3) Porcelain and Rectified Edges
For floors, kitchens, and bathrooms, porcelain is a solid investment. It’s denser, more durable, and absorbs less water than ceramic.
- La Mallorca Milano Bianco Polished Porcelain 12×24 — $2.49/sq. ft. (budget)
- Teewater Black Matte Porcelain 12×24 — $4.65/sq. ft. (premium)
That extra $2 per square foot can boost durability in high-traffic areas. Explore all Porcelain Tiles.
4) Decorative & Mosaic Tiles
Accents and mosaics instantly elevate a room. Even small touches make a big visual impact.
- Dolomite Select Polished Marble Mosaic 2×6 — $10.99/sq. ft.
- Format Clover Light Blue Porcelain Matte Tile 8×8 — $30.45 per box
You don’t need to cover entire walls in luxury mosaics—just a small feature strip or backsplash gives a designer finish. View more in our Mosaic & Decorative Tiles section.
5) Waterproofing & Membranes
Bathrooms, showers, and outdoor tiles are where waterproofing truly matters. Always use proper membranes or underlays—these prevent leaks, mold, and cracking.
A few extra dollars on the membrane can save hundreds in future repairs. Check our Installation Materials for high-quality waterproofing options.
6) Trims, Edges & Transitions
Finishing details like trims and thresholds are often overlooked. But mismatched or cheap trims can ruin the look of an otherwise perfect installation. Spend a little more to get matching or stainless options that complement your tile.
Find matching accessories in our Trims & Edging Collection.
Where You Can Safely Save
1) Field Tiles in Low-Traffic Areas
Guest bathrooms, laundry rooms, or utility spaces don’t need the same heavy-duty tiles as entryways or kitchens.
- Bellini Blanco Ceramic Glossy Wall Tile 3×12 — $1.08 each
- Brooklyn White Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile 12×36 — $3.49/sq. ft.
These tiles are durable enough for light use and look great when combined with good lighting and layout. Explore our Ceramic Wall Tiles.
2) Ceramic Wall Tiles (Dry Zones)
For non-wet walls or backsplashes, ceramic tiles are perfect. They’re lighter, easier to install, and available in dozens of modern styles at affordable prices. You save money here while keeping a premium look through creative patterns or grout colors.
3) Standard Grouts and Sealers
Use good-quality grout for floors and showers, but you don’t need the most expensive product for every wall. Choose a reputable brand and color-match properly—that’s what matters most visually.
4) Simple Layouts
Diagonal or patterned layouts look great but increase cutting time and waste. Straight, uniform layouts with standard sizes save both tile and labor.
5) Take Advantage of Promotions & Final Sales
The Tile Shoppe regularly runs promotions and final sale events where you can get high-end tiles or slabs for a fraction of the price. Check our Sale & Clearance section for current offers.
Real-Life Comparisons
| Project Type | Budget Tile Example | Budget Price | Premium Tile Example | Premium Price | Why Spend More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Floor | La Mallorca Milano Bianco 12×24 | $2.49/sq. ft. | Teewater Black Matte 12×24 | $4.65/sq. ft. | Better strength and stain resistance |
| Living Room | Panda White Polished 24×24 | $2.99/sq. ft. | Antonella White Onyx 24×24 | $4.22/sq. ft. | Smoother finish, higher PEI rating |
| Shower Walls | Bellini Blanco 3×12 | $1.08 each | Dolomite Marble Mosaic 2×6 | $10.99/sq. ft. | Adds luxury, natural stone feel |
| Feature Wall | — | — | Romantic Youth Slab 36×108 | $261.21 each | Seamless, dramatic design statement |
Estimated Cost Scenarios (100 sq. ft. Bathroom)
| Scenario | Tile Cost | Prep & Waterproofing | Labor | Grout/Trim | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Setup | $2.50/sq. ft. → $250 | $150 | $300 | $80 | $850 |
| Balanced Setup | $4.50/sq. ft. → $450 | $175 | $350 | $90 | $1,165 |
| Premium Setup | $8.00/sq. ft. → $800 | $200 | $450 | $120 | $1,720 |
How to Mix and Match Wisely
- Use premium tiles in visible areas like showers, kitchen backsplashes, or living rooms.
- Choose mid-tier tiles for bedrooms, laundry rooms, or basement floors.
- Buy during Sales & Clearance Events for designer tiles at lower prices.
- Plan your layout carefully to minimize waste.
- Hire experienced installers for large-format or slab tiles.
- Compare lifetime cost, not just purchase cost.
The Smart Spending Blueprint
Spend more on: substrate, waterproofing, adhesives, trims, feature tiles.
Save on: ceramic walls, low-traffic floors, simple layouts, clearance stock.
Avoid saving on: showers, exterior areas, cheap adhesives or unskilled labor.
Smart spending isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being strategic.
How The Tile Shoppe Helps You Get It Right
At The Tile Shoppe, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly porcelain to designer slabs—all under one roof. Our showrooms in Concord, Mississauga, Scarborough, and Moncton feature thousands of styles to fit any project size or budget.
- Choose tiles that match your style and budget
- Plan layouts to reduce waste
- Select adhesives, trims, and waterproofing products
- Arrange for pickup or delivery
- Connect with experienced installers
Browse our Tile Collection or visit your nearest Tile Shoppe Location to start your next renovation project.
Final Thought
The smartest tile projects don’t just look beautiful—they’re built to last. By mixing budget and premium choices wisely, you can achieve that perfect balance of style, durability, and value. At The Tile Shoppe, we’re here to help you get there—one tile at a time.