True Cost Guide Cabinets & Countertops Repair Tile & Grout

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Tile and Grout?

Typical Range:

$279 - $656

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 5,428 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated October 21, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

All home materials are susceptible to damage, so if you notice a crack in your tile, familiarize yourself with tile repair costs. The national average for tile and grout repair is about $461 per project, with a typical range between $279 and $656. However, your total depends on materials and labor for your project. A low-end repair, like replacing a single, cracked ceramic tile, may run about $150. High-end projects, like retiling the entire floor with natural stone, could total over $1,050.

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National Average	$461
Typical Range	$279 - $656
Low End - High End	$135 - $1,100

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 5,428 HomeAdvisor members.

Tile Repair Cost

The average tile repair in the U.S. costs around $425 for labor and materials. The general range is from $275 to $600 per project. Some low estimates may fall around $125, with the high-end reaching over $900. Like most projects, factors such as location, size of the area, and material type affect the rate.

The first step is finding a local tile contractor. A pro is the best place to get a quote for your project. Get quotes from at least three contractors before making a final decision.

Bathroom Tile Repair Cost

Most contractors have a minimum price for bathroom tile repair. Even if they are only fixing one crack, expect to pay the contractor's labor fee—around $100 to $150 per project. After that, the estimate depends on the size of the bathroom, materials, and which areas need repair. For example, shower walls will typically cost more than repairing bathroom floors. Tiles on backsplashes, vanity sinks, and countertops may also need repairs.

Shower Tile Repair Cost

Repairing a few shower tiles costs most homeowners between $185 and $425 for labor and materials. However, total replacement of shower tile can cost as much as $2,000 for the entire project. Many factors dramatically impact the price estimate for shower tile repairs. Inexpensive ceramic tile can be less than a dollar per square foot, whereas high-end marble tile can cost upwards of $50 per square foot.

Beyond tile and grout, a shower needs a cement board, waterproof membrane, and adhesive. Removing and retiling walls is time-consuming, so labor costs are high. There is also an additional cost for cap and edge tiles due to the labor involved in cutting them to size. The choice of whether or not to use a sealer also affects the overall cost.

Repairing a Tile Floor

Retiling a bathroom floor costs about $400 for labor and materials. Sharp blows, heavy loads, or damaged sub-concrete can cause cracks in tile floors. Fix the tile as soon as you notice issues as cracks can lead to water damage. When subflooring gets wet, it can swell and break surrounding tiles. It's also susceptible to rot and mildew.

Replacing broken tiles takes careful work, so consider hiring an experienced flooring contractor. Another option is to consider the cost of installing vinyl or linoleum.

Pool Tile Repair

Pool tile replacement costs around $25 per square foot. The price range for retiling an entire pool is between $2,000 and $5,000. For stains, professionals can clean the pool with an acid wash for $150 to $250. Pools should have frost-free tile because the freeze-thaw cycle leads to cracks.

Get Quotes from Local Tile & Grout Pros

Grout Repair Cost

Average grout repair projects cost between $180 and $450, depending on the materials and size of the area. A professional can remove and refill the damaged area. Regrouting costs less than replacing the tile.

Repairing grout requires specialized tools, so most homeowners hire a professional. Higher-end projects can also include a custom-colored stain. Quality contractors can regrout with minimal mess. They also can provide estimates on cleaning stained grout as an alternative to repair and replacement.

Tile and Grout Repair Cost Factors

The cost of tile and grout repair depends on many factors. The extent of the damage makes a big difference. Also, the materials you choose and the repair area will affect the estimate.

Materials

The choice of materials affects tile and grout repair costs. There is a range of prices for different types. The cost of repairing ceramic or porcelain is typically lower than the price of repairing natural stone.

Although, some high-end ceramics with intricate patterns may run higher than low-end stones. Below are some examples of different types of tile and their costs.

Type of Tile	Average Cost per Square Foot
Ceramic or porcelain	$0.50 – $15
Marble	$5 – $50
Granite	$3.50 – $7
Slate	$13 – $35
Polished stone	$10 – $12

Size of the Area

The size of the area has a big impact on the tile repair price. Estimates change based on how much tile needs fixing. The higher the square footage, the more the overall cost goes up. You may not need to redo the entire floor if your contractor can get the replacement materials. You might consider a full retiling if the original tile is no longer available.

Extent of Damage

A simple chipped tile may only cost you $400 for the labor to repair it. If you’re repairing your tile and grout due to flooding or similar damage, you may need to pay for additional repairs to floors, walls, and other surfaces in addition to the tile. Potential repairs and costs include:

Replacing subflooring: $420–$3,000
Repairing drywall: $300–$850
Additional water damage repair: $500–$5,500

Let a Pro Do the Grout Work

Tile and Grout Maintenance

To mitigate future damage, seal the tiles after repairs. Sealing protects the floor from wear and staining. Another preventative measure is covering high-traffic areas with mats or rugs. Consider investing in the upfront cost of refinishing ceramic tile before it gets damaged. You can also pay to restore and polish natural stone every few years.

Repair vs. Replace Tile and Grout

If there’s only a small handful of damaged tiles, it likely makes sense to repair only the broken ones. If more than half of your tiles are damaged, replacing the entire surface will likely be more cost-effective.

Other scenarios where you’d want to consider replacing tile includes:

Difficult to source matching replacement tiles
Area is susceptible to repeat damage
Non-damaged tile is old and has potential to break later
You’d rather refresh the entire design

DIY vs. Hiring a Tile and Grout Professional

You may be wondering if you should repair tile and grout yourself or hire a professional contractor. Removing and installing new tiles takes a steady hand. Plus, you need specialized tools such as a wet saw to cut specific lengths for corners and edges.

Some homeowners choose to forgo the cost of labor and do it themselves. However, mistakes can be costly if you don't know what you are doing. For example, improperly cutting the corner pieces leads to wasted materials. If you mislay replacement tiles, they may not align with the existing pattern, forcing you to start over. So leave repairing tile and grout to experienced pros, and hire a certified tile installer.

How To Fix Grout Yourself

You can fix damaged grout yourself with grout removal tools and effort.

Clean the area with 1-to-1 vinegar and water solution.
Carefully remove the damaged product using an oscillating multitool with a grout removal attachment.
Spread new grout to fill the joint.
Wait 30 minutes.
Wipe away excess with a damp sponge.
Allow to set fully, and then polish the tile with a dry towel.

Still Have Questions About Tile Repair?

FAQs

How do you know when grout is bad?

The primary sign your grout has gone bad is clumping or a lumpy appearance during a project. If you notice this and can’t remember the original purchase date, it’s best to head back to the hardware store. If you use expired grout, you risk having it deteriorate as it dries and your tile falling apart weeks or months later.

If applied properly and with non-expired materials, grout shouldn’t “go bad” after application. Grout does have an average lifespan of about 15 years, after which you may need resealing, repairs, or replacements.

Can you put new grout over existing grout?

It is possible to put a layer of new grout over the existing grout, but removing the old grout is always better before regrouting. Otherwise, the new layer can be flimsy and may not attach properly to the old layer, eventually flaking off and leaving visible patches of the old grout. If you're nervous about removal, hire a professional.

Do you need to seal grout in a shower?

No, do not seal the grout in your shower. Because the product is porous, it absorbs liquids. Sealer soaks in and makes the grout waterproof, but this means it can't "breathe," meaning the water that seeps behind the tile won't evaporate. Instead, install a waterproof membrane behind the shower tile. If you have natural stone, seal it before grouting. Ceramics and porcelain don't require sealing.

What is a waterproof membrane in a tile shower?

A waterproof membrane in a tile shower, also known as sheet membrane, is a barrier of plastic compounds between the bonding and cement backer board behind the tile. You can purchase waterproof membrane in the form of adhesive plastic sheets or a paint-on liquid that dries to form a barrier. The waterproof membrane creates a seal beneath the tile that prevents moisture from reaching the underlying surface.

How many coats of grout sealer are needed?

Two coats of grout sealer are needed for most tiled walls and floors, but you don’t need a grout sealer for all projects. First, smooth a thin layer with an applicator or toothbrush. Wipe off any residue, and let it dry for at least 24 hours. Apply a second coat, remove the excess, and allow it to dry for another 24 hours.

What is the best tool for removing grout?

The best tool for removing grout is an oscillating multi-tool (with a grout removal attachment). You can also use a reciprocating saw. Power tools will make the majority of the work go faster. When doing detailed work, use a manual grout saw or removal tool to get into difficult-to-reach or small areas. Wear protective equipment like safety glasses, and have a vacuum on hand for cleaning up the dust.