Laminate vs Tile Cost in 2026
Laminate costs about half as much as tile to install. Porcelain floor tile comes to $9.56 to $10.36 per sq ft installed: $1.69 to $2.49 for the tile at Floor & Decor, $1.37 for setting materials and $6.50 for installation as Home Depot publishes it. Laminate runs $3.39 to $7.39. On a 200 sq ft kitchen that is $1,912 to $2,072 for tile against $678 to $1,478 for laminate.
Updated 14 October 2026. How we priced this.
Tile vs Laminate by Room Size
| Room | Porcelain tile installed | Laminate installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom (50 sq ft) | $478 to $518 | $169 to $369 |
| 12x12 room | $1,377 to $1,492 | $488 to $1,064 |
| Kitchen (200 sq ft) | $1,912 to $2,072 | $678 to $1,478 |
| 400 sq ft | $3,824 to $4,144 | $1,356 to $2,956 |
Extras Home Depot prices for tile: removing the old floor $1.00 to $4.00 per sq ft and levelling $0.25 to $1.00. For laminate, see old floor removal cost.
Where Each Floor Wins
| Room or need | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Full bathroom, shower surround | Tile | Standing water; laminate has a wood-fibre core |
| Kitchen | Either; laminate costs less | Pick a laminate sold as waterproof and read its water warranty |
| Living areas, bedrooms | Laminate | Warmer and quieter underfoot, and about half the installed price |
| Over radiant floor heating | Check the plank's instructions | Manufacturers set limits for laminate over heated floors |
| DIY | Laminate | Click-lock floats; tile needs setting materials, cuts and grout |
Tile lasts for decades if the subfloor is sound, and a cracked tile can be replaced on its own; a worn laminate floor is replaced, not refinished.
Common Questions
Is laminate cheaper than tile?
Yes, installed. Home Depot's tile cost guide puts floor tile installation at $6.50 per sq ft and setting materials at $1.37; with porcelain at $1.69 to $2.49 on Floor & Decor's shelves that is $9.56 to $10.36 per sq ft. Laminate runs $3.39 to $7.39 installed. The tile itself costs about the same as mid-range laminate; the labour is what differs.
How much does it cost to tile vs laminate a 200 sq ft kitchen?
About $1,912 to $2,072 for porcelain tile and $678 to $1,478 for laminate (budget to premium planks), before removing the old floor. For a kitchen, choose a laminate sold as waterproof and read its warranty terms on standing water.
Does Home Depot have a tile installation deal?
On 14 October 2026 Home Depot advertised a $5.50 per sq ft complete install on tile flooring, including basic furniture moving, and said the offer applies only in specific locations. Check whether it covers your store and what it includes before comparing.
Is tile or laminate better for a bathroom?
Tile. Laminate has a wood-fibre core, and even planks sold as waterproof carry warranty conditions on standing water. Around a tub or shower, tile or a vinyl plank sold as waterproof is the safer choice.