How much should I expect to pay for tile floor installation in a Vancouver bathroom including removal of old flooring?

A complete bathroom tile floor installation in Metro Vancouver — including removal of old flooring, subfloor preparation, and new tile — typically costs between $2,500 and $6,500 for a standard bathroom (40 to 80 square feet), or roughly $35 to $80 per square foot all-in. That per-square-foot number looks high compared to larger room installations, but bathrooms are labour-intensive spaces with tight layouts, many cuts around fixtures, and critical waterproofing requirements.

Here is how the costs break down. Tile materials range widely — basic ceramic tile starts at $2 to $5 per square foot, mid-range porcelain runs $5 to $12, and natural stone (marble, travertine, slate) can hit $15 to $40 or more. Porcelain is the most popular choice for Vancouver bathrooms because it is denser and more water-resistant than ceramic, with a water absorption rate below 0.5 percent. For bathroom floors specifically, choose tiles with a slip-resistance rating — look for a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.42 or higher for wet areas.

Removal of the old flooring adds $3 to $8 per square foot in a bathroom. If the existing floor is ceramic or porcelain tile, removal involves chipping out the old tile, scraping adhesive, and often removing damaged cement backer board underneath — this is the most labour-intensive and messy part of the project. Old vinyl or linoleum removal is less expensive at $1 to $3 per square foot, but if your bathroom was built or last renovated before 1990, the vinyl and adhesive should be tested for asbestos before any work begins. BC regulations require certified abatement if asbestos is confirmed, which can add $1,500 to $3,000 to a bathroom project.

Subfloor preparation is where bathroom tile differs from other rooms. The subfloor must be perfectly flat — tile manufacturers require flatness within 1/8 inch over 10 feet for large-format tiles. In a bathroom, you also need a waterproofing system. Cement backer board (typically 1/2-inch) goes over the plywood subfloor, adding $3 to $5 per square foot installed. On top of that, a waterproofing membrane such as Schluter DITRA or a liquid-applied membrane like RedGard is essential on bathroom floors to prevent moisture from reaching the subfloor and causing rot — especially critical in Vancouver's humid climate where bathrooms take longer to dry out between uses. Waterproofing adds $2 to $4 per square foot.

Installation labour for bathroom tile runs $6 to $12 per square foot in Metro Vancouver — higher than for open rooms because of the detailed cutting around toilets, vanities, door frames, and shower thresholds. Thinset mortar, grout, grout sealer, and transition strips add another $2 to $4 per square foot in materials. Large-format tiles (12x24 and larger) are popular for making small bathrooms look more spacious, but they require a flatter subfloor and more skilled installation to avoid lippage — uneven tile edges that are extremely difficult to fix after the thinset cures.

If you are in a strata building, expect additional costs. Most stratas require an alteration agreement before any bathroom flooring work, and some require an acoustic underlayment even in wet areas, plus inspection fees. Budget an extra $500 to $1,500 for strata-related requirements. Always get written strata approval before purchasing materials or scheduling work.

A complete bathroom tile project typically takes three to five days — one day for removal and subfloor prep, one day for backer board and waterproofing, one day for tile setting, and one day for grouting and sealing, with cure time in between. Rushing this process leads to failures, so plan to use an alternate bathroom during the work.

Tile is the gold-standard bathroom flooring material in Metro Vancouver — completely waterproof, extremely durable, and compatible with radiant floor heating if you want warm feet on winter mornings. If you are ready to get started, Vancouver Floor Installers can match you with experienced tile installers in your area for free estimates.

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