New floor tiles in a room make a dramatic change, whether it’s modest or high-end material. A new surface creates a backdrop for furnishing while it also unifies the space. To see what flooring materials are available, take a walk through a home or design center to see the many choices to consider.
Marble’s durability makes it a popular choice, even in a modest home, especially in a small space with high traffic like a foyer, hallway or bathroom. Its enduring quality can’t be matched, and marble’s elegance makes a statement whether in a contemporary, traditional or historic home.
A flooring contractor will charge $1,700, including labor and material, to install 12-inch marble tiles laid in mortar in a 10-by-10-foot hallway. You can buy the materials for $600, do the installation, and save 65 percent. If you have experience working with tile, consider doing this job, but don’t forget the DIY damage factor when you’re using expensive material like marble. You could make miscuts that cost more than what you save. If there’s any doubt, hire a professional installer who has the expertise and specialty tools required for a lasting installation.
No matter who does the work, the key to the installation is a solid underlayment, like cement board, that provides a sound surface for the tiles so they won’t crack.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost—DIY Cost—Pro time—DIY Time—DIY Savings—Percent Saved
$1700—$600—23.0—42.5—$1100—65 percent
