You need to get your own estimates from pros in your area.

You are basically asking, “how much does it cost to build a house?” It depends on what you are building and where, right? How much you will spend on tile installation depends on what you are tiling (bathtub, shower, floor, backsplash), where you are, how difficult your material is to work with, and the type of preparation your space requires. The general rule of thumb is that installation of handmade tiles will cost you 1.5 - 2x the cost of installing manufactured tile.

You are looking at handmade tiles - your question really should be how to find artisan tile setters who can do them justice. You can find them on the National Tile Contractors Association web site. Get your estimates, check references, and enjoy your beautiful tile.

I had Fireclay installed in my kitchen as a backsplash, and installation was a bit more than the tile cost. It was a difficult installation with tile to the ceiling and three windows, where the tile was mitered at the window sides and tops and installed on the window jambs. The tile I purchased was mostly from their Foundations line, so somewhat less expensive, plus some from one of their most expensive accent tiles. I saved money on tile by not getting bullnose for the windows but likely lost that savings in the time required for the installer to do good work on the miters. My installer was worth every single penny.

If you're going to splurge on tile, splurge on the installation. Otherwise you will break your own heart (and blame it on a less-than-stellar installer).

@salex, I love your backsplash!

As others have stated, there are MANY variables that come into play. I will also mention, that the majority of the experienced Pros do not provide s.f. pricing. We look at the entire picture and based on our experience, figure out the labor hours and the material costs. Interestingly enough, in the tile group discussions, it's generally the younger, less experienced installers that ask questions like "what should I charge per s.f.?" And yes, often a handmade tile will require more time if done correctly. If you are considering use for a backsplash, a Pro will consider: the tile, the lay-out and design, the prep required to achieve a perfectly flat and plumb surface prior to install, the over-all size of the space, the number of cuts for outlets/receptacles, the edge treatments, any mitering required, and the access to the space as well as our equipment (wet saw outside? How far?), etc. There are also regional differences in pricing. Seek an experienced Pro for an estimate. Let me illustrate. This fireplace is Fireclay tile and the 2nd pic is all handmade Waterworks tile. While these may be extreme examples, you can see why we would never price by the square foot.

Hey Amy! I’m local to you and would love to know who you went wirh in the end. I have some tile projects that need a careful installer.

Hey! we used JB Tile & Stone. They usually only do work through contractors FYI but we loved their work!