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For a standard-sized room, professional tile installation requires several days from start to finish. The process involves multiple stages: removing existing flooring, preparing the subfloor, setting the tile, allowing proper drying time, and applying grout. 

Each phase requires adequate time, with drying periods between steps. Larger spaces, intricate patterns, or complicated layouts naturally extend the timeline. Weather conditions and humidity levels can also affect drying times, potentially lengthening the overall project duration.

For a 12-by-12-foot room (144 square feet), expect to pay between $2,160 and $2,880 for professional tile installation at the standard rate of $15 to $20 per square foot. This estimate covers basic installation with standard ceramic or porcelain tile but doesn't include major subfloor repairs if needed. 

Selecting premium materials like natural stone could push your cost above $3,500, while choosing budget-friendly options might reduce the price. Remember that subfloor issues requiring significant repair would add $40 to $65 per square foot to affected areas.

The two most influential cost factors are your choice of tile material and the condition of your subfloor. Material costs vary dramatically—from budget-friendly ceramic starting at $0.50 per square foot to luxury options like natural stone at $5 to $35 per square foot or specialty glass tile reaching $200 to $300 per square foot. 

Meanwhile, subfloor problems requiring extensive repair can add $40 to $65 per square foot to your project. Other significant factors include the complexity of your installation pattern and regional labor rates.

Tile flooring's installed cost of $15 to $20 per square foot positions it in the mid-range of flooring options. While initial installation costs for tile may be higher than some alternatives, the extended lifespan often provides better long-term value. 

Quality tile properly installed and maintained can last decades, potentially outlasting multiple installations of less durable flooring materials. This longevity, combined with tile's durability in high-moisture environments where other materials might fail, makes it a cost-effective choice for many homeowners despite the higher upfront investment.