When I meet with a client for the first time, their first and most important question is: How much do tile shop drawings cost? Clients often reach out with their tile projects, excited to bring their designs to life, but they don’t realize how many details go into creating accurate drawings.
Over the years, I’ve seen how the lack of proper tile shop drawings leads to misaligned patterns, material waste, and unnecessary delays. A well-drafted shop drawing eliminates these issues by providing a clear layout, exact measurements, and precise tile placement. It’s not just a technical document, it’s a roadmap that makes sure everything comes together smoothly on-site.
When it comes to pricing, the cost varies based on project complexity, level of detail, and turnaround time. Industry-standard rates for tile shop drawings typically range from $25 to $75 per hour in the North American market. Some projects require simple layouts, while others demand intricate detailing and adjustments. That’s why, before providing a quote, we always review project details and past work samples (if available).
In this guide, I’ll break down the different pricing models in the industry with their industry standard rates and the key factors that affect costs so you know exactly what to expect before requesting a quote.
Pricing Models For Tile Shop Drawings
Tile shop drawings are priced using different models, depending on project scope, complexity, and client needs. Across the industry, three common pricing structures are used: Per Hour, Per Project, and the Timesheet Model. Each model has its own advantages, and choosing the right one depends on the type of work required.
Per Hour Model
This model is best for projects where the scope may change or when clients need ongoing adjustments. Industry-standard rates typically range between $20 to $75 per hour, depending on the complexity and the experience of the drafting professional.
| Complexity Level | Hourly Rate (Industry Standards) |
| Basic Layouts | $20 – $35 per hour |
| Moderate Details | $35 – $55 per hour |
| Highly Detailed Drawings | $55 – $75+ per hour |
Best for: Small projects, revisions, and clients needing flexibility.
Per Project Model
For well-defined projects with clear requirements, many firms offer per-project pricing. Costs vary significantly based on project size, detail level, and turnaround time. A simple single-room tile layout may cost a few hundred dollars, while a large commercial space with intricate designs can cost several thousand dollars.
| Project Type | Estimated Cost (Industry Standards) |
| Small Residential Bathroom | $300 – $1000 |
| Moderate Details | $1000 – $2500 |
| Highly Detailed Drawings | $2500+ |
Best for: Projects with a well-defined scope and minimal expected revisions.
Timesheet Model (Dedicated Resource)
For long-term or bulk projects, some clients prefer hiring a dedicated drafting professional monthly. In this model, a client gets at least 160 hours per month, with industry-standard pricing starting at $3,500 per month per resource. The final cost depends on the level of detail required and the expertise of the draftsman.
| Detail Level | Monthly Cost (Industry Standards) |
| Basic Drafting | $3500 – $4500 per resource |
| Moderate Complexity | $4500 – $5500 per resource |
| High-Detail Work | $5500+ per resource |
Best for: Large firms, contractors, or developers needing continuous drafting support.
Choosing the Right Pricing Model
- If you need small edits or a quick drawing, the per-hour model is flexible.
- If you have a fixed project scope, the per-project model is straightforward.
- If you have recurring work, the timesheet model is cost-effective.
Each project is different, so pricing should align with the level of detail, timeline, and overall complexity. In the next section, we’ll break down the factors that influence these costs further.
Factors That Decide the Pricing Of Tile Shop Drawings
When it comes to the cost of tile shop drawings, it’s not just about the time spent drafting. Several factors play a role in determining the final price, and understanding these can help you get the most accurate quote. Below are the key factors that influence the pricing:
Project Complexity
The more complex the project, the higher the cost. Simple tile layouts, like a bathroom or kitchen floor, are quicker and easier to draft.
However, projects with intricate tile patterns, multiple layouts (like walls and floors), or specialized designs (mosaic or custom patterns) require more time and effort. These projects need extra attention to detail, which drives up the cost.
- Simple layout – Lower cost
- Intricate patterns or multiple layouts – Higher cost
Level of Detail
Tile shop drawings can range from basic floor layouts to highly detailed plans that include material specifications, cut sheets, and precise measurements for every tile. The more details you need, the more time-consuming the process.
A drawing with dimensions, grout lines, and detailed tile specifications will require more hours of work compared to a simple floor plan.
- Basic layout with minimal details – Lower cost
- Detailed drawings with measurements, materials, and patterns – Higher cost
Project Size
Larger projects naturally require more time and resources. For example, a single room will be faster to draw than an entire building or multiple floors.
The total area that needs to be covered with tile will directly affect how long it takes to complete the drawings. More space means more tiles, more cuts, and more details to account for.
- Small project (e.g., single room) – Lower cost
- Large project (e.g., multiple rooms or a commercial space) – Higher cost
Turnaround Time
When clients need tile shop drawings urgently, the cost may increase. Fast turnaround times often require extra resources or prioritizing the project, which can lead to higher rates. If the project is time-sensitive, it’s important to communicate the deadline upfront so that the necessary adjustments can be made to meet it.
- Standard delivery time – Standard pricing
- Rush job or expedited delivery – Higher cost
Revisions and Changes
Changes to the project after the initial drawings are created can also affect the cost. If the client needs multiple rounds of revisions or decides to change the design halfway through, it can take additional hours to adjust the drawings. Clear and finalized project details upfront help to keep costs down.
- Minimal revisions – Lower cost
- Multiple revisions or design changes – Higher cost
Material Specifications
If the tile selection is highly specific or includes premium materials, this can increase the cost. Tiles with irregular shapes, sizes, or custom features (like mosaics or imported tiles) require more precise measurements and calculations.
Additionally, if you need detailed material specifications for each tile, that will add time to the drafting process.
- Standard tile types – Lower cost
- Custom or specialized tiles – Higher cost
Experience of the Drafter
Highly experienced draftsmen, especially those with expertise in tile shop drawings, often command higher rates due to their knowledge, efficiency, and ability to produce accurate work. While hiring a less experienced drafter may reduce costs, it can also increase the risk of errors and delays.
- Less experienced drafter – Lower cost
- Experienced drafter – Higher cost
Geographic Location
The location of the project can impact the cost as well. Projects based in cities with higher living costs or where the demand for architectural drafting is high may be more expensive. On the other hand, some regions with less demand may offer lower rates.
- High-demand areas – Higher cost
- Low-demand areas – Lower cost
How To Get Started With Tile Shop Drawings?
The process begins with gathering the right information. Before providing a quote, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your project’s requirements. Here’s how the quoting process typically works:
Initial Consultation
The first step is a conversation where we gather information about your project. During this meeting, we’ll ask for details about the project’s size, scope, and timeline. We may also request any initial sketches, blueprints, or past work samples to help us understand the design intent.
Scope of Work
Next, we’ll define the exact scope of the tile shop drawings. This includes determining the number of rooms or areas that require tiles, the complexity of the layout, and whether special details like custom patterns or materials are involved.
Materials and Design Details
We’ll need to know what type of tiles are being used, whether there are specific material requirements, and if there are any particular patterns or tile sizes that need to be incorporated. The more detailed this information, the more accurate the quote will be.
Timeline and Delivery Requirements
The project’s timeline plays a big role in determining the pricing. If the drawings are needed quickly, we may need to allocate additional resources or prioritize your project, which can affect the cost. Be sure to mention any deadlines or time-sensitive requirements.
Review and Quote
Once we have all the necessary details, we’ll review the information and provide a detailed quote based on the factors mentioned earlier, such as complexity, size, and timeline. We’ll try to make sure that the quote is clear and aligns with your expectations.
Approval and Start
After the quote is approved, the drafting process begins. We’ll keep you updated throughout to ensure that the project stays on track and meets your requirements.
At US Drafting Inc., we specialize in creating high-quality tile shop drawings that are tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s a residential or commercial project, we work closely with you so that the final product is accurate, timely, and meets your expectations.
Our team of experienced professionals is here to make sure your project runs smoothly from start to finish. Ready to get started? Contact us today to request a quote for your tile shop drawings and take the first step toward a perfectly executed tile installation.
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