Tiling Cost Per M²: Ultimate UK Cost Guide [2025]
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Are you planning to tile your bathroom, kitchen, or other space in your home? As someone who has recently completed a bathroom and kitchen renovation, I understand how important it is to get a clear picture of the costs involved. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about tiling costs per square metre in the UK. And of course, I’ll share some money-saving tips I’ve picked up along the way!
Key Takeaways
- Average tiling costs in the UK typically range from £100 to £130 per square metre.
- Material costs vary widely, from £30/m² for basic ceramic tiles to £50+/m² for premium porcelain.
- Professional tiler labour rates average around £200-£400 per day.
- Factors affecting cost: tile type, room complexity, location, and floor preparation
- Wall tiling is generally cheaper than floor tiling.
- Installation time ranges from 1-3 days for a small bathroom to 1 week for a large kitchen.
What Affects Tiling Costs?
I’ve found that several factors influence the overall cost of tiling:
- Tile material and quality: Ceramic tiles are the most affordable, while porcelain, natural stone, and specialty tiles can cost considerably more.
- Room size and shape: Larger areas require more materials and labour, but the cost per square metre often decreases for bigger jobs.
- Surface preparation: Uneven floors or walls may need levelling, which adds to the cost.
- Pattern complexity: Simple grid patterns are quicker to install than herringbone, basket weave, or other decorative layouts.
- Tile size: Very large or very small tiles can be more time-consuming to install than medium-sized tiles.
- Existing tile removal: If old tiles need to be removed, this adds to the labour cost.
- Location: Labour rates vary across the UK, with London and the South East typically being more expensive.
- Accessibility: Difficult access may increase labour costs due to the challenges of transporting materials.
🫰 Breakdown: Average Tiling Costs in the UK
Tiling costs in the UK typically average around £100-£130 per m², including materials and labour. However, for high-quality tiles or complex patterns, the costs can also be significantly higher. Below is here’s a quick overview of what you might expect to pay:
| Service | Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Labour only | £50 - £80 |
| Floor tiles + labour | £100 - £130 |
| Wall tiles + labour | £100 - £130 |
| Mosaic tiles + labour | £140 - £200 |
| Floor preparation | £10 - £20 |
These prices include standard installation but may vary depending on your location, the complexity of the job and specific requirements. Complex patterns/designs can add 20-50% to standard rates. If tilers charge per day, the rates are on average around £200-£400.
Tiling Cost Breakdown By Material
Different tile materials come at different prices and also influence the labour costs. Here are some average costs per square metre, including materials and labour:
| Tile Material | Supply / Per m² | Total / Per m² (incl. Labour) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | £30 - £50 | £90 - £110 |
| Porcelain | £45 - £90 | £105 - £150 |
| Natural Stone | £50 - £100 | £110 - £180 |
| Mosaic | £80 - £120 | £140 - £200 |
| Glass | £85 - £130 | £145 - £210 |
| Marble | £120 - £160 | £170 - £240 |
Keep in mind that these are estimates. Prices vary depending on the cost factors mentioned earlier.
Cost Example A: Tiling a 10 m² Kitchen
Let’s look at a cost example for tiling a 10m² kitchen with mid-range porcelain tiles near London:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Porcelain tiles (£50 per m²) | £500 |
| Adhesive and grout | £100 |
| Labour (2 days at £300 per day) | £600 |
| Additional materials (spacers, trim) | £80 |
| Total | £1,280 |
Cost Example B: Tiling a Small Bathroom
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wall tiles (ceramic) - 12m² | £360 |
| Floor tiles (porcelain) - 3m² | £150 |
| Adhesive and grout | £100 |
| Labour (2-3 days) | £750 |
| Sundries (spacers, trims, etc.) | £80 |
| Total | £1,440 |
This example assumes standard-sized tiles and a straightforward layout. From my experience and talking with various suppliers, I’ve found that these figures can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the complexity and where you live in the UK.
Tiling Costs can also vary by Room Type
Tiling costs can vary significantly depending on the room:
- Kitchen
- Average cost: £100 – £130 per m²
- Higher costs due to cabinets, appliances, and complex cutting
- Bathroom
- Average cost: £100 – £130 per m²
- Higher costs due to fixtures, pipes, and waterproofing requirements
- Hallway
- Average cost: £90 – £110 per m²
- Typically simpler installation but high foot traffic requires durable tiles
- Conservatory/Sunroom
- Average cost: £95 – £115 per m²
- May require special considerations for temperature fluctuations
My hallway tiling cost less per square metre than my bathroom, despite using similar tiles, simply because there were fewer cuts and obstacles to work around.
Popular UK Tiling Options: Pros and Cons
There are several popular tiling options available in the UK. Different tiles have their own pros and cons:
1. Ceramic Tiles
- Pros: Affordable, wide range of designs, easy to cut and install
- Cons: Less durable than porcelain, more porous, may chip easily
2. Porcelain Tiles
- Pros: Extremely durable, water-resistant, suitable for underfloor heating, wide variety of finishes
- Cons: More expensive than ceramic, harder to cut, heavier
3. Natural Stone Tiles
- Pros: Unique patterns, natural beauty, adds property value
- Cons: Requires sealing, more maintenance, higher cost, can be porous
4. Glass Tiles
- Pros: Modern look, reflective quality adds light, water-resistant
- Cons: Can show smudges, relatively fragile, challenging to cut
5. Mosaic Tiles
- Pros: Decorative, great for feature areas, can bend around curved surfaces
- Cons: Time-consuming to install, more grout lines to clean, higher labour costs
The Tiling Process: What You’re Paying For
To help you understand what’s involved in professional tiling, here’s an overview of the typical process:
- Surface preparation: Ensuring the substrate is clean, dry, and level
- Setting out: Planning the tile layout to minimise cuts and wastage
- Mixing adhesive: Preparing the correct consistency for the specific tiles
- Applying adhesive: Using the right trowel and technique
- Laying tiles: Placing tiles with appropriate spacing
- Cutting tiles: Custom cutting for edges and obstacles
- Grouting: Filling joints after adhesive has set
- Finishing: Cleaning and sealing if required
For a professional finish, each step must be done carefully. Rushing any part of the process can lead to issues like uneven tiles, cracked grout, or water damage.
⏱️ How Long Does Tiling Take?
Tiling timeframes vary based on project size and complexity. Here’s a quick guide to typical durations:
- Small bathroom walls (15m²): 2-3 days
- Kitchen splashback (5m²): 1 day
- Kitchen floor (20m²): 2-4 days
- Full bathroom (walls and floor, 25m²): 4-7 days
Several factors can extend these timeframes:
- Complex patterns like herringbone or mosaic
- Poor surface conditions requiring extra preparation
- Numerous obstacles (toilets, sinks, cabinets)
- Many corners or irregular shapes needing cuts
When I had my kitchen tiled, the job took just over 2 days. My DIY attempt in the utility room took more than twice as long, so be realistic if you’re doing it yourself.
Always allow extra time for adhesive and grout to set properly between stages – rushing this process can compromise the quality of the finished job.
Choosing the Right Tiler
Finding a reliable tiler is crucial for a successful project. Here’s how I approached it:
- Check credentials: Look for qualifications or membership in trade associations
- Read reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references from previous clients
- Get detailed quotes: Insist on written quotes that break down all costs
- Ask about experience: Enquire about their history with your tile type
- Verify insurance: Ensure they have proper liability insurance
💷 7 Money Saving Tips to Reduce Your Tiling Costs
As someone who loves a good deal, here are my top tips for saving on your tiling project:
- Compare quotes: Get at least three quotes from reputable tilers
- Consider mid-range tiles: They often offer a good balance of quality and affordability
- Buy during sales: Tile retailers often have seasonal sales
- Reduce complex patterns: Simpler layouts require less cutting and time
- Prepare the area yourself: Removing old tiles or furniture can reduce labour costs
- Buy slightly more than needed: It’s cheaper to return excess tiles than to buy more later if you run short
- Combine rooms: If tiling multiple areas, doing them simultaneously can reduce overall labour costs
🌿 Environmental Considerations For Tiling
Eco-friendly tiling options are gaining popularity. While they may have higher upfront costs, they often provide long-term benefits:
- Recycled glass tiles: Made from recycled materials
- Reclaimed terracotta or stone: Repurposed from old buildings
- Cork tiles: Renewable and naturally insulating
- Linoleum or natural tiles: Biodegradable and made from natural materials
For my kitchen renovation, I chose tiles with recycled content, which cost about 15% more.
FAQs
Q: How much does tiling cost per m² in the UK? A: Tiling costs in the UK typically range from £100 to £130 per square metre, including materials and labour. The exact price depends on tile type, complexity, and location.
Q: How much extra should I order for breakages and cuts? A: Industry standard is 10% extra for regular layouts and up to 15-20% for diagonal patterns or complex rooms.
Q: Do I need to remove old tiles before new tiling? A: Typically yes. While it’s possible to tile over existing tiles in some cases, removal often provides better adhesion and prevents excessive build-up that can affect doors, fixtures, and floor heights.
Q: How long does tiling take? A: A professional tiler can typically complete 10-15m² per day for floor tiling, and 15-20m² for wall tiling, depending on complexity.
Q: How soon can I use a newly tiled room? A: You can usually walk on floor tiles after 24-48 hours, but grout needs 72 hours to fully cure. Showers should not be used for at least 7 days after tiling to allow proper sealing and curing.
Q: Are porcelain tiles worth the extra cost over ceramic? A: For high-moisture areas or floors with heavy traffic, porcelain’s durability and water resistance often justify the additional cost in the long run.
Q: Do I need to seal my tiles? A: It depends on the tile type. Porcelain and ceramic typically don’t need sealing, while natural stone, cement, and terracotta tiles should be sealed to prevent staining.
