Cost to Tile a Bathroom

Want to know how much tiling your bathroom will cost?

Below, you'll find a breakdown of prices for bathroom tiling, including the cost of different types of tile, how much a tiler costs, and the average cost per m²!

Would you like a quote from a professional tiler?

You can look through our range of tilers here and request a free quote from them.

Need more information to make a decision? Have a read below for more details...

How Much to Tile a Bathroom?

Getting the right look in your bathroom can add value to your home, especially if a potential buyer doesn't want the added expense of having to redecorate. As such, tiling a bathroom can be a worthwhile job - whether that's simply replacing existing ones or part of a complete refit.

The cost of tiling a bathroom varies a lot. The main factors are the area you want tiling, the type of tiles you choose, and who you hire to do the job. The average cost to fully tile a bathroom is between £500 and £800. This includes the cost of the materials (tiles, grout, and adhesive) as well as the cost of labour.

Because there are so many factors that affect the price, you will have a lot of decisions to make. When making your decision remember that the bulk of the cost comes from the labour, as tiling can be a fiddly job to get right.

Bathroom Tiling Prices

There are several factors that will affect the total cost of tiling your bathroom.

The first is the area you're tiling. The most expensive option is to tile the whole room - a fully tiled bathroom would have the walls tiled top to bottom - while the cheapest option is to just tile above the sink.

The next factor is the tile material - there's a big difference between the cost of vinyl tiles and natural stone tiles. The size and shape of the room will have a large impact on the cost of not only materials, but also labour, bumping up your tiling cost per m².

The more the tiles have to be cut, the more difficult and expensive the job will be, increasing your tiling labour costs per square metre.

To give you an idea of the price, here are some example tiling costs:

Supply Only Cost

When you add up the price of your tiles, don’t forget to buy tile for an area of about 10% more than you actually need. You need this extra because some of the tiles will need to be cut down to fit the shape of the room, and the extra tiles will also give you an allowance for breakages.

When looking at the price of tiles, you may see the price quoted in different ways. You will likely see both costs per tile and cost per m². The cost per tile can be deceptive, so it is best to compare the price per m².

Tile Materials

The majority of tiles are designed specifically for either flooring or to be used on walls, although there are some available that are actually suitable for both. If you're unsure, it's important to check first when tiling a bathroom wall as not all floor tiles are appropriate due to their weight and thickness - likewise, wall tiles are often much thinner and may crack or break if used underfoot.

There isn't a consistent price difference between floor and wall tiles. The tile's material is the bigger decider in cost.

To give a comparison of cost based on material alone, the table shows the costs of different types of tile. They are all mid-sized, unpatterned wall tiles. This is the supply cost only, and not the installation cost:

Tile Sizes

To compare the cost of tiles based on size, prices are given in the table for a range of tiles which are all made of ceramic, with no special patterns:

Tile Finishes

The finish on the tile will affect not only the look but the feel of the finished product. To help with price comparison, the table contains prices for mid-sized, unpatterned ceramic tiles:

Labour Costs and Time Frames

The rate a contractor will charge you will depend on a combination of the experience of the workman and your location. A highly experienced tiler in London is going to cost you more than a novice in Yorkshire, for example.

Tiling a bathroom will cost between £20 and £40 per m². For larger jobs needing more time, you can expect to be charged between £150 and £200 per day. However, if any additional preparation work is needed, such as cleaning the walls, or they require skimming, priming, or waterproofing this can come at an additional cost.

Some tiles are harder to fit as they are difficult to cut. So, if you've chosen travertine tiles, expect to pay a little more for labour. The same is true for large areas of small tiles or tiles that are laid in an unusual pattern.

The time needed to tile a bathroom will vary based on a few different factors. Jobs that require more tiles to be cut will take longer, and smaller tiles take a lot longer to lay than larger ones.

The table below will give you a rough idea of how long you should expect different bathroom tiling jobs to take:

Additional Bathroom Tiling Costs

Grouting and Adhesive Cost

For your grouting and adhesive, you will need to make sure that you select the correct type for the tiles that you are using. Your adhesive needs to be the correct strength to hold the weight of the tiles.

You should also make sure that you pick grouting in a colour that works with your tiles. If you use a professional tiler, they will be able to select the correct types of adhesive and grouting for you.

Adhesive costs around £20 for a bag that will cover 5m². You can spend a little more on the pre-mixed adhesive, which will cost around £25 in the same area.

Grout typically comes in bags that will cover 15m², costing £17 per bag.

If you are buying your own grout and adhesive, be aware that you will probably not get the full area that it says on the bag. For instance, if a bag says it will cover 5m², you are more likely looking at between 3m² and 4m².

Sealant Cost

Not all types of tile need to be sealed – for instance, most ceramic and porcelain tiles. As tiles made of natural stone are porous, they will need to be resealed.

This is a task that needs to wait until the grout is cured, so many homeowners decide to carry out this step themselves. However, tilers are often happy to return and complete this job for you, providing it is included within their original quote.

It's worth sealing your grout as it will prevent it from becoming stained, and it will make it easier to clean. A sealant can be sprayed on easily and costs around £20.

Cost of Removing Old Tiles

If you have old tiles that need removing, you can either do it yourself or ask your tiler to do it.

If you ask your tiler to do the work, then you will need to pay them for their time and to dispose of the old tiles. They will usually charge for the time it takes rather than the amount of tile, and you can expect to pay around £30 per hour of work.

Preparing Walls and Subfloor

If your walls and floors are very uneven, it may be necessary to do some remedial work on them before the tiles can be laid. This could mean installing new plasterboard, plywood or cement boards on the floor - although try to avoid using plywood in wet areas within the bathroom as moisture can cause it to expand, warp, or become weak over time.

Moisture resistant plasterboard costs around £15 a sheet, while plywood is around £15 a sheet.

The subsurface doesn’t need to be perfect, and minor imperfections can sometimes be masked with careful use of adhesive, though this isn’t suitable for major repairs. If you are covering imperfections, then avoid large tiles, as they require a flatter surface and are less forgiving.

Installing Underfloor Heating

If you're retiling your bathroom floor, then this is a good opportunity to install underfloor heating. There are different types of underfloor heating available, so the cost will depend on which you choose, but underfloor heating costs are typically in the region of £110 per m².

The best tiles to use are those with high thermal conductivity, such as natural stone and porcelain, as these work effectively with underfloor heating. Both types are able to efficiently transfer and radiate heat. Another tip is to use larger tiles to help provide a more even heat distribution across the floor.

Installing a Wetroom

Whilst you are retiling, you may also wish to consider turning your bathroom into a wet room, although this will also require additional waterproofing. Wetrooms can add value to your home. The cost of a wetroom will depend on the system you choose and the size of the room, but are in the region of £5,500.

Reducing Your Bathroom Tiling Costs

Retiling a whole bathroom can be expensive, and most costs come from labour. Here are a few ways that you can reduce the costs and save a bit of money:

Rip out the Old Tiles Yourself

If you have old tile that needs removing, then taking it out yourself is a good way to save money.

Here's how you can remove old tiles with a hammer and a chisel:

• Before you start, make sure to wear safety glasses and cover up the floor, bath, and sink to prevent any damage from falling tiles.
• If there is a loose tile, start there - otherwise, just break a tile and start removing the pieces.
• Place the chisel behind each tile and hit it with the hammer to pull the tile away.
• When the tiles are off, remove the excess adhesive from the wall using your hammer and chisel.

Taking out the tiles yourself will save you on the cost of labour, and most contractors will charge around £30 an hour. For a fully tiled bathroom, this could take 6 hours, so you could save £180.

You can also choose to dispose of the old bathroom tiles yourself. Be aware that in some places you may have to pay a small fee to dispose of old tiles, as they are considered rubble. The price will depend on where you live, but around £5 is usual.

If your contractor takes them away for you, it will cost you more. Again, it depends on your location, but it can be around £30 for a business owner to dispose of old tiles.

Source Your Own Tiles, Grout, and Adhesive

Doing the grouting yourself could save you from paying for a whole day of work, and this could save you between £150 and £200. Removing the old tile could save you a half-day of labour, with savings of £75 to £100.

Check what prices your tiler is going to charge you for sourcing tiles, grout, and adhesive - then see what you can find, as you might be able to find a better deal yourself.

Be sure to check with your tiler that they are happy with the grout and adhesive before you buy it.

Have a Go Yourself

Tiling isn’t too hard, especially if you don't need to cut the tiles. The splashback over a sink is quite simple and straightforward to do if you want to DIY - just leave the harder bits for your tiler. This could save you around £75.

You can also try your hand at the following bathroom tiling jobs with the right tools and equipment:

• Tiling a bathroom wall
• Tiling a floor
• Tiling around a toilet

Mosaic vs Border Tiles

Patterned border tiles can be very expensive, but mosaic tiles can be a cheaper alternative, so it's savvy to explore your options before buying them. 1 metre of inexpensive border tile can cost around £18, while 1 metre of mosaic tile can cost £9.

Best Tiles for a Bathroom

One of the biggest factors in choosing your tiles will be the look. If you have no strong feelings about the look of your tiles, then here are some pros and cons of each type of tile to help you choose:

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles typically cost between £12 and £50 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Ceramic tiles are priced reasonably and come in different styles and finishes
• ✔ Most do not require sealing
• ✔ Highly durable
• ✔ Low maintenance

Cons

• ✖ They can feel cold and hard underfoot
• ✖ Unglazed varieties need to be sealed
• ✖ Some may be too heavy for the upper floors

Glass

Glass tiles typically cost between £110 and £160 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Give a beautiful finish
• ✔ Easy to clean
• ✔ Do not need sealing as they do not absorb water

Cons

• ✖ Hard to install so should be done by a professional
• ✖ They are expensive

Granite

Granite tiles typically cost between £80 and £90 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Give a classic and timeless look
• ✔ Very durable with a long lifetime
• ✔ Can increase your home value
• ✔ Resistant to stains and scratches

Cons

• ✖ Hard to install, so should be done by a professional
• ✖ The tiles are heavy so may not be suitable for all floors
• ✖ Must be cleaned with care
• ✖ Need to be sealed

Limestone

Limestone tiles typically cost between £50 and £80 per m².

Pros

• ✔ A more affordable natural stone option
• ✔ Warm tones make them aesthetically appealing
• ✔ Environmentally friendly material

Cons

• ✖ Must be cleaned with care
• ✖ Need to be sealed
• ✖ Softer than other natural stone, so more prone to scratches

Marble

Marble tiles typically cost between £40 and £70 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Gives an elegant finish
• ✔ Easy to polish
• ✔ Can increase your home value
• ✔ Works well with underfloor heating

Cons

• ✖ Must be sealed
• ✖ Scratches and stains easily
• ✖ Slippery and cold underfoot

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles typically cost between £50 and £100 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Very durable and hard-wearing
• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ Most don’t need to be sealed
• ✔ Comes in many different styles

Cons

• ✖ Can be difficult to install as they are quite heavy

Quarry

Quarry tiles typically cost between £20 and £30 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Good value tiles
• ✔ Very durable
• ✔ Resistant to scratches and chips

Cons

• ✖ Stains easily
• ✖ Must be sealed before use

Quartzite

Quartzite tiles typically cost between £70 and £100 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Gives an elegant finish similar to marble at a lower cost
• ✔ UV resistant so it doesn’t fade in sunlight
• ✔ Very durable and easy to maintain

Cons

• ✖ Not good to use with underfloor heating
• ✖ Can be scratched somewhat easily
• ✖ Needs to be sealed
• ✖ Not many varieties

Quartz and Resin

Quartz and resin tiles typically cost between £80 and £90 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Non-porous, so is a natural stone that does not need sealing
• ✔ Has a naturally shiny finish
• ✔ Strong
• ✔ Very Hygienic, as water and bacteria can’t penetrate

Cons

• ✖ Scratches easily
• ✖ The shine will fade over time
• ✖ Can be slippery

Slate

Slate tiles typically cost between £40 and £50 per m².

Pros

• ✔ One of the most durable natural stone options
• ✔ Naturally beautiful stone, with a unique finish
• ✔ Can increase your home value
• ✔ Works well with underfloor heating

Cons

• ✖ Must be sealed
• ✖ Scratches and stains easily
• ✖ Texture can be unpleasant underfoot

Terracotta

Terracotta tiles typically cost between £50 and £60 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Very durable finish
• ✔ Warmer underfoot than other natural options
• ✔ Comes in warm tones

Cons

• ✖ Must be sealed, and may need to be resealed over time, as terracotta is highly porous
• ✖ The finish is not uniform
• ✖ Stains easily

Natural Vs Man-made Tiles

Natural stone tiles are timeless. Most types of natural stone need to be sealed to prevent water damage and staining, and they are also often more expensive than other tiles.

Your choices of natural stone tiles are:

• Granite
• Limestone
• Marble
• Quarry
• Quartzite
• Quartz
• Slate
• Terracotta

Manmade tiles come in a wider range of finishes and patterns. They are cheaper, with the exception of glass, and easier to maintain.

Your choices of manmade tiles are:

• Ceramic
• Glass
• Porcelain

Checklist: Hiring a Bathroom Tiler

If you are not confident about laying tiles yourself, it's worth getting a professional to do the work. Knowing you have the right tiler for the job can be tricky, so here are some things to look out for in a good tiler:

• Do they have relevant experience? Look for someone who has at least a couple of years’ experience tiling bathrooms, kitchens, or the type of area you need done. Experience with similar projects ensures a higher quality finish.
• Are they properly qualified? Tiling doesn’t require formal qualifications, but certifications such as NVQs or CITB courses are a positive sign of training and competence.
• Do they have public liability insurance? While not legally required, insurance protects you if any accidents or damage occur during the job.
• Are they well-organised? You will often have to wait a few weeks for a good tiler to have space in their diary. If they can start immediately, this can be a potential red flag. They should also be easy to communicate with and can clearly explain costs, timelines, and how they’ll approach your project.
• Do they provide examples of previous work? Look for before-and-after photos of past tiling projects, either on their website or ask for examples of their work, to get a clear idea of what to expect.
• Do they have positive reviews? Ask for testimonials or check reviews from other homeowners on sites such as MyJobQuote to ensure their previous clients were satisfied with both the quality and service.
• Have you requested more than one quote? It is widely recommended to look for three quotes from different people, with the help of MyJobQuote you can find suitable tilers within your area without any commitment.