Floor Tiling Cost

How Much Does Tiling a Floor Cost?

So, how much does it cost to tile a floor in the UK?

The average cost of tiling a floor is around £700, with most jobs ranging between £400 and £1,000 depending on the size of the room and the type of tile you choose. The floor tiling cost per m² is fairly standard, so a larger area needs more tiles and more labour time, which pushes the overall cost up accordingly.

As a rough guide, tiling a typical bathroom floor of around 5m² costs in the region of £300 to £450, while a typical kitchen floor of around 12m² costs around £500 to £650. Both figures cover supply and labour for mid-range tiles.

Below, we break down the costs of different tiling materials and the labour involved, including tiler day rates and the labour cost per m², so you can work out exactly what a new tiled floor will cost.

Popular in kitchens and bathrooms, floor tiles are a great flooring option for rooms with moisture. Not only do they look great, but they're also easy to clean — and, importantly, are resistant to water.

So, how much does it cost to tile a bathroom?

The cost of tiling a small bathroom floor can range from £300 to £600, depending on the complexity and type of tiles used. Ceramic floor tiles, in particular, are very popular and are generally larger and more robust than wall tiles as they are designed to withstand high foot traffic — although poor quality tiling may be more prone to general wear and tear.

Are tiles a good choice for someone on a smaller budget?

Tiles come in many different materials, shapes and sizes, but if you are working on a smaller budget, then simple square tiles are your best option. In addition to being cheaper to buy, simple square tiles are also easier and quicker to lay, so cost less if you are hiring someone to complete the job for you.

There is a huge variety of floor tiles available, with the costs depending on the type and quality. Popular tile types include:

• Ceramic
• Mosaic
• Porcelain tiles

The cost of laying floor tiles will depend on the type of tile that you choose and the size of the room. As an example, an 8m² room will cost around £400 to £500 to tile, and the job can usually be completed within a day.

In contrast, the average cost to lay tile in a 30m² room is around £900 to £1,000, and this will usually take approximately 1 to 2 days to complete.

These prices are based on an average-priced type of floor tile. The prices may vary depending on the cost of the tiles that you choose to install.

Floor Tiling Prices

Below are the estimated costs for hiring a tradesperson to fit mid-range £25/m² floor tiles in different-sized rooms:

The tiling costs per square metre can vary depending on the type of tile you are using, your location, and the overall size of the room. Using a floor tiling cost calculator can help you get more accurate estimates by factoring in the area to be tiled, material costs, labour, and any additional expenses.

Floor Tiling Cost Calculator

Labour Cost of Laying Floor Tiles

Labour fees generally amount to between 40% and 60% of your total cost, with the balance going towards materials, supplies and any additional overheads.

The average cost you can expect to pay a contractor to tile your floor is around £150 to £200 per day, although this can vary depending on size and complexity of the job.

Which type of tiles are you planning to use for tiling your floor?

Ceramic/Porcelain

8 votes - 53%53% of votes

Natural Stone (Marble, Limestone, etc)

6 votes - 40%40% of votes

Cement Tiles

1 votes - 7%7% of votes

Mosaic/Decorative

0 votes - 0%0% of votes

Other (Specialist/Designer)

0 votes - 0%0% of votes

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At the typical 8m² to 12m² a tiler lays per day, that day rate works out at roughly £15 to £25 per m² for labour. The table below shows the typical labour-only cost for some common room sizes.

Also, your location can impact the overall cost of labour for the job. Those based in London can expect to pay around £50 to £100 more per day for the cost of labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Floor Tiling Costs (Supply Only)

The type of tile that you choose for your flooring can affect the cost, as different types of tile have different price points. It is crucial to consider the type of tile used in any tiling project to estimate costs and budget effectively and accurately.

For example, you will pay somewhere around £15 to £25 per m² for a ceramic tile, whereas you will pay around £40 to £50 per m² for a marble tile.

Below are the average costs per square metre for different types of floor tile:

Ceramic Floor Tiles

This is one of the most common types of tile. It is very durable and goes well in many different types of rooms. It’s also easy to install, easy to keep clean and comes in many different styles and colours.

Porcelain Floor Tiles

This is another common type of tile in the home, but this one has more of a natural look. These tiles come in a variety of colours and styles to match your home, and they're easy to maintain and keep clean.

Cement Floor Tiles

Cement tiles are versatile and can create great patterns and colours. Despite looking great, cement tiles are a challenge to lay correctly and require more regular maintenance, whereby it is recommended to have them resealed every 6 to 12 months depending on usage and signs of wear.

Marble Floor Tiles

Marble adds a touch of elegance to the home. Marble tiles come in a variety of colours and patterns; however, it requires quite a bit of upkeep. It is also susceptible to scratches and stains if not properly cared for.

Mosaic Floor Tiles

Mosaic tiles allow you to add a creative flair to your flooring as the designs come in many different colours, shapes, and sizes. You need to be careful about the designs becoming outdated quickly, though.

Limestone Floor Tiles

These natural tiles allow you to create a rustic style. It is easy to cut and shape, allowing easy installation. However, you need to ensure that it is properly sealed, as it is a porous type of rock that can ruin if it comes into contact with too much water.

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Additional Floor Tiling Costs

There are several additional costs that you may need to think about when it comes to tiling a floor:

• Tile Removal — If you have existing tiles that need to come up before new ones can be laid, this will add to your overall tiling costs. A tiler will typically charge between £15 and £20 per hour, depending on the size of the room and the difficulty of the job. This can be a little more in London, and removing all the old tiles and grout can take a day or more, and sometimes several days, in a larger room.
• Floor Screeding — Before your tiler can install new floor tiles, it's important they have a smooth, flat surface to work with. If your existing floor is uneven or has been damaged by the removal of your original flooring, you may need to have your floor screeded beforehand. The cost of floor screeding is around £250, and can help to ensure your newly tiled floor lasts longer.
• Subfloor Preparation — Before tiling can begin, a tiler will assess the condition of the subfloor. Minor dips and uneven areas may be resolved with a self-levelling compound, while more significant damage will require repairs before any new tiles can be laid. The extent of the work needed will depend on the condition of the existing floor.

How Long Does Tiling a Floor Take?

The timescale required to tile a floor depends on the size of the area and the complexity of the job.

Smaller areas can potentially be completed within the same day, while larger or more complex projects can require several days, especially to allow time for adhesive to set before grouting.

Below is a typical breakdown of timescales:

Other points to note in terms of timescale are as follows:

• Adhesive usually requires 12–24 hours to cure before you can start grouting.
• Therefore grouting is often done on a separate day to ensure a strong finish.
• Preparation for complex designs can take longer, with intricate patterns being more time consuming to lay.
• Weather conditions can also impact timings, particularly in regards to outdoor tiling.

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What Impacts the Cost of Tiling a Floor?

Several factors can affect your overall tiling costs:

• Tile Type — The material you choose has a significant impact on material costs, with ceramic and porcelain being at the lower end of the price range and marble and mosaic tiles at the higher end.
• Room Size — The larger the area, the more tiles and labour time it requires to complete the job, which will increase your overall tiling cost.
• Project Complexity — Awkward room shapes, intricate patterns, or using large or small tiles rather than standard sizes all add to the time a tiler needs on site, which affects tiling costs.
• Surface Preparation — If the existing floor is uneven or damaged, this can add to your total tiling costs as additional work will be needed before tiling can begin.
• Location — Tilers in London and the South East typically charge more than those in other parts of the UK, so where you are based will affect your overall tiling costs.
• Professional Tilers — More experienced professional tilers may charge higher day rates, though the quality of finish is generally reflected in the price.

How to Save on Floor Tiling Costs

Here are a few things worth considering if you want to keep your tiling costs to a minimum:

• Choose Simple Tiles — Plain tiles in standard sizes are cheaper to buy and quicker to lay, which helps reduce labour costs compared to intricate patterns or unusual formats.
• Use Standard Size Tiles — Large or small tiles take longer to lay than standard sizes, which increases tiling labour costs. Using standard sized tiles can help keep your tiling costs down.
• Supply Your Own Tiles — Some tilers will fit your own tiles that you have supplied yourself, which gives you the freedom to shop around for the best price on materials.
• Get Multiple Quotes — The average tiling cost varies between tilers, so it's worth comparing at least three quotes from tilers with MyJobQuote before committing to a tiling project.

How to Tile a Floor

If you want to save money on the job, you can tile a floor as a DIY job. This would work out much cheaper as you wouldn’t have to pay the costs of labour.

We have a how-to guide with step-by-step instructions on how to tile a floor.

However, if you want your floor to look as good as it possibly can, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals. Also, if you’re limited on time, it may be better to hire professionals to do the work for you so that you don’t have to worry about the time it takes to get the work done.

If you have never tiled a floor yourself before, it might be quite a difficult job and can prove a challenge even if you're only covering a small area of flooring. This is due to requiring precision and attention to detail, not only with the physical laying of tiles, but also the finishing touches around the edges, corners and working around fixtures and fittings.

If you’d rather guarantee a professional finish without the hassle, it’s often best to leave it to an expert. Compare up to 3 free, no-obligation quotes from tilers near you through MyJobQuote.

Are Tiled Floors Right For Me?

Tiled floors are popular in rooms requiring water resistance and high durability from increased footfall. Kitchens, bathrooms, separate toilets, utility rooms, and conservatories all fall into this category — but what if you don't want tiled floors in these rooms?

Let's take a look at some flooring alternatives:

Vinyl Flooring and LVT Flooring

Standard vinyl flooring costs between £7 and £15 per m², cheaper than the lowest-cost floor tile. For a more authentic look, the cost of LVT is £25 to £40 per m², while Karndean flooring costs between £20 to £50 per m² for realistic wood and stone effects.

Laminate Flooring

Faux wood laminate flooring costs as little as £8 per m², rising to £45 per m² for more intricate designs. Faux tile laminate is available from just £6 to £8 per m², or £25 to £35 per m² for a marble effect.

Engineered Wood

Made up of a real wood top layer, a core layer of softwood, and a bottom layer to help prevent warping, engineered wood gives an authentic hardwood look with increased moisture-resistant benefits. Engineered wood prices sit at around £45 per m².

Cost Comparison

Supply costs only. Labour costs vary depending on flooring type and room size.

Other Jobs to Consider When Tiling a Floor

If you're already having your floors tiled, there are several other tiling jobs worth considering while your tiler is at your property.

• Wall Tiling — For a seamless floor-to-ceiling aesthetic, you can have your walls tiled while your local tiler is at your property. With wall tiling costs averaging at about £585, it can be a worthwhile investment to futureproof walls in wet rooms like bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens.
• Bathroom Tiling — It's a good idea to spruce up both your bathroom's floors and walls at the same time if you're having one or the other tiled. Tiling is a great choice in wet rooms as the material is resistant to moisture, making it a long-lasting choice. The cost of tiling a bathroom commonly ranges from £600 to £800.
• Tiling a Shower — Why stop at tiling your bathroom walls? For a fully tiled shower enclosure, you can expect the costs of tiling a shower to be between £300 to £400, depending on the tile chosen and the intricacy of the pattern.

Checklist: Hiring a Tiler in the UK

Consider these key points before hiring a tiler for the job:

• Are they a member of The Tile Association (TTA)? Membership is a good sign a tiler works to recognised industry standards, though plenty of skilled tilers operate without it.
• Do they have experience with your type of tile? Natural stone, large-format and mosaic tiles each need different handling, so check they have laid the type you are choosing.
• Will they prepare and level the subfloor? A sound, level subfloor is essential for a lasting finish, so ask whether preparation is included in the quote.
• Is tile removal and waste disposal included? Confirm that lifting any old tiles and disposing of all waste is covered in the quoted price.
• Do they provide a clear breakdown of costs? Ask for the labour and materials split so you can check you are paying a fair price for each part of the job.
• Do they offer a guarantee on their work? Check whether the job comes with any guarantee in case an issue arises once the tiles are laid.
• Do they have positive reviews? Look at before and after photos and read the feedback from other homeowners on their MyJobQuote profile.

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