Floor Tiling Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Floor?

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

The average cost of tiling a floor is around £900 for a 20m² room, with most tiling jobs ranging between £275 and £1,500, depending on the size of the room and based on mid-range tiles.

As a rough guide, the cost to tile a bathroom is in the region of £275 to £400 for a 5 to 8m² room, while the average cost to tile a kitchen floor is around £480 to £600, based on 12m².

If you have a differently sized room, average tiling costs per m² are between £30 and £55 supplied and fitted, based on standard ceramic or porcelain tiles. Costs per m² may be higher for very small rooms as there will usually be a minimum charge of a full day's work.

Floor Tiling Prices by Room

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

Floor Tiling Prices by Type

The floor tiling cost varies significantly depending on the type of tile and the pattern you're laying them in. Here's a summary of the tiling costs per square metre for different materials and layouts:

A herringbone or chevron layout can add up to 50% more to the labour cost as every tile needs cutting and laying at an angle. Large format tiles are more difficult to work with, as it requires more care to ensure they are flat and level.

Try our floor tiling cost calculator below for a more accurate estimate that factors in the area to be tiled, material costs, labour, and any additional expenses.

Floor Tiling Cost Calculator

Labour Cost to Tile a Floor

The labour cost of laying floor tiles generally accounts for between 40% and 50% of your total cost, with the balance going towards materials, supplies and any additional overheads. Labour costs take a higher share of the total cost in smaller rooms if a minimum charge is applied.

How much does a tiler cost per day?

The average cost you can expect to pay a contractor to tile your floor is around £150 to £300 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

47 votes - 69%69% of votes

Natural Stone (Marble, Limestone, etc)

13 votes - 19%19% of votes

Cement Tiles

1 votes - 1%1% of votes

Mosaic/Decorative

5 votes - 7%7% of votes

Other (Specialist/Designer)

2 votes - 3%3% of votes

68 votes See results Hide results

How much does a tiler charge per square metre?

A tiler can lay around 8m² to 12m² of tiles per day, so the 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.

Supply Cost of Tiling a Floor

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 Cost

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 Cost

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 Cost

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 from time to time as they wear.

Marble Floor Tiles Cost

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 Cost

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 Cost

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 be ruined 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:

These costs won't apply to all jobs, and some may already be included in your quote. Here's a guide on what you need and when:

• 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 if not included in the quote. Removing all the old tiles and grout can take a day or more, and sometimes several days, in a larger room. You may also have to have the tiles tested for asbestos (may be found in vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles laid before 2000) before they are removed, which can increase timescales and cost.
• 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 £430 for a 20m² room, 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. When laying tiles on timber or floorboards, a backer board is often needed. This can raise the floor's height so doors may need trimming.
• Waste Disposal — Some tilers include waste disposal in their quotes, but skip hire may be needed for larger jobs if there are a lot of old tiles to remove and dispose of.
• Tanking — Tanking is needed in wet areas such as bathrooms or wet rooms to stop water from getting through the grout and into the subfloor.

Depending on the type of tiles you choose, you may also need to budget for ongoing resealing.

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 to 24 hours to cure before you can start grouting, but rapid-setting adhesives can be ready in around 3 hours. Cold conditions can slow down drying times.
• 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.

What Impacts the Cost of Laying Floor Tiles?

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 limestone 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.

Do I Need to Repair or Replace My Tiled Floor?

Sometimes a full tiled floor replacement isn't necessary. However, it's best to replace the whole tiled floor if you notice any of the following:

• Multiple tiles are cracked or broken, or cracks keep returning (this could mean the subfloor is moving).
• The grout has mould underneath that won't clean off (water may be getting under the tiles).
• Many tiles are loose or lifting (the adhesive may be failing).
• The tiles are uneven and catching underfoot.

Floor tile repair is an option if:

• Only a Few Tiles Are Cracked or Broken — You can replace them if you've kept spares from the original installation.
• The Grout Is Discoloured but Sound — Deep clean the grout or use a grout pen to refresh it.
• The Grout Is Crumbling — If the tiles are sound and not moving, you can regrout between them.
• The Tiles Are Outdated but Sound — Painting tiles is often cheaper if you'd just like to change the look but the existing tiles are in good condition.

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, including other types of tiles:

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 luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is £25 to £40 per m², while Karndean flooring costs between £20 and £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.

Self-Adhesive and Interlocking Floor Tiles

Self-adhesive (peel and stick) vinyl tiles are a cheaper way to change the look of a floor than retiling, at around £8 to £20 per m². You can usually lay them as a DIY job, but they need a clean, flat, sealed surface to stick properly.

Interlocking tiles clip together without adhesive, so they can go straight over concrete, mainly in garages and workshops. Heavy-duty PVC garage tiles cost around £30 to £35 per m², and they are easy to lift and move or replace.

Flooring Materials 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 for the walls and floor.
• 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 and £400, depending on the tile chosen and the intricacy of the pattern.

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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.
• Are 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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