How much does tiling cost in the UK?
Tiling costs in the UK are typically quoted as a labour rate per square metre, with tiles and adhesive billed separately. Here is what you can expect to pay for common tiling jobs in 2025–2026.
Typical tiling costs (2025–2026)
| Job type | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Floor tiling — labour only (per m²) | £25 – £45 per m² |
| Wall tiling — labour only (per m²) | £25 – £50 per m² |
| Bathroom tiling (full room incl. waterproofing) | £800 – £2,000 |
| Kitchen splashback tiling (per m²) | £30 – £55 per m² |
| Outdoor / patio tiling (per m²) | £30 – £50 per m² |
| Tile repair (replace cracked/loose tiles) | £40 – £120 per repair |
| Regrouting (per m²) | £10 – £20 per m² |
| Tanking / waterproofing only (wet area, per m²) | £20 – £35 per m² |
Tile supply is additional — budget £15–£60+ per m² for the tiles themselves depending on quality.
What affects the price?
- Tile format and layout. Large-format tiles (600×600 mm or larger) and diagonal or herringbone layouts require more skill and time — labour rates go up 20–40%.
- Surface preparation. An uneven or damaged subfloor needs levelling before tiling. Self-levelling compound adds cost per m².
- Waterproofing. Wet areas (showers, baths, bathroom floors) should be tanked or waterproofed before tiling, in line with good-practice standards such as BS 5385. Budget an additional £20–£35 per m².
- Tile cutting complexity. Rooms with many corners, niches, and irregular shapes result in more cuts and more material waste — the tiler will quote accordingly.
- Grout choice. Epoxy grout is more durable and stain-resistant than standard cement grout but costs more and takes longer to apply.
How much tile do you need?
Always add 10–15% wastage to your measured area for cuts and breakages. For complex patterns (herringbone, diagonal), add 15–20%. For large-format tiles, discuss with your tiler — breakages on 600mm+ tiles are expensive.
Tips for getting a fair price
- Ask whether the quote is for labour only or labour-and-supply. Many tilers quote labour-only and you buy the tiles — others supply everything. Know what you are comparing.
- Request a separate line item for waterproofing/tanking — this is a critical step that should not be cut to save cost.
- Check the tiler's previous work. Photos of past jobs give you a clear indication of their finish quality, particularly grout line consistency.
- Confirm who is responsible for disposing of old tiles if this is a retile job — skip hire and removal labour cost extra.
- Avoid paying the full amount upfront. TruePro's payment protection holds your payment securely until you've confirmed the tiling is complete and to your satisfaction.