Tiling is one of the trades where cost variation is largest — a straightforward straight-lay of standard ceramic wall tiles is inexpensive; a complex herringbone layout of large-format porcelain on an uneven floor is significantly more. Understanding the factors that drive tiling costs helps you budget realistically.
Tiling Cost Factors
Tile size and format:
- Small tiles (mosaic, metro, standard 150×150) require more cuts and more adhesive joints — more labour intensive per square metre
- Large-format tiles (600×600 and above) require a perfectly level substrate, specialist adhesive application, and careful handling — also labour intensive but for different reasons
- Standard mid-size tiles (300×300, 300×600) are the most straightforward to lay
Layout pattern:
- Straight lay (tiles parallel to walls): Baseline cost
- Brick bond / offset: Modest premium
- Herringbone: 15–25% premium — more cuts, more waste, more alignment attention
- Diagonal: 20–30% premium
Substrate condition:
- New, flat, level plasterboard or cement board: Minimal preparation
- Old, uneven tiled surface being retiled over: May need grinding or removal
- Old screed or plaster: May need self-levelling compound first
London Tiling Rate Guide
| Location / Scope | Typical Cost Range (London) |
|---|---|
| Wall tiling — standard bathroom, per m² (labour only) | £35–£60/m² |
| Wall tiling — large format, per m² (labour only) | £45–£80/m² |
| Floor tiling — standard, per m² (labour only) | £40–£65/m² |
| Floor tiling — large format (600×600+), per m² (labour only) | £55–£90/m² |
| Full bathroom tile (supply and fit, mid-range tiles) | £3,000–£7,000 |
Tile Material Costs
Labour is only part of the cost. Tile costs range enormously:
- Basic ceramic wall tiles: £8–£20/m²
- Mid-range porcelain: £20–£50/m²
- Large-format premium porcelain: £50–£150/m²
- Natural stone (marble, travertine, slate): £50–£200/m²
- Handmade or bespoke tiles: £100/m²+
rcbGroup
rcbGroup includes tiling in bathroom, kitchen, and floor finish packages — coordinating substrate preparation, supply where requested, and installation across all project types.