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myCost to Tile a Bathroom
At a glance
- Average cost of tiling a bathroom is £750
- It will take roughly 4 days to complete
- A breakdown of pricing information for different types of bathroom tiles
- How long the job will take and a general overview of what the job entails
- How to find and hire a tiler
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...
£750
Table of Contents
How Much to Tile a Bathroom?
Getting the right look in your bathroom can add value to your home. When buying a house no one wants, to have to redo the bathroom. Whether it is part of a whole bathroom refit or just a refresh of the room, tiling can be big, but a worthwhile job.
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.
I am looking to tile over existing tiles in my bathroom. They are porcelain tiles, slightly uneven and a bit worn/cracked and have been there for about twenty years when the house was built and we moved in. Is it okay to tile over these tiles or could it create issues? Thank you!
"Hi, you are able to tile over tiles provided the old ones are securely fixed and relatively smooth, any small cracks should not be a problem providing the old tiles are firmly fixed to the wall."
Bathroom Tiling Prices
There are several factors that will affect the total cost of tiling your bathroom. The first is the area that you choose to tile. The most expensive option is to tile the whole room; tiling the floors and the walls top to bottom. The cheapest option is to just tile above the sink.
The next consideration is the material that the tiles are made from. There is 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.
The more the tiles have to be cut, the more difficult and thus, expensive the job. Here are some example costs with some common job types.
| Job Description | Tile Type | Average Supply and Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Tile a medium-sized bathroom, walls and floor | Ceramic | £900 - £2,050 |
| Fully Tile a medium-sized bathroom, walls and floor | Granite | £2,600 - £3,050 |
| Fully tile the walls of a medium-sized bathroom | Ceramic | £750 - £1,600 |
| Fully tile the walls of a medium-sized bathroom | Granite | £2,050 - £2,400 |
| Tile the floor of a medium-sized bathroom | Ceramic | £150 - £450 |
| Tile the floor of a medium-sized bathroom | Granite | £550 - £650 |
| Tile around the bath only | Ceramic | £375 - £800 |
| Tile around the bath only | Granite | £1,025 - £1,200 |
| Tile the splashback above the sink | Ceramic | £90 - £350 |
| Tile the splashback above the sink | Granite | £160 – £190 |
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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, so there is some wastage. The extra tiles 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
Some tiles are only suitable for use on either walls or floors. You can get some styles that can be used in either place. In fact, most floor tiles can be used on walls. You should keep this in mind when you are picking out your tiles. There is not a consistent price difference between floor and wall tiles. Where they can be used is often determined by the type of material they are made from. Thus, the material choice 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 and not the installation cost.
| Material | Cost per m2 |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | £12- £50 |
| Glass | £110 - £160 |
| Granite | £80 - £90 |
| Limestone | £50 - £80 |
| Marble | £40 - £70 |
| Porcelain | £50 - £100 |
| Quarry | £20 - £30 |
| Quartzite | £70 - £100 |
| Quartz and Resin | £80 - £90 |
| Slate | £40 - £50 |
| Terracotta | £50 - £60 |
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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 and with no special patterns.
| Tile Size | Cost per m2 |
|---|---|
| Small (around 20cm x 20cm) | £10 - £50 |
| Medium (around 45cm x 45cm) | £12 - £50 |
| Large (around 64cm x 64cm) | £40 - £60 |
| Extra Large (around 90cm x 90cm) | £40 - 80 |
| Mosaic | £25 - £270 |
| Modular | £50 - £70 |
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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.
| Finish | Cost per m2 |
|---|---|
| Glazed | £50 - £70 |
| Gloss | £10 - £60 |
| Matt | £30 - £50 |
| Rustic | £45 - £55 |
| Satin | £20 - £80 |
| Textured | £30 - £60 |
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Labour Costs and Time Frames
The rate that a contractor will charge you will depend on a combination of the experience of the workman and your location. Obviously, a highly experienced tiler in London is going to cost you more than a novice in Yorkshire. Assuming that the walls and floors are prepared then it will cost you between £20 and £40 per square meter. For larger jobs that will take longer, you can expect to be charged between £150 and £200 per day.
Some tiles are harder to fit, as they are difficult to cut. If you have chosen travertine tiles, you can expect to pay a little more for labour. The same is true for large areas of small tiles or tiles that are laid an unusual pattern.
The time needed to tile a bathroom will vary based on a few different factors. The type of job will have a big effect. Jobs that require more tiles to be cut will take longer. 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 jobs to take.
| Job | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fully tile a medium-sized bathroom, walls, and floor | 4 days | £600 - £800 |
| Fully tile the walls of a medium-sized bathroom | 3 days | £450 - £600 |
| Tile the floor of a medium-sized bathroom | 1 day | £150 - £200 |
| Tile around the bath only | 1.5 days | £225 - £300 |
| Tile the splashback above the sink | 0.5 days | £75 - £100 |
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Additional Bathroom Tiling Costs
Grouting and Adhesive
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 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, at the cost of £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, then you are more likely looking at between 3m2 and 4m2.
Sealant
Not all types of tile need to be sealed – for instance, most ceramic and porcelain tiles. Tiles made of natural stone will need to be sealed, as natural stone is porous.
You may also need to seal the grout. If you have your tiles professionally fitted you will likely have to seal them yourself. This is because it can’t be done until the grout is cured. It is worth doing it though, as it will prevent the grout 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. 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 or laying plywood on the floor. Moisture resistant plasterboard costs around £15 a sheet. Plywood is around £15 a sheet.
The subsurface doesn’t have to be perfect; some imperfections can be disguised with clever use of adhesive, although this may mean you spend more money on adhesive. Avoid larger tiles as these will highlight any imperfections.
Installing Underfloor Heating
If you are retiling your bathroom floor, then this is a good opportunity to install underfloor heating. There is nothing more pleasant than a warm bathroom floor on a winter morning. There are different types of underfloor heating available, so the cost will depend on which you choose. It is typically in the region of £110 per m2.
Installing a Wetroom
Whilst you are retiling, you may also wish to consider turning your bathroom into a wet room. 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.
Reducing Your Bathroom Tiling Costs
Retiling a whole bathroom can be expensive. Most of the costs come from labour. So, there 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. It is not a difficult job. All you need is a hammer and a chisel. If there is a loose tile start there, otherwise just break a tile and remove the pieces. Then place the chisel behind each tile and hit it with the hammer to pull the tile away. Make sure to wear safety glasses, and cover up the floor, bath and sink to prevent any damage from the falling tiles. When the tiles are off, just 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 for your contractor to remove them. Most contractors will charge around £30 an hour for this. For a fully tiled bathroom, this could take 6 hours. So, you could save £180.
If you also dispose of the tiles yourself, you will need to take them to the tip. 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, it will cost them 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
Check what prices your tiler is going to charge you for sourcing tiles, grout, and adhesive. Then see what you can find. You might be able to find a better deal yourself. Just 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. So, if you are only tiling small sections of yourself. For instance, the splashback over a sink is quite simple and straightforward to do. Just leave the harder bits for your tiler. This could save you around £75.
Mosaic vs Border Tiles
Patterned border tiles can be very expensive. Surprisingly mosaic tiles can be a cheaper alternative. Explore your options before you buy border tiles. 1 meter of inexpensive border tile can cost around £18. 1 meter of mosaic tile can cost £9.
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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- £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- £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- £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- £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- £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- £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- £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- £100 per m2.
Pros
- ✔ Gives an elegant finish similar to marble at a lower cost
- ✔ UV resistant so 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 - £90 per m2.
Pros
- ✔ Non-porous, so are 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- £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- £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. They have been favourites for a long time and are unlikely to go out of style. Most types of natural stone need to be sealed to prevent water damage and staining. They are also often more expensive. Choosing natural stone tiles is usually a choice based on how they look.
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
DIY Bathroom Tiling
Since the highest cost of tiling a bathroom is labour, doing it yourself is a good way to save money. The reason the labour is so expensive is that getting a good finish with tiles can be hard. You need to be patient and meticulous in your planning.
If you are new to tiling, you should make sure the surface is as level as possible before you start. This will make it easy to get a good finish. The most important thing is to take your time. Do not try to do it at the same time as the professionals.
You should also budget for a larger excess of tiles. This is because cutting tiles can be easy to mess up, so you will want to have more spares.
If you want to save money, you could do the preparation work and the grouting yourself. This would leave the hardest part for the professionals. This way you will get a great finish, but it won’t cost you quite as much.
Doing the grouting yourself could save you for paying for a whole day of work; this could save you between £150 and £200. Removing the old tile could save you a half-day of labour, so £75 - £100.
Take a look at our how-to guides with step-by-step instructions to help you:
Hiring a Tiler Checklist
If you are not confident about laying tiles yourself, then it is worth getting a professional in 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.
- Look for a tiler who has lots of recommendations and is willing to let you talk to former clients. This is a great way to judge how happy you will be with their work.
- Good tilers are not short of work. If there is no wait for them to get to your job, this could be a red flag. Good tilers will often have between 4 and 6 weeks’ worth of jobs lined up.
- There are no required qualifications for tilers, but there are courses they could have taken. An NVQ or CITB qualification is a good sign.
- Look for a tiler with who you have a good rapport. You need to share your vision with them, and they should be able to communicate costs and timeframes to you clearly.
FAQs
How Does The Substrate Affect The Cost Of Tiling?
Most forms of masonry are suitable for tiling over. However, depending on the condition they are in, it may be necessary to prepare the substrate first. Concrete floors, in particular, require some care. If there is any sign of damp, then the adhesive will not hold. This means it may be necessary to apply a sealant layer before the adhesive is applied. This will increase the time for the job as well as the cost.
Cement board is an ideal substrate and is easy to tile straight onto. Plywood is also good for tiling onto. The most important thing is that the surface is water-resistant. If it is not, then you will need to spend money to get it sealed before the job begins.
Cement board is an ideal substrate and is easy to tile straight onto. Plywood is also good for tiling onto. The most important thing is that the surface is water-resistant. If it is not, then you will need to spend money to get it sealed before the job begins.
How Long Will The New Tiles Last?
Tiles are an excellent investment as they can last a lifetime if taken care of manmade tile can last for around 75 years. Natural stone tiles, when cared for properly, can last for more than 100 years.
What Maintenance Is Needed?
Tiles should be given a gentle clean as needed. You should avoid very alkaline products as these can remove the sealant layer from the tiles. If your tiles are made from a very porous material such as terracotta, then you should consider resealing them every few years. Sealing the grout as well as the tiles, will increase the lifetime of your tiling.
Can You Just Replace The Grout On Old Tiles?
It is possible to remove the grout from between old tiles and replace that. It can be a fiddly job to remove the grout, and you may damage the tiles in the process. If you like the tiles you have, but the grout is stained, then this is a good option. You might need to try and source some spare tiles, just in case of breakages when you are removing the old grout.
Which Tiles Are Best For Underfloor Heating?
When you are choosing tiles for underfloor heating, you should look for natural stone tiles. These are generally better at radiating heat than the manmade alternatives. It is also best to use larger tiles. This is because the grout will not conduct the heat as well as the tile, so it can be cooler underfoot. It is also a good idea to choose textured tile as you will likely be walking around barefooted.
Sources
https://www.toppstiles.co.uk/
https://www.tiles-direct.com/
https://ukbathroomguru.com/
https://www.wallsandfloors.co.uk/blog/how-to-remove-old-tiles/
http://buildipedia.com/at-home/floors/tile-flooring-101-care-and-maintenance?print=1&tmpl=component
