Whether you need to renovate the kitchen in a house you’ve just purchased or update those tired-looking bathroom tiles to something more pleasing to the eye, it’s a job that needs doing.
But can you do it yourself, or should you hire a professional? And how much does a tiler cost? With workmanship, time and labour to consider, we’ve gathered all the necessary information in this guide.
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What Type of Tile Job Do You Need?
Weighing up the cost of hiring someone to do the job versus deciding whether it’s something you can do yourself depends on the task.
Fitting a kitchen splashback, for example, is a relatively small job and is something you could potentially undertake, as demonstrated in the video below.
On the other hand, the tight corners of an en-suite bathroom or cloakroom — and little space to work in — might require extreme patience and attention to detail.
At the other end of the scale, fitting a new tiled kitchen floor is a larger job and a bigger commitment. And let’s not forget the availability of tools you may need.
Tiling Costs to Consider
Tiling costs depend on where it needs to be done, the type of tile and the area size you need covering.
For example, mosaic tiling is intricate and will take longer, as will an unusual pattern, which may result in a fair amount of waste. Also, if your room has an unusual layout, this will result in more time cutting tiles.
It’s best to choose your tiling type first to determine how much your material will cost. Floor tiles will be more expensive than wall tiles due to their composition. Square and rectangular floor tiles are kinder to your wallet than hexagonal or octagonal ones.
When working out the required number of tiles, it’s a good rule of thumb to include 10% for wastage. Other essential material costs include grout and adhesive. If you hire a professional, ensure they include this and any prep work in your quote.
Labour costs will vary based on the job’s complexity, the labourer’s experience, and where you live. On average, you can expect to pay about £50 per square metre*.
This won’t include any remedial work that might need doing, such as levelling an uneven wall or preparing the floor surface.
The following figures are obtained from data gathered by Local Heroes and provide a range and an average of prices based on sample tiling jobs. A professional may also charge a day rate of between £150–£200 for a tiling job if it’s likely to take more than six hours.
How Much Does a Tiler Cost? 2024 Price Table
| Job Type/Size | Details | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Splashback | Ideal for protecting the cooker wall when you don’t want to tile the whole kitchen. | £148–£367 | £218 |
| Cloakroom bathroom | Small space requiring a good level of skill | £175–£545 | £230 |
| Tiling a bathroom or shower | The price depends on the size of the room and the fixtures | £150–£521 | £248 |
| En-suite bathroom | Small space requiring a good level of skill | £220–£476 | £304 |
| Kitchen Floor | Consider the size and layout of your room, which will affect the number of tiles required | £213–£949 | £355 |
As always, remember the following when requesting a quote:
- Get a price per job, not an hourly rate
- Obtain a selection of at least 3 quotations
- Ask each tradesman to provide a price breakdown for easy comparison
- Always ask for testimonials or reviews
DIY Tiling
If you have the time and wish to save money, it’s by no means impossible to tile a wall or floor yourself. Check out our guide to tiling a floor for a beginner’s guide.
Remember, though, home improvement shows make a job look far easier than it is to get perfect. The last thing you want is a botched job, as correcting it once those tiles are stuck is difficult.
Don’t fancy doing this job yourself? Find top-rated tilers in your area by clicking the button below:
Final Thoughts
If you’re an amateur tiler but fancy giving it a go, work on an area that won’t be subject to water ingress. Leave this riskier work to the professionals.
I speak from experience when it comes to tiling a shower area. If not done properly, leaks can cause serious damage to your walls.
To avoid situations like this or a potentially uneven finish, go to Rated People and hire a trusted professional in your local area.