DonereelHow much does tiling cost in 2026?
Updated November 2026 · UK prices
Tiling labour in the UK usually costs about £30 to £50 per square metre for standard ceramic tiles in 2026, more for porcelain, large-format or stone. Tilers who work by the day typically charge £150 to £350, and lay around 8 to 12 m² of standard tile a day.
| Item | Typical 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Labour, standard ceramic (per m²) | £30 – £50 |
| Labour, porcelain or large-format (per m²) | £50 – £100 |
| Tiler day rate | £150 – £350 a day |
| Ceramic tiles (supply, per m²) | £15 – £40 |
| Waterproofing / tanking (per m²) | £25 – £50 |
| Tiling the walls of a typical bathroom | £500 – £1,800 |
Ballpark figures including VAT where charged. Every job is different: get a written quote.
Per m² or day rate?
Most tilers quote per square metre for straightforward rooms, because it is easy to compare. On small areas, splashbacks with lots of cuts, or floors that need levelling first, a day rate is often fairer for both sides.
What pushes the price up
- Large-format tiles (60×120 and up) and natural stone: they need flatter walls and more care, so fewer m² a day.
- Patterns such as herringbone, and lots of cuts around windows, pipes and sockets.
- Preparation: removing old tiles, boarding, levelling compound and tanking in wet areas.
- Location: London and the South East are usually 20–30% higher.
Don’t forget the extras
Allow for adhesive, grout, trims and silicone, plus around 10% extra tiles for cuts and breakages. Ask whether these are in the quote.
How to choose a tiler
- Look closely at finished work: straight grout lines, neat cuts and level edges are the giveaway.
- Ask how they will prepare the surface and whether tanking is included in wet areas.
- Get the price per m² and the total in writing, with materials listed.
Find tilers by watching their real work
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Questions
How much does a tiler charge per m² in the UK?
Around £30 to £50 per m² for standard ceramic tiles in 2026, and about £50 to £100 per m² for porcelain, large-format or stone.
What is a tiler’s day rate?
Usually £150 to £350 a day depending on experience and region, with London at the top.
How many m² can a tiler do in a day?
Roughly 8 to 12 m² of standard tile on a prepared surface, fewer with large-format or stone.
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