Cost of Tiling a Wall

How Much is Tiling a Wall?

The price you pay for internal wall tiles will depend on the tile material, the necessary adhesive and grout and of course the cost for the tiler.

There is such a wide variation that it is difficult to give an average cost, but it is possible to give examples and an idea of wall tile prices.

However, nothing takes the place of a written quotation supplied by a tradesman that has visited your property and discussed your exact requirements.

Material Costs

The average material cost to fit wall tiles for a bathroom or install a tiled kitchen worktop will vary on the price of the tiles, the adhesive and the grout used. Different tile materials require different adhesives and grout will normally be chosen to either compliment or contrast with the tile colour.

Labour Costs

Tilers charge an average of £150-£250 per day in labour costs depending on where in the country you are and the kind of tiling they will be undertaking.

The job itself can be time consuming as extra care needs to be taken to make sure surfaces are level ensuring the tiles are fitted correctly.

Depending on the size of the area to be tiled, you should expect the job to take around 1 to 2 days.

Size of Area

The average size of a UK bathroom is between 4 ½ sqm-5 ½ sqm but for tiling purposes you will need to calculate the wall area which will vary depending on style and layout.

Some bathrooms are fully tiled, floor to ceiling and some will only have tiles behind the shower and/or sink. You will also need to allow an extra 10% of tiles for breakages and cutting.

Wall Tiling Prices

Below are some estimated costs of hiring a tiling specialist to supply & fit internal wall tiles:

The below prices are estimated based on the material and size of the tile.

In general, the least expensive tile material is ceramic. They are also easy to clean, hard wearing and relatively inexpensive. Porcelain is a tough material as well and is popular for tiling walls and floors. Due to its durable nature it is a more expensive material and takes specialised equipment to cut and drill through.

Natural stone materials such as granite, slate and marble are prized for their looks but do require more care for maintenance and longevity. They are relatively inexpensive.

Mosaic tiles are often a composite of materials on a flexible sheet, often a mixture of materials such as stone, glass, or metal.

Supply Cost to Tile a Wall

65 %

Materials
£585

35 %

Labour
£315

0 %

Waste Clean Up
£0

Additional Wall Tiling Costs

Apart from the tiles themselves and the labour to fit them, there are other costs that may be incurred while installing internal wall tiles.

This can depend on whether you're repairing existing tiles and need to carry out maintanance such as replacing grouting, or if you are installing new wall tiles as part of a bigger job renovating a kitchen or bathroom.

Either way, here is a table summarising some of the potential costs you may incur, followed by a little more detail on what's involved.

Plastering Costs

Plastering a wall will cost you around £200-£300 depending on the size of the wall and your location.

Walls are rarely perfectly smooth and level unless you are tiling a brand-new room. There may be a need to plaster a wall to achieve a good surface for installing your wall tiles and ensure a professional finish.

Painting Costs

The cost to paint an internal wall will depend on the square meterage but the average cost will be around £250 if hiring a professional decorator.

If you are tiling a kitchen wall you may want to refresh the other walls in the kitchen with a new coat of paint.

Replacing Kitchen Worktop Costs

The average cost of installing a solid wood worktop is in the region of £800.

Installing kitchen tiles will likely be around a work surface area and you may think about replacing your kitchen worktop to compliment your newly tiled wall. Kitchen worktops come in various materials and sizes so there is a wide choice available.

Replacing Kitchen Floor Tiles Cost

Quarry tiles can look good on a kitchen floor creating a rustic look. These are essentially unglazed clay floor tiles and cost between £30 to £90 per square metre.

Updating Bathroom Fittings Costs

Depending on your taste and style the cost to replace sink taps is between £20 and £150, while replacing bath taps range anywhere between £25 and £200.

Updating your bathroom with some new bathroom tiles may inspire you to change your fittings or taps. This is a relatively cheap way to reinvent your bathroom without all the expense and upheaval of replacing the entire suite.

Decorating Costs

A professional decorator will cost between £150 and £200 per day.

To compliment your new tiles, you may want to budget for a decorator for wallpapering or painting your woodwork.

Moving Radiators Cost

Finally, if radiators need to be removed for access, you may need to hire a plumber, who charge approximately £150 to £200 per day.

If you try moving them yourself, there's a possibility you could have a leak once the radiator is refitted (old radiators really do not like being disturbed), in this instance you could end up needing a plumber in an emergency.

Labour Cost to Fit Wall Tiles

Modern tiles offer one of the most durable and hard-wearing surfaces that can be found in a home.

The average cost for installing wall tiles is between £20 and £40 per square metre. A tiler may charge by the day which can be in the region of £150 to £250 per day or by the hour, on average between £20 and £30.

Whether they are used for walls or flooring, they are available in a huge variety of sizes, colours, designs and shapes. Popular tile materials include ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass.

The size of the area to be tiled therefore will have a significant impact on the overall cost of the project including the number of tiles required and the time needed to install them.

Reducing the Costs

To reduce the amount that you spend on labour there are things you can do yourself to bring the labour costs down. Removing old tiles is quite simple but should be done with care to avoid damaging the wall surface underneath. See below for the tools you will need.

• Bolster chisel - £5-£15
• Hammer - £5-£40

Alternatively, you can use a hammer drill for speed, but be careful in tight spaces:

• Electric hammer drill - £25-£200
• Tile removal attachment - £25-£30

Always wear safety gear such as protective goggles, gloves and a dust mask to help protect against any sharp edges, dust inhalation, and falling debris.

Preparing the Wall Surface

Before the tiles are due to be installed, ensure the wall is sound, level, and clean. Warm water and a sponge, steam cleaner or a scraper can help soften any remaining adhesive, although take care not to damage plaster.

Any small holes can then simply be filled and sanded smooth, ready for the tiles.

If the wall needs some more serious work, you can hire a plasterer (£150 to £200 per day), although allow at least a 4 week gap before booking your tiler to ensure the room is completely dry.

Any old tiles fixed to plasterboard may be difficult to remove cleanly, so in the event they get damaged in the process, you may need to replace the existing boards with a moisture-resistant variety (£15 to £20 per sheet). This will prove cost-effective in the long-run and help protect against damp.

Tiling on a Lath and Plaster Wall

The same may be true if the tiles you remove were adhered to lath and plaster. This material is very fragile and may not survive the tile removal process unscathed.

You should also be cautious about the weight of tiles that you put on a lath and plaster wall, even an undamaged one.

The recommended maximum weight for tiles on plasterboard is 32kg per square metre and 20kg per square metre for plaster. This weight allowance is the total weight of the tiles and the adhesive.

These additional measures will add to your timeframe as well as to your labour and material costs for the project but may prevent failure of the tiles to adhere to the wall surface and the need to re-do the work due to a lack of appropriate preparation.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Tiling a Wall

There are a few factors when tiling that can affect the overall costs:

Size of the Area

Needless to say, tiling a whole bathroom is going to work out more expensive than a single wall or just the splashback. Therefore, rather than charging by the hour, some tilers base their quote on the surface area - at an average cost of £20 to £40 per square metre.

Type of Tiles

The type of tile used will also have an impact on the cost, in particular depending on the material used:

• Ceramic Tiles - around £20 per m²
• Porcelain Tiles - around £35 per m²
• Stone Tiles - around £25 per m²
• Glass/Mosaic - around £140 per m²

Size of Tile

Wall tiles come in a wide range of sizes, and designs can vary depending on if they're for the kitchen or the bathroom.

This can also affect the overall cost, for example large ceramic tiles may be more affordable and quicker to install, but they require more adhesive due to their weight.

Smaller tiles, such as mosaics, can easily be purchased in bulk however become labour intensive and will take much longer to install effectively.

As an alternative, metro tiles have become increasingly popular, giving an urban look to modern homes and can be arranged in various patterns making them versatile and cost effective.

Location in the UK

It's worth noting where you live in the UK will affect how much a tradesperson will charge.

Overheads such as wages and insurance are higher in London for tradespeople and this is reflected in the price, putting the cost above the national average. Expect to pay between £150-£250 per day for an experienced tiler.

Bathroom Tiles vs Kitchen Tiles

There is no difference in manufacture between bathroom tiles and kitchen tiles, it is purely a matter of style and taste deciding what tiles to put in which room.

Therefore, the price should be the same if you are buying tiles for a kitchen or a bathroom.

Although porcelain tiles are more durable ceramic is still popular for bathrooms especially in a fully tiled room. Glass and marble tiles can be used in both kitchens and bathrooms but are normally reserved for accent features and statement pieces.

What Does Installing Internal Wall Tiles Involve?

This is what you can expect when tiling an internal wall:

Measuring the Area

Whether you intend to do the tiling yourself or hire a professional you will need to calculate the square meterage of the area to be tiled. To do this you measure the height and the width of the wall.

You can also measure doors and windows and reduce the overall size by these amounts. As mentioned previously it is advisable to allow at least 10% extra for wastage which means breakages and tiles which will need to be cut to fit.

Number of Tiles Needed

When you know the square meterage of the area you can check how many tiles you will need to cover it. The coverage area of most packs of tiles is printed on the packaging. If not check with the supplier.

You can also divide the wall area by the area of a single tile to determine the number of tiles needed.

This method is for a full wall but there are many variations that you may need to tackle such as tiling around a window or above a kitchen worktop. The principles are the same for the most part, but these projects may mean more exact planning and cutting of tiles.

Cutting Tiles

There are a number of ways to cut tiles and it does depend on the tile material with porcelain being a much harder substance requiring a specialist blade.

Ceramic tiles can be cut with a tile scribe which is used with a straight edge. It is used to score the tile face several times and then light pressure is applied along this line until the tile breaks. There are also tile cutting machines and tungsten bladed saws which may be easier.

DIY Wall Tiling

Tiling is one of the most common DIY jobs that people undertake and with some knowledge and careful preparation, can be rewarding and relatively successful. However, it can still be a time-consuming job, and even the slightest mistake can become costly to fix at a later date.

Tools Required for Installing Tiles

Here is a list of tools and their prices to install internal wall tiles as a DIY project:

Obviously, the amounts and types of tile adhesive and grout will depend on the size and material of the tiles that you are installing.

Safety Equipment

The following safety equipment is advised especially when cutting tiles:

Choosing Internal Wall Tiles

Here are the most popular tile choices:

Ceramic Tile Cost

Ceramic is the most common tile material and the least expensive option. It is made from a mixture of either red or brown clay, sand, and water.

Ceramic tiles are fired at a high temperature and a glaze applied.

Pros of ceramic wall tiles:

• ✔ Most economic choice of tile.
• ✔ Versatile and available in a range of designs and patterns.
• ✔ Easy to cut.

Cons of ceramic wall tiles:

• ✖ More porous than other tile materials.
• ✖ Not as durable as porcelain tiles.
• ✖ Can be prone to cracking on impact.

The average cost of ceramic tiles is around £20 per square metre.

Porcelain Tile Cost

Porcelain tiles are also made from clay but from white clay which when fired at high temperatures creates a very hard material.

They are also much less porous so are suitable for areas which will experience a high moisture content such as shower cubicles or wet rooms.

Pros of porcelain wall tiles:

• ✔ Very hard wearing and durable.
• ✔ Excellent water-resistant properties.
• ✔ Highly stain resistant.

Cons of porcelain wall tiles:

• ✖ More expensive than ceramic tiles.
• ✖ Require a specialist tool to cut.
• ✖ Harder to get a professional look if doing a DIY installation.

The average cost of porcelain tiles is approximately £35 per square metre.

Glazed Tile Cost

Glazed tiles are either ceramic or porcelain tiles which have received a coating of enamel or liquid glass.

Pros of glazed wall tiles:

• ✔ Water resistant due to the presence of the glaze.
• ✔ Stain resistant as they have low porosity.
• ✔ Wide range of patterns, designs and colours available.

Cons of glazed wall tiles:

• ✖ More expensive than some other tile materials.
• ✖ Glaze covers the natural, earthy tones of the tiles.
• ✖ Crackle glazed tiles must be sealed to prevent water absorption.

The average cost of glazed tiles is in the region of £35 per square metre.

Glass Tile Cost

Glass tiles can be used on their own or mixed with ceramic or stone tiles to create a bespoke effect. They are available in clear, frosted, and decorative finishes.

Pros of glass wall tiles:

• ✔ Give a dramatic and exclusive look.
• ✔ Look good in both modern and traditional settings.
• ✔ Can be mixed and matched with other tile materials.

Cons of glass wall tiles:

• ✖ One of the most expensive tile materials.
• ✖ Not recommended for DIY installation.
• ✖ Prone to being scratched.

The average cost of glass wall tiles is around £145 per square metre.

Mosaic Tile Cost

Mosaic tiles are made up of small shapes of tile materials called tesserae. These can be made from glass, stone, metal, or ceramic.

Pros of mosaic wall tiles:

• ✔ Create an attractive feature in any room.
• ✔ Wide range of variations and designs.
• ✔ Extremely versatile especially for small spaces.

Cons of mosaic wall tiles:

• ✖ They are expensive to purchase.
• ✖ More labour intensive to install.
• ✖ Due to their small size they are prone to breakage.

The average cost of mosaic wall tiles is approximately £140 per square metre.

Natural Stone Tile Cost

Natural stone tiles encompass many different materials such as granite, slate, and marble. They are durable and natural looking with a wide variation in styles and designs.

Pros of natural stone wall tiles:

• ✔ Relatively inexpensive compared to other tile materials.
• ✔ Attractive, natural look.
• ✔ Long lasting and durable.

Cons of natural stone wall tiles:

• ✖ Require regular maintenance to keep looking good.
• ✖ Need specialised adhesive due to weight and porosity.
• ✖ Some natural stone varieties are very hard to cut.

The average cost of natural stone tiles is in the region of £25 per square metre.

Choosing Tile Grout

Grout is used to bond and seal the joints between tiles and comes in different variations for use in specific areas or for certain types of tiles.

With a range of colours to choose from the grout can also create part of the overall aesthetic. It can be used to dramatic effect as a contrast or subtly blend with the tiles.

Cement Based Grout Cost

Most cement-based grout can be used in wet environments; it has a low water absorption and will usually contain a mould inhibitor.

These types of grout can be used in bathrooms, kitchens and for splashbacks.

Pros of cement-based grout:

• ✔ Easy to use in a DIY project.
• ✔ Versatile for a range of different tile materials.
• ✔ Can be used in a variety of settings.

Cons of cement-based grout:

• ✖ Not completely waterproof and will absorb some water.
• ✖ Prone to cracking and shrinking over time.
• ✖ Susceptible to colour fade and staining.

The average cost of cement based powdered grout (2.5kg) is £7-£10.

Epoxy Grout Cost

The majority of grout is cement based and while these will withstand contact with water without losing functionality or integrity, they are not completely waterproof. Epoxy grout contains resins and a filler powder.

Pros of epoxy grout:

• ✔ Waterproof and stain resistant.
• ✔ Very durable.
• ✔ Resistant to cracking, shrinking and discolouration.

Cons of epoxy grout:

• ✖ Can have a slight plastic appearance.
• ✖ More expensive than cement-based grout.
• ✖ Requires more time to apply so labour expensive.

The average cost of epoxy grout (4kg) is £35-£50.

Decorative Grout Cost

Coloured grout is used for decorative effect and to enhance the aesthetic of the tile installation.

Pros of decorative grout:

• ✔ Creates a visually appealing addition to a tiled installation.
• ✔ Combines functionality with aesthetics.
• ✔ Can provide a statement effect in its own right.

Cons of decorative grout:

• ✖ Efflorescence can appear on dark coloured grout spoiling the appearance.
• ✖ If not done correctly dark coloured grouts can stain light coloured tiles.
• ✖ Coloured grout is prone to fading.

The average cost of coloured grout (2.5kg) is £10-£15.

Tile Maintenance Costs

To keep those tiles lasting longer and looking fresh, here are a few maintenance tips:

Cleaning Tile Cost

To maintain the look of your new wall tiles regular cleaning with an appropriate solution is advised. To keep the appearance of the grout pristine you can use a grout sealer.

This product is sprayed onto the grout lines after drying and protects against water penetration and staining. A 500ml bottle of grout sealer will cost on average £15-£20 and will cover approximately 15 square metres.

Repairing Grout Cost

If any part of the grout becomes damaged remove and replace it as soon as possible to avoid water ingress and potential damage to the surface beneath the tiles. This could lead to the tiles becoming detached from the wall.

A grout rake will cost less than £5 in most DIY stores and is used to remove old or damaged grout.

Regular checking of the grout in your tiling especially in areas of high usage such as showers is a good way to ensure that any issues are dealt with rapidly to prevent water ingress and damp issues.

Specialised Cleaning Products Cost

For most tiles weekly cleaning using a sponge and warm soapy solution will remove surface dirt and marks.

More stubborn marks should be removed with a cleaner that is appropriate for the tile material whether that is ceramic, natural stone or porcelain.

This is particularly important for natural stone tiles and a litre of appropriate cleaner will cost in the region of £15.

Strong acidic chemical cleaners should be avoided in most cases as they will either damage the surface of the tile or the grout. This damage could then allow water to be absorbed into the tile or grout causing further problems.

Finally, it is a good idea to wipe the tiles with a dry cloth to avoid any water marks spoiling the appearance.

Splashbacks in kitchens are not just subjected to water contact but also substances from cooking and surface cleaning.

A degreasing cleaner may be needed but avoid those containing acidic elements which will be too harsh for some tile materials.

An alkaline based specialist cleaner for tiles will cost around £15 for one litre.

Products are available both for cleaning and for reviving tile grout. A 500ml bottle will cost on average less than £10.

Cost of Removing Internal Wall Tiles

You may want to remove some internal wall tiles in order to replace them with new tiles or you may decide that you no longer want to have your wall tiled.

It is possible to do this as a DIY project with the right equipment and some knowledge of how to do the job safely.

How to Remove Wall Tiles

Whether you are installing new tiles or replacing them with a different wall covering you will want to ensure that the wall suffers little or no damage in the removal process. Using a bolster chisel and hammer is an efficient but time-consuming way to take old tiles off the wall.

Alternatively, you can use an electric drill with a tile removing tool attached. This will speed the process up, but you will need to take care to avoid damaging the wall surface underneath the tiles.

Hiring a Professional to Remove Wall Tiles

If you prefer to hire a professional to remove the wall tiles for you this will cost approximately £150-£250 per day.

This amount however will depend on where in the UK you live and also on the type and number of tiles that need to be removed. Some contractors may charge by the hour and the average rate is around £20-£30 per hour.

Disposing of Old Wall Tiles

Removing wall tiles may be part of a redecoration or renovation project. In this situation there will most likely be a skip on site and old tiles can be deposited into it.

A skip will cost approximately £200-£300 per week.

If you are just replacing tiles or redecorating, then you can take old tiles to your local recycling centre.

All local authorities have separate disposal containers for things like tiles, timber, glass etc and as long as they are satisfied that it is domestic and not commercial waste you should not have a problem.

How to Find & Hire a Tiler

Not everyone will be capable or confident about installing wall tiles and will need to hire a professional tiler. Getting a recommendation from someone you know is one of the best ways to find a reputable contractor.

If possible, you should ask to see the work that they have completed so you can assess the quality of their work and whether you would be happy with it.

As with any home improvement work you will want someone who is experienced, qualified, and capable. You can consult the Tile Association website to find qualified tile fitters in your area.

Cost of Hiring a Professional Tiler

Obviously, cost is an important consideration so you should also get estimates for the project. It is advisable to get at least three estimates but make sure that all of them include the same aspects of the work and that you are getting like for like costings.

A professional tiler will charge between £150-£250 per day or between £20-£30 per hour but this depends on your location within the UK.

Qualifications

Most tilers will have undertaken a training course such as an NVQ or a City & Guilds and will likely have completed an apprenticeship with an experienced tiler.

Insurance

You should check that your tiler has appropriate insurance for the type of work they are carrying out.

Public liability insurance is designed to provide cover if damage or injury occurs due to the work of the contractor and you should ask for proof of this before work begins.

FAQs

How many tiles do I need?

You will need to measure the area to be tiled in order to calculate the number of tiles required. This involves measuring the height and the width of the area and multiplying one by the other.

This gives the total area measurement. You can then divide this by the area of one of the tiles you will be fitting, the resulting number is the number of tiles needed to cover the area. It is advisable to add an extra 10% to this to allow for cutting and breakages.

What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?

Both types of tiles are made from clay, sand, and water. Ceramic is made primarily from red or brown clay and porcelain is made from white clay and also contains a mineral called feldspar.

Porcelain tiles are fired at a higher temperature, around 2,600° Fahrenheit as opposed to 2,000° Fahrenheit for ceramic tiles. The density of the clay and the high firing temperatures make porcelain a harder, more durable and water-resistant tile.

Why do I need specialist cleaning products for natural stone tiles?

Gentle cleaning products should be used on natural stone tiles as any kind of strong chemical or bleach will destroy the protective seal and penetrate the tile.
This would create staining on the tile and detract from its natural beauty.

Can any type of tile be used on a wet room wall?

As a wet room is tanked (waterproofed) before being tiled it is possible to use any type of tile on the walls. Porcelain and mosaic tiles are particularly popular although natural stone is also often used.

Ceramic tiles can also be used on the walls but are not recommended on a wet room floor as they are more slippery when wet.

Are all wall tile adhesives the same?

Ready mixed and powdered are the two variations of wall tile adhesive. Ready mixed adhesive is suitable for small to medium ceramic tiles while powdered adhesive can fix all types of tile.

There are several different types of powdered adhesive including flexible, rapid setting and standard set.

Is grout completely waterproof?

For the most part grout is a cement-based product and is moisture proof but not entirely waterproof. It is recommended to apply a grout sealer to prolong the life of grout and protect it from staining and mould.

Epoxy based grout contains water repellent properties and is also stain proof.

Why do I need to wait four weeks before tiling onto newly plastered wall?

Freshly plastered walls need time to dry out before tiling and this is normally around four weeks. The surface of the plaster contracts as it dries and if tiles are applied too soon there is a risk that they could de-bond from the wall and fall off.