Guides
What Affects the Cost of Tiling
Tiling costs vary from job to job, and two bathrooms of the same size can cost very different amounts to tile. This guide explains what drives the cost of tiling, so you can compare quotes properly.
The area to tile
The amount of wall and floor to tile is the starting point, but it's rarely the whole story. A small bathroom with a window, boxed-in pipes, a niche and lots of corners can take longer than a larger room with plain, flat walls.
Tile type and size
Small mosaics and patterned tiles take longer to set out and fix than standard tiles. Large-format porcelain needs flatter surfaces, levelling systems and careful handling. Natural stone needs sealing before and after grouting. The tile you choose affects the labour as well as the material.
Strip-out and preparation
Removing old tiles and adhesive, repairing or boarding walls, and levelling floors are often the biggest variables. They can't always be judged until the old surface comes off, which is why photos and, where needed, a visit help get the quote right.
Waterproofing
Showers and wet areas need tanking before tiling. It adds to the job, but it's what stops water reaching the walls behind, and leaving it out is a common cause of failed showers.
Patterns, cuts and access
Diagonal layouts, herringbone, borders and patterned floors involve more cuts and more setting out, and so do rooms with lots of fittings, pipes and corners. Access, parking and working around other trades on a wider refurbishment also affect how a job is planned and priced.
How Robert quotes
Call or send the form with a few photos and your postcode. We'll arrange a visit if needed and give you a clear written quote. It's a free tiling quote, and if you haven't chosen tiles yet, Robert can still quote for the preparation and fitting and talk through tile choices with you.
Why the lowest quote isn't always the best value
A low price can leave out the preparation, waterproofing or setting out that makes tiling last. If a bathroom has to be stripped and retiled because tiles were fixed to weak plaster or a shower wasn't tanked, the first job ends up costing more. Compare what each quote includes, not just the total. We focus on durability and a finish you'll be happy with for years.
What a written quote should include
Whoever you ask to quote, a clear written quote should cover:
- The rooms and surfaces being tiled
- Strip-out of old tiles and adhesive, if needed
- Preparation such as boarding, levelling and priming
- Waterproofing for showers and wet areas
- Who supplies the tiles, adhesive and grout
- Grouting, trims and silicone sealing
- What isn't included, such as plumbing or electrics
- How extra work found during the job will be agreed
Robert Rajz is an NVQ Level 3 tiler with 18 years' experience, based in West Ealing, W13. He holds a Gold CSCS card, is DBS checked and fully insured, and is rated 5/5 on MyBuilder and 10/10 on Checkatrade.
FAQ
Common questions
How is tiling priced? +
It depends on the area, the tiles, the preparation, waterproofing, strip-out, the layout and access. That's why a quote is based on your specific job rather than a set figure.
What should a quote include? +
The surfaces being tiled, strip-out, preparation, waterproofing, who supplies materials, grouting, trims and sealing, and anything that's excluded.
Do you charge by the day or by the job? +
Robert gives a clear written quote for your job after seeing photos, with a visit if needed, so you know what's included before work starts.
Free quote
Tell us about your job
Tiling in West London?
Call Robert on 07427 725086 or request a free quote.
Based in West Ealing, W13. We cover North West London, South West London, Central London and North London. Other areas considered on request.
Area pages: West Ealing · Ealing · Isleworth · Putney · Wimbledon · Brixton · Lewisham · Hanwell