Cost of Tiling a Bathroom in the UK (2025)
Tiling a standard bathroom (walls and floor) costs £600–£1,500 for labour. Material costs add £300–£1,500+ depending on tile choice.
Choosing bathroom tiles
Ceramic tiles are the most affordable option and suitable for most bathrooms. Porcelain is harder, more water-resistant, and better for floors. Natural stone (slate, marble, travertine) is premium and requires sealing. Large-format tiles (600x300mm or bigger) are on trend but require flatter walls and more skill to install. Metro tiles remain a popular, timeless choice for shower areas.
Waterproofing in showers and wet rooms
Any area that will be directly wetted — shower enclosures, wet rooms, and around baths — must be waterproofed before tiling. A professional tiler will apply a tanking membrane to these areas. Skipping this step leads to water ingress, damp, and substrate failure within months. Always ask your tiler to confirm that waterproofing is included.
Cost Breakdown
All prices are indicative UK averages for 2025. Actual costs vary by location, specification, and contractor. London and South East rates are typically 20–35% higher.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom tiling (labour, standard room) | £600 | £1,200 |
| Wet room tiling (full waterproofing) | £1,200 | £2,500 |
| Kitchen splashback (tiling only) | £150 | £450 |
| Floor tiling (per m²) | £35 | £70 |
| Budget ceramic tiles (per m²) | £10 | £20 |
| Mid-range porcelain tiles (per m²) | £25 | £50 |
What Affects the Cost?
- ✓Room size and number of cuts required
- ✓Tile size — large format tiles need flatter walls and more skill
- ✓Whether waterproofing (tanking) is needed
- ✓Tile quality and cost
- ✓Removing existing tiles — adds time and cost
- ✓Condition of walls — uneven walls need boarding or levelling
Get Free Quotes for This Work
Post your job on Quote2 and receive up to 3 quotes from local, vetted tradespeople. Free for homeowners.
Post a Job — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How many tiles do I need for a bathroom?
Measure the area of walls and floor to be tiled, then add 10–15% for cuts and wastage. For an average bathroom (3m x 2m), you need approximately 25–35m² of tiles for full wall and floor coverage.
How long does bathroom tiling take?
A standard bathroom takes a tiler 2–4 days. Allow 24 hours for adhesive to cure, then grouting takes a further half day. Grout should cure for 24–48 hours before the shower or bath is used.
Can tiles be laid over existing tiles?
Yes — if existing tiles are firmly bonded, flat, and clean, new tiles can be laid on top. This saves the time and mess of removing old tiles but reduces room size slightly and requires thinner adhesive. Your tiler will assess the existing tiles.
What grout colour should I use?
Light grout in a light-tiled bathroom looks clean but shows staining. Darker grout hides staining but can make a bathroom feel smaller. Epoxy grout is the most durable and stain-resistant option, though more expensive.