Planning to retile your kitchen? Costs vary widely depending on tile type, area size, and whether you're doing floors, walls, or a splashback. On average, UK homeowners spend £800–£2,500 on a full kitchen tiling project, with material and labour prices sitting between £45 and £130 per m². This guide breaks down exactly where your money goes, from ceramic budget options to porcelain and natural stone, so you can plan a kitchen tiles project without any nasty surprises.
How Much Does Kitchen Tiling Cost in the UK?
A typical kitchen tiling job costs between £800 and £2,500, depending on square metreage and tile choice.
| Kitchen Size | Approx. Area | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen | 6–8 m² | £500–£900 |
| Medium kitchen | 10–14 m² | £900–£1,600 |
| Large kitchen | 16–20 m²+ | £1,700–£2,500+ |
Average Kitchen Tile Installation Cost
Most projects land around £1,000 all-in for materials and labour combined, though this climbs quickly once you add porcelain, natural stone, or an intricate layout.
Kitchen Tiling Cost Per m²
Expect to pay somewhere between £45 and £130 per m² for standard tile installation, with labour alone running £30–£60 per m² depending on region and complexity.
Typical Cost for Small, Medium & Large Kitchens
- Small kitchen (under 8m²): budget for £500–£900
- Medium kitchen (10–14m²): budget for £900–£1,600
- Large kitchen (16m²+): budget for £1,700 upward, more if you're using large-format porcelain
Kitchen Tile Material Prices
Material choice is the single biggest lever on your final bill.
| Tile Type | Price Per m² (Supplied) |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | £15–£40 |
| Porcelain | £25–£70 |
| Natural stone | £40–£100+ |
| Marble effect | £35–£85 |
| Mosaic | £30–£90 |
Ceramic Kitchen Tiles Cost
Ceramic is the entry point for most kitchen jobs. It cuts easily and installs quickly, which keeps labour time down too.
Porcelain Kitchen Tiles Cost
Porcelain Tiles costs more upfront but wins on durability. It's denser than ceramic, so it shrugs off the daily wear a kitchen floor takes.
Natural Stone Kitchen Tiles Cost
Stone is the premium tier. It also needs sealing, which is an extra cost most people forget to budget for.
Marble Effect Tiles Cost
Marble-effect porcelain gives you the look without the maintenance headache of real marble, at a fraction of the price.
Mosaic Kitchen Tiles Cost
Mosaic sheets are popular for splashbacks. They're small, though, and small means more fiddly grouting, which pushes labour up.
Kitchen Tile Installation Costs
Floor and wall labour rates differ, sometimes by quite a lot.
| Job Type | Labour Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Floor tiling | £35–£70 |
| Wall tiling | £25–£50 |
| Splashback | £150–£300 (fixed, small area) |
Kitchen Floor Tile Installation Prices
Floor tiling costs more than walls because of sub-floor levelling, heavier tiles, and longer setting times before you can walk on it.
Kitchen Wall Tile Installation Prices
Wall tiles go up faster. Smaller units, lighter lifting, less prep, unless you're dealing with an uneven wall that needs skimming first.
Splashback Tile Installation Cost
A standard splashback behind the hob typically costs £150–£300, tiles and fitting included, since it's a small, contained area.
Labour Rates Across the UK
- London and the South East: expect 20–35% above the national average
- North England and Scotland: often 10–15% below average
- A day rate for a tiler generally sits around £180–£280
Kitchen Tiling Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Typical UK Cost |
|---|---|
| Tile Materials | Typically 40–60% of the total project cost |
| Adhesive & Grout | £3–£6 per m² |
| Tile Trims | £4–£12 per metre |
| Floor Preparation | £10–£25 per m² |
| Removing Old Tiles | £10–£20 per m² |
| Waste Disposal | £50–£150 |
Tile Materials
This is the largest single line item, usually 40–60% of total spend.
Adhesive & Grout
Budget roughly £3–£6 per m² for standard adhesive and grout, more for flexible or waterproof formulations.
Tile Trims
Trims finish exposed edges neatly. Expect £4–£12 per metre length depending on material (plastic vs. metal).
Floor Preparation
Levelling an uneven subfloor adds £10–£25 per m². Skipping this step is how tiles crack within a year.
Removing Old Tiles
Stripping existing tiles typically adds £10–£20 per m², more if there's adhesive bonded hard to the substrate.
Waste Disposal
Rubble and tile waste removal usually costs £50–£150 depending on volume and whether you hire a skip.
Kitchen Floor vs Kitchen Wall Tiling Costs
Which Costs More?
Floor tiling costs more overall. It needs stronger adhesive, more prep, and thicker tiles rated for foot traffic.
Labour Differences
Wall tiling is faster to install per square metre; floor tiling takes longer because of levelling and curing time.
Best Tile Choices for Each
- Floors: porcelain or natural stone (durability, slip resistance)
- Walls: ceramic or mosaic (lighter, easier to cut around sockets)
-
Splashbacks: glass or mosaic for easy wipe-down
Why Elliren Tiles Is the Best Shop Choice for Kitchen Tiles
Choosing the right supplier is just as important as choosing the right tiles. Elliren Tiles offers a carefully selected range of premium ceramic, porcelain, marble-effect, and mosaic kitchen tiles to suit every style and budget. With high-quality products, competitive prices, expert guidance, and free delivery on orders over £499, Elliren makes it easy to create a kitchen that's both practical and stylish. Whether you're updating a splashback or completing a full kitchen renovation, you'll find durable, on-trend tiles designed to last.
FAQs
How much does it cost to tile a kitchen in the UK?
A full kitchen tiling job typically costs £800–£2,500, depending on kitchen size and tile material chosen.
What is the average kitchen tiling cost per m²?
Kitchen tiling averages £45–£130 per m², combining materials and labour.
How much does a tiler charge per day in the UK?
Most tilers charge around £180–£280 per day, though this varies by region and job complexity.
Is porcelain more expensive than ceramic kitchen tiles?
Yes. Porcelain typically costs £25–£70 per m² versus £15–£40 per m² for ceramic, reflecting its greater density and durability.
Does kitchen floor tiling cost more than wall tiling?
Yes, floor tiling generally costs more due to sub-floor preparation, heavier materials, and longer installation time.
Need help choosing tiles?
Speak to our team for recommendations, stock checks, and project quotes.
