Tiler Day Rate 2026: 6 UK Tiling Prices Compared
A tiler in the UK typically charges £250 to £350 per day, or around £40 per hour, based on Checkatrade's October 2026 data. Many tilers prefer to price by the square metre, and the rate depends heavily on the type and size of tile, the surface and how much preparation is needed.
Here are six prices that help you understand a tiling quote.
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Tiler Rates At A Glance
| Rate | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Day rate | £250 to £350 |
| Hourly rate | About £40 |
| Labourer day rate | £120 to £280 |
Source: Checkatrade tradespeople cost guide, checked October 2026.
1. Day Rate
£250 to £350 a day is typical. An experienced tiler can lay roughly 8 to 12 square metres of standard floor tiles a day on a prepared surface, though small or complex tiles take much longer.
2. Price Per Square Metre
Many tilers quote per square metre. Typical labour prices are shown below.
| Tiling job | Typical labour cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Standard wall tiles | £30 to £50 |
| Standard floor tiles | £30 to £55 |
| Large format tiles | £45 to £70 |
| Mosaic or metro tiles | £50 to £80 |
| Natural stone | £50 to £90 |
Typical UK ranges, checked October 2026. Tiles and adhesive are usually extra.
3. Preparation
Preparation can add a day or more. This might include removing old tiles, levelling floors, boarding walls or applying tanking in a shower area.
4. Tile Type And Size
Large format tiles need flat surfaces and two people to lift. Small mosaics and metro tiles take longer to set out and grout. Herringbone patterns add time and waste.
5. Materials
Adhesive, grout, trims, spacers and levelling compound add up. Ask whether they're included in the quote.
6. Typical Job Prices
| Job | Typical time | Typical cost (labour) |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen splashback | Half a day to 1 day | £150 to £350 |
| Small bathroom floor | 1 day | £250 to £400 |
| Full bathroom walls and floor | 3 to 5 days | £900 to £1,800 |
| Shower enclosure | 1 to 2 days | £300 to £700 |
| Large kitchen floor | 2 to 3 days | £600 to £1,000 |
Typical UK ranges based on the day rates above, checked October 2026.
See our tile bathroom, new bathroom and wet room guides for full project costs.
Day Rate Or Square Metre?
A square metre price suits simple floors and walls. A day rate suits jobs with lots of cuts, awkward areas or unknown prep. Ask your tiler to explain which they're using and why.
How To Get Accurate Quotes
- Measure the area in square metres and add 10% for cuts.
- Tell the tiler the tile size and type.
- Explain what's there now, such as old tiles or bare plaster.
- Send photos of the room.
Choosing A Good Tiler
- Look at photos of past work, especially cuts around pipes and corners.
- Check reviews.
- Ask about tanking for wet areas.
- Get a written quote with what's included.
Ways To Save
- Remove old tiles yourself if you're confident.
- Choose standard size tiles rather than large format or mosaic.
- Tile only splash zones rather than full walls.
- Buy tiles in sales, but get them approved by your tiler first.
Grout And Finishing
The finish is where good tilers stand out. Grout lines should be even and clean, cuts should be neat around pipes and sockets, and silicone should be applied in a tidy, continuous bead at every internal corner and where tiles meet the bath or tray. Ask whether the tiler will seal natural stone, which usually needs sealing before and after grouting. Epoxy grout costs more but resists stains and mould better in showers.
How Long Should Tiling Take?
As a rough guide, a small bathroom floor takes a day, plus a second visit to grout once the adhesive has set. A fully tiled bathroom usually takes three to five days, depending on how much preparation is needed and whether the walls need boarding or tanking first. Kitchen splashbacks are often finished in a morning. Large format porcelain takes longer per square metre than standard tiles because each tile must be lifted, levelled and checked carefully. If your tiler quotes much less time than this, ask how they plan to do it.
Wall Or Floor First?
Most tilers tile the floor first in a bathroom so wall tiles sit neatly on top, though some prefer walls first to avoid damaging a new floor. Either way, it's worth asking so you can plan when the bathroom will be out of use and when the plumber needs to return to refit the toilet and basin.
FAQs
How much does a tiler charge per day?
Typically £250 to £350, based on Checkatrade's October 2026 data.
How many square metres can a tiler do in a day?
Roughly 8 to 12m² of standard floor tiles on a prepared surface.
Is it cheaper to pay a tiler per m² or per day?
It depends on the job. Simple areas are often cheaper per m².
Do tilers remove old tiles?
Most will, but it's usually charged as extra.
Get Quotes
Use the form at the top of this page to compare quotes from local tilers.
Data source: Checkatrade cost guides, checked October 2026. Prices are typical UK ranges.