Kitchen Tiling Cost in the UK: 2026 Guide to Floors, Walls and Splashbacks
Key Takeaways
- Full kitchen tiling (floor and walls) typically costs £1,000-£2,500
- Labour runs £30-£60/m²; materials add £15-£120/m² depending on tile type
- A splashback alone starts from around £275
- Porcelain and natural stone cost significantly more than ceramic
- London and the South East runs 20-35% above national averages
Kitchen tiling costs between £80 and £130 per m² for a standard job, covering labour and materials. For a full kitchen (floor and walls) most homeowners pay between £1,000 and £2,500.
The range is wide because three things move the price: tile type, whether it's floor or wall, and where you live. This guide breaks it all down with real numbers.
What does kitchen tiling cost in the UK?
Here's a quick summary before we get into the detail.
Splashback only: £200-£400
Kitchen floor (10m²): £800-£1,300
Kitchen walls only: £800-£1,200
Full kitchen (floor and walls): £1,000-£2,500
Per m² (labour and standard tiles): £80-£130
These figures are for standard ceramic tiles with straightforward installation. Porcelain, natural stone, or complex patterns will push costs higher.
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How much does kitchen floor tiling cost per m²?
Floor tiling costs more than walls. The sub-floor often needs levelling first, the tiles are heavier, and curing times are longer.
For a standard 10-12m² kitchen floor, expect to pay:
Ceramic tiles: £80-£110/m² (labour and materials)
Porcelain tiles: £90-£130/m²
Natural stone: £110-£150+/m²
A typical kitchen floor tiling job comes in at £800-£1,300 for ceramic, rising to £1,300-£1,800 for porcelain or stone.
What affects kitchen floor tiling costs?
Sub-floor preparation is the biggest variable. If the floor isn't level, your tiler will need to apply levelling compound first. Add £5-£15/m² on top. On older properties this is common, and skipping it leads to cracked tiles down the line.
Tile size and pattern also matter. Large-format tiles (600x600mm and above) need specialist handling and stronger adhesive. Herringbone and diagonal layouts require more cuts and more time, typically 20-30% more in labour. They look great, but factor in the extra cost before committing.
Underfloor heating doesn't add much to tiling costs directly, but the system needs to be installed and fully cured before tiling begins. Factor that into your timeline, not just your budget.
Kitchen wall tiling costs
Wall tiling is cheaper per m² than floors. The tiles are lighter, easier to handle, and there's no sub-floor preparation involved.
Average cost for kitchen wall tiling: £110/m² all-in for labour and standard tiles.
The area between your worktop and wall cabinets (typically 2-4m²) is the most common job. It's where most of the wear and splashing happens, and it's usually the first thing to look tired in an older kitchen.
Expect to pay around £200-£450 for a standard worktop-to-cabinet wall tile job.
A full wall covering all kitchen walls typically falls in the £800-£1,200 range.
One thing that increases wall tiling costs: cut-outs around sockets and switches. Each one adds time. If your kitchen has a lot of them, mention it when getting quotes so you get an accurate price upfront.
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Kitchen splashback cost
A splashback is the most common standalone kitchen tiling job. It covers the area directly behind the hob, typically 2-3m².
Typical splashback cost: £200-£400, or around £275 on average.
Smaller jobs like this are often quoted as a fixed price rather than per m², since a tiler's travel and setup time doesn't change much whether the area is 1m² or 3m².
If you're combining a splashback with other kitchen work (a worktop replacement or a repaint) it's worth booking it all together. More efficient for the tiler, and usually cheaper for you.
Tiler cost per day in the UK
Most tilers charge £30-£60/m² for labour on a standard job. For smaller or more complex work, many switch to a day rate instead.
UK tiler day rates in 2026:
London and South East: £250-£350/day
Midlands and North: £150-£250/day
Scotland and Wales: £150-£230/day
Hourly rates typically run £20-£40/hour, though most tilers prefer quoting by area or by the full job rather than by the hour.
A standard kitchen floor takes one to two days at normal pace. A full kitchen with floor and walls is usually a two to three day job.
Always confirm what's included in a quote. Some tilers price labour only and you supply tiles and adhesive. Others include materials. It makes a significant difference to the total, and misunderstanding this is one of the most common reasons jobs go over budget.
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Tile material costs: ceramic, porcelain and natural stone
Labour is only part of the bill. Here's what tiles themselves cost per m²:
Basic ceramic: £6-£20/m²
Mid-range ceramic or porcelain: £20-£50/m²
Premium porcelain or designer tiles: £50-£100/m²
Natural stone (slate, marble, limestone): £60-£120+/m²
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic is the most affordable option and works well in lower-traffic areas. It's easier to cut than porcelain, which keeps labour costs down, but it's softer and more prone to chipping on floors. Better suited to walls and splashbacks than heavy-use kitchen floors.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain is denser, harder and more water-resistant than ceramic. It handles the demands of a busy kitchen floor well and comes in a huge range of finishes, including convincing stone and wood effects. Mid-range porcelain (£20-£50/m²) is the sweet spot for most kitchens: durable, good-looking and not overpriced.
Natural stone tiles
Slate, marble and limestone bring genuine character to a kitchen. The trade-off is maintenance. Natural stone is porous, so it needs sealing on installation and resealing periodically. It's also heavier, which can mean additional sub-floor preparation. Worth it in the right kitchen, less so if low-maintenance is a priority.
How to choose the right tile for your kitchen
A few practical things to consider before you buy:
Slip resistance: Floor tiles should have a slip resistance rating (R9 minimum for kitchens, R10 or above if you want extra grip). The UK Slip Resistance Group publishes guidance on tile ratings if you want to check before ordering.
Finish: Matt and satin finishes hide footprints and watermarks better than polished. Polished porcelain looks striking but shows every mark in a working kitchen.
Grout width: Larger tiles with tight grout joints look cleaner and are easier to mop. Smaller mosaic tiles have far more grout lines and take significantly longer to lay, which adds to labour costs.
Rectified tiles: Machine-cut to exact dimensions, these allow tighter grout joints and a more precise finish. They cost slightly more but the result is noticeably sharper.
Hidden costs to watch out for
These are the ones that catch people out.
Old tile removal: If there are existing tiles to come off, add £10-£20/m² for removal and disposal. It's labour-intensive work and not always included in a standard quote.
Backer boards: In areas with moisture (around the hob, near the sink) a tile backer board provides a proper waterproof substrate. Budget £5-£15/m² if needed.
Adhesive and grout: Often included in a tiler's quote, but not always. Standard adhesive and grout adds roughly £5-£10/m².
Wastage: Always order 10-15% more tiles than your measured area. Patterned tiles, herringbone layouts and tricky cuts all increase wastage. Running short mid-job and being unable to match the batch is a common and avoidable problem. Order extra from the same batch, not a second delivery.
Sealing: Natural stone and some unglazed tiles need sealing after installation. Add £3-£8/m² if this isn't included in your quote.
How to get a fair price for kitchen tiling
Get at least three quotes. It's the only reliable way to know the going rate in your area. Under UK consumer rights law, any quote you accept forms a binding contract, so always get it in writing before work starts.
When comparing quotes, check:
- Whether materials are included or it's labour only
- What preparation work is covered (levelling, backer boards, removal of old tiles)
- Whether grout and adhesive are in the price
- What happens with waste disposal
The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Tiling done poorly (uneven spacing, poor adhesion, grout that cracks within months) is expensive to fix. A tiler who charges £10/m² more but gets it right first time is cheaper in the long run.
I'll find you trusted tilers with strong reviews and proven work. You get your first quotes within 24 hours, and I manage the job through to completion. You pay only when the work is done, all backed by the £1,000 Hey Alfie Guarantee (T&Cs apply).
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to tile a kitchen per m²?
Between £80 and £130/m² for a standard job covering labour and materials. Porcelain and natural stone push that higher, ceramic sits at the lower end.
Is it cheaper to tile kitchen floors or walls?
Walls are cheaper. Floor tiling typically costs £10-£20/m² more due to sub-floor preparation, heavier tiles and longer installation time.
How long does kitchen tiling take?
A splashback takes half a day. A kitchen floor takes one to two days. A full kitchen with floor and walls is usually two to three days depending on size and tile type.
Do I need to remove old tiles before retiling?
Not always, but it's often better to. Tiling over existing tiles adds height and can cause problems if the surface underneath isn't sound. Your tiler will advise, but budget £10-£20/m² for removal if needed.
Why is porcelain more expensive than ceramic?
Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures, making it denser, harder and more water-resistant. It costs more to produce and is harder to cut, which adds to both material and labour costs.
How much does a kitchen splashback cost?
Typically £200-£400 for a standard splashback behind a hob. Most tilers quote a fixed price for small jobs like this rather than a per-m² rate.
Does location affect tiling costs?
Yes, significantly. London and South East rates run 20-35% above the national average. A job that costs £1,000 in the Midlands could cost £1,300-£1,400 in London.
Can I supply my own tiles?
Yes, and many homeowners do. If you supply tiles, make sure you order enough (add 10-15% for wastage) and that they arrive before the tiler is due to start.
Related jobs to consider
If you're tiling the kitchen, it's a natural time to look at:
Bathroom tiling - the same trusted tilers, similar costs per m²
Kitchen renovation - if the tiling is part of a wider refresh
New flooring - if you're rethinking the whole floor, not just tiling
Worktop replacement - often done alongside a splashback or wall tile job
