What Does Tiling Cost?
The honest answer is that it depends — and any tiler who quotes a firm price without seeing the job is guessing. Here’s a straight explanation of what actually drives the cost of a tiling job in Bedfordshire, so you know what you’re paying for and can compare quotes properly.
What you’re paying for
Six things that decide the price
Size of the area
The bigger the area, the more tiles, adhesive and labour — but larger jobs often work out better value per square metre than a single small room.
The tile you choose
Plain ceramic is quick to lay. Large-format porcelain, natural stone, marble, mosaic and patterned tiles all take longer and need more care, so they cost more to fit — regardless of the tile’s own price.
Preparation and substrate
The part you never see decides how long a job lasts. Levelling a floor, boarding a wall, fitting a decoupling membrane or re-tanking a wet room all add time up front and save money later.
Tanking and waterproofing
Showers and wet rooms need proper two-coat tanking before tiling. It’s not optional on a wet area, and it’s reflected in the price of doing the job correctly.
Removing the old tiles
Stripping out old tiles, disposing of them and making the walls or floor good again is a real chunk of work on a re-tile — worth pricing in honestly rather than as a surprise.
Setting out and cuts
Herringbone, brick bond, borders and intricate patterns take longer to set out and cut than a simple straight lay, so the layout you choose affects the labour.
The bottom line
A fixed price, not a day rate
Every job Wayne takes on is priced as a fixed, written quote for the whole piece of work — materials and labour set out clearly. You know the number before a tile is lifted, and it doesn’t change unless you change the job. No day rates, no meter running, no surprises on the invoice.
The best way to get an accurate figure is a few photos and rough measurements. It takes two minutes and costs nothing.
Cost questions
How much does a tiler cost per day?
Wayne doesn’t work to a day rate — every job is quoted as a fixed price for the whole piece of work. That way you know the cost before it starts and there’s no meter running if a job takes longer than expected.
Do you charge for a quote?
No. Quotes are free and come with no obligation. Send a few photos and rough measurements, or have Wayne come and measure up, and you’ll get a written fixed price.
Is it cheaper to supply my own tiles?
Not always. Wayne holds trade accounts and can often pass on a better price than retail, but you’re welcome to supply your own — either works. If you buy, order 10–15% extra for cuts and future repairs.
Why do fixed prices vary so much between tilers?
Usually because of what’s included. A low price often skips the prep, the tanking or the strip-out. A fixed price from Wayne spells out what’s covered so you’re comparing like for like.
Tell us about the room
Send over a few photographs and rough dimensions. We’ll come and see it, set out what’s involved and put a written price in your hands.