Tiling is unusual among trades because customers are just as likely to ask for a price per square metre as a day rate. Knowing both — and when to use which — makes it much easier to win jobs without underselling yourself. Here's what UK tilers are charging in 2026.
Quick Answer: UK tiler day rates in 2026 typically run £150-£220 outside London and £220-£320 in London. Per-m² labour rates run from £25-£45 for standard tiles up to £45-£70 for large-format or natural stone.
Tiler Day Rate by Region — UK 2026
| Region | Day Rate | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| London | £220-£320 | £30-£45 |
| South East | £190-£270 | £25-£38 |
| Midlands | £160-£230 | £22-£32 |
| North | £150-£210 | £20-£30 |
| Scotland & Wales | £150-£210 | £20-£30 |
Common Job Prices
| Job | Typical Price (Labour Only) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bathroom (floor + walls) | £600-£1,100 | 2-3 days |
| Kitchen splashback | £150-£300 | Half-1 day |
| Kitchen floor (small) | £300-£550 | 1-1.5 days |
| Large-format porcelain floor | £45-£70/m² | Varies |
| Mosaic feature wall | £60-£100/m² | Varies |
| Re-grouting existing tiles | £250-£450 | 1 day |
How to Calculate Your Day Rate
- Target take-home: What do you want to earn after tax? E.g. £28,000
- Add tax & NI: Roughly 25%. £28,000 + 25% = £35,000
- Add business costs: Van, tools, tile cutter, insurance, advertising. Roughly £4,000-£7,000/year. Total: £41,000
- Divide by working days: Roughly 220 days a year. £41,000 / 220 ≈ £185/day minimum
- Add profit margin: 15-20%. £185 x 1.15 ≈ £215/day
Try our free rate calculator to run your own numbers, then turn the result into a sendable quote with TradeQuoteAI's quoting software.
Day Rate vs Per-m² Pricing
Per-m² pricing is fairer and easier for customers to compare on straightforward floors and walls where you know your lay rate. Day rates work better for awkward layouts, mosaic or pattern work, and jobs where the area alone doesn't reflect the real time involved — a small bathroom with lots of cuts around fittings can take longer than a much larger, simpler floor.
What Increases Tiling Prices
- Large-format tiles — Harder to handle and level, and unforgiving of small errors. Charge a premium over standard tile sizes.
- Natural stone — Needs sealing and different adhesives. Add 30-50% over standard porcelain or ceramic.
- Removing old tiles first — Add £15-£25/m² for stripping out and disposing of existing tiles before you start.
- Underfloor heating prep — Extra time and care laying over heating mats or cables.
- Pattern layouts — Herringbone, brick bond, or feature borders all take longer than a straight grid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tilers charge per day in the UK?
UK tilers typically charge £150-£220 per day outside London in 2026, rising to £220-£320 in London and the South East.
How much does tiling cost per square metre in the UK?
Labour-only tiling typically costs £25-£45 per m² for standard tiles, rising to £45-£70 per m² for large-format, mosaic, or natural stone.
Should I charge tiling by the day or per square metre?
Per-m² pricing is usually fairer for standard floors and walls. Day rates work better for complex jobs where the area alone doesn't reflect the time involved.
Related Guides
- How to Price a Bathroom Refit
- New Bathroom Cost UK 2026
- New Kitchen Cost UK 2026
- Plastering Prices UK 2026
- Best Quoting Apps for UK Tradesmen
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