The Cost of Tiles

When selecting tiles, it’s easy to focus on the purchasing cost per square metre, but what many people don’t realise is that the laying cost can unexpectedly add to the overall expense, and for very good reasons.

In most new builds, the tiles included by builders are standard, mid sized formats. These are not only cost effective to purchase, but also efficient to install, which keeps overall costs balanced. As soon as you move away from this standard, costs can shift quite quickly.

Small tiles, while often charming and full of character, take significantly longer to install because each piece is laid individually, which increases labour time and, in turn, trade costs. A wall of small tiles may look simple to achieve, but it can require far more time and effort than a larger format tile covering the same area.

On the other end of the scale, extra large tiles come with their own considerations. They are typically more expensive to purchase and often require two installers to handle and position them safely, an added complexity that is reflected in the installation cost.

In one of our projects, I selected elongated subway tiles. They were affordable to purchase and visually exactly what we wanted. However, because they had to be laid one by one across all bathrooms walls, the installation took longer than expected and the labour costs increased accordingly.

In a later project, we opted for smaller “kit-kat” style tiles with a very similar visual effect, but supplied on mesh backing. The difference was remarkable. Covering all the bathroom walls took only a day, making the installation far more economical overall.

Interestingly, this sparked quite a debate on a recent Instagram post. One tiler commented quite aggressively that large tiles are more expensive to install than smaller tiles, while another mentioned that he also charges less for subway tiles than for mosaics. And they may both be right.

But that’s exactly the point: There isn’t a single rule that applies across every product or every tradesperson. Installation costs can vary depending on the tiler, the site conditions, and of course the specific product. So the takeaway is simple: when selecting tiles, don’t just look at the price of the tile, but also be aware of what it will cost to have that specific product installed.

Quick Suggestions:

1. The right flooring can truly elevate a home, and because it is there to stay, I always give this finish my full attention and the budget it deserves. It sets the foundation for every other selection, so it’s worth getting it right from the start.

2. You can introduce more upmarket tiles in bathrooms without stretching the budget by using them on a smaller surface. A feature wall behind a bath or within a shower can deliver impact while keeping costs under control.

3. A tile does not need to be bold in colour to bring in the wow effect. Subtle patterns, interesting shapes, or thoughtful layouts can all add depth and character to a space, often in a more refined and timeless way.

James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).