Tiling Costs Ireland

The price on a box of tiles is only one part of a tiling budget. Before you commit to a bathroom, kitchen floor or splashback, you also need to account for installation, preparation and the materials used beneath and around the tiles.

The most important question is whether your quote covers tile laying only or the complete job.

A low square-metre rate is difficult to compare with another quotation unless both cover the same surface preparation, tile format, layout and finishing work.

How much does tiling labour cost in Ireland?

Our Irish tradesmen prices guide gives the following indicative allowances. They are not fixed tariffs or complete supply-and-fit prices. Tiles and specialist materials are generally additional, and VAT treatment should be confirmed with the contractor.

Use these figures to prepare questions, not to calculate a guaranteed quotation. A contractor still needs the room measurements, chosen tile, layout and condition of the surface.

For smaller jobs, ask for the total price rather than assuming a square-metre figure will capture every visit and finishing task.

Our tilers in Ireland page is a starting point for finding help with floors, walls, bathrooms and kitchens.

How much should you allow for tiles?

Use the actual price of the product you are considering and have the required quantity checked before ordering.

For example, on a hypothetical order of 22 square metres, choosing a tile priced at €55 per square metre instead of €25 would increase the tile purchase by €660. That comparison says nothing about installation or preparation; it simply shows how the material choice changes the budget.

Ask the supplier and tiler to confirm that your preferred tile is suitable for its intended use. Check the product specification, finish, care requirements and compatibility with the proposed installation.

Also agree who is responsible for measuring, ordering, delivery and checking the tiles before fitting starts.

Worked example: a 20 m² kitchen floor

The following is an illustrative budget, not a quotation or a national average. All assumed figures include VAT where applicable.

The extra 2 m² of tiles represents an assumed cutting allowance for this example. Your tiler should determine the actual order quantity for the room and pattern.

This example does not include underfloor heating, major floor repairs or a wet-room waterproofing system. Those would need separate consideration.

The extras to ask about before work starts

Surface preparation

Ask what the contractor has allowed for underneath the tiles. Will existing tiles be removed? Does the quotation include repairs, levelling or a suitable backing surface?

Technical guidance from ARDEX emphasises that surfaces for its waterproofing system must be dry, rigid, sound and free from contaminants that interfere with adhesion. Preparation should therefore be treated as part of the installation specification, not dismissed as an optional extra.

Waterproofing in showers and wet areas

Have the waterproofing approach specified before accepting a bathroom quotation. Ask which areas will be treated and how corners, joints and pipe penetrations will be detailed.

Do not assume the visible tiles and grout describe the entire system. ARDEX’s wet-area guidance sets out a separate waterproofing layer beneath the tile finish, with particular preparation and application requirements. The selected system must be appropriate for your project.

Finishing details

Agree the grout colour, trims, sealant, thresholds and treatment around sockets or fittings before work begins.

For a bathroom, establish who will remove and reconnect sanitary fittings. For a kitchen, agree how tiling will meet cabinets and appliances. This keeps the tiler’s responsibilities separate from plumbing, electrical work and carpentry.

How to compare tiling quotes fairly

A useful quotation identifies the measured area, tile specification, laying pattern, preparation, materials, disposal and VAT.

Ask for the price of your chosen layout rather than agreeing a basic installation and changing the design later. Where the condition of the underlying surface cannot yet be confirmed, request a clear explanation of what is provisional.

Keep photographs and product details together in your enquiry so each contractor receives the same information.

Tiling costs FAQs

Can I buy the tiles myself?

Discuss this before ordering. Agree the specification, quantity and delivery date with your tiler, including who will deal with damaged tiles or a shortage.

Can new tiles go over existing tiles?

Have the existing surface assessed first. Ask the contractor to explain the proposed preparation and compatibility with the chosen system rather than assuming every tiled surface is suitable.

What should I do when one quotation is much cheaper?

Request an item-by-item comparison. Check whether preparation, materials, disposal and finishing are included before deciding that the quotations cover the same work.

Find a tiler for your project

Send your tiling enquiry to Trade Source IRE with your location, measurements, photographs and preferred tile or pattern.

For a wider refurbishment, explain which other trades are needed so the enquiry describes the full project.

This guide provides general budgeting information. Product specifications, site conditions, VAT and contractor prices vary; obtain a project-specific written quotation before work begins.