Things to know
State clearly whether the customer or you are supplying the tiles. This heads off two common disputes at once: disagreements over tile choice, and who's liable if tiles are damaged in transit. Most tilers prefer customer-supplied tiles for exactly this reason. Add a "tile collection" line if you're the one picking them up, so that trip is priced instead of absorbed.
Wet-room and shower tanking is invisible once the tiles go on, which makes it the easiest line for customers to question and the worst one to skip. Price it separately with a short note on what it involves. It's the part of the job that prevents a leak showing up in someone's ceiling eight months later, and it deserves to be seen as its own skilled step, not bundled into "prep."
Add 10-15% wastage to your tile count for cuts and breakages, and say so in the quote: "all tiling figures include 10% wastage for cuts and breakages." Without that note, a customer checking your numbers against a tile calculator online will think you've over-ordered. You've really just accounted for cutting around corners, pipes, and awkward room shapes.
A grout curing period before the area returns to use is worth a specific number, not a vague "give it a day or two." Twenty-four hours before light use, longer before a shower is used regularly, prevents the most common tiling callback: a customer using a newly tiled shower before the grout has properly set, then blaming the tiler for grout that looks damaged.
Typical tiler line items and UK prices
Indicative ranges, excluding VAT. Rates vary by region (London and the South East run higher) and by job size.
| Item | Unit | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Wall tiling (ceramic, standard size) | per m² | £35–£60 |
| Floor tiling (porcelain) | per m² | £40–£70 |
| Large-format tiles (≥600mm) | per m² | £55–£90 |
| Tanking / waterproofing (shower area) | per m² | £20–£40 |
| Remove old tiles + make good | per m² | £12–£25 |
| Backer board installation | per m² | £20–£35 |
| Self-levelling compound | per m² | £12–£25 |
| Mosaic or herringbone pattern | per m² | £70–£120 |
Common tiler jobs and how to price them
- Bathroom walls and floor
- Per m² for each surface, plus removal, backer board and tanking as their own lines.
- Kitchen splashbacks
- Fixed price per run; small areas usually carry a minimum charge.
- Wet rooms
- Fixed price for the tray former, tanking system and tiling, with the falls checked before tiling.
- Floors over underfloor heating
- Per m² with decoupling membrane and flexible adhesive specified.
Regulations and certificates to reference
- BS 5385 (wall and floor tiling code of practice) — the reference for substrates, adhesives, movement joints and tanking. Mentioning it signals work to a recognised standard.
- Building Regulations Part M and wet rooms — level-access showers and wet rooms need correct falls and waterproofing. Tanking must be a full system, not just sealant — price it as its own line.
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) — cutting porcelain and stone creates silica dust. Use wet cutting or extraction; it is a real cost on large jobs.
Payment terms tilers commonly use
- Tiles are usually supplied by the customer; if you supply them, take payment before ordering.
- Deposit for adhesives and boards, balance on completion.
- Subcontract work for bathroom fitters or builders: 14–30 days.
Read more: Invoice payment terms explained · Payment methods to offer clients
VAT and CIS for tilers
VAT
Tiling is standard-rated at 20% once registered. Tiling that forms part of a bathroom adaptation for a disabled person may be zero-rated with an eligibility declaration.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
Tiling is a construction operation, so CIS applies when working for contractors. Materials you supply (adhesive, grout, boards) must be shown separately so the deduction applies only to labour.
General guidance, not tax advice — check your position with HMRC or an accountant.
Read more: Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices? · What must an invoice include? (UK legal requirements)
What this template includes
- Per-m² labour rate
- Tile cost (customer-supplied or yours)
- Adhesive + grout breakdown
- Tanking / wet-room prep as own line
- Sealant + finishing line
Full guide
How to Start a Tiling Business as a Sole Trader
Frequently asked questions
Waterproofing is a separate system that sits under the tiles. Grout and tiles are not waterproof on their own. Itemising tanking shows the customer what stops leaks in a shower area.
Yes. State it, and add a wastage allowance — usually 10% for straight lay and 15% or more for patterns — so the customer orders enough.
Yes. They need flatter substrates, more adhesive coverage, levelling systems and often two people. Price them at a higher per-m² rate.
Quote a provisional line for levelling or boarding, to be confirmed once old tiles are off. That avoids an unwelcome surprise mid-job.
Most tilers let the customer supply tiles — fewer disputes about choice and damage in transit. Charge a "tile collection" line if you do collect them. State your preference clearly in the quote notes.
Measure carefully and add 10-15% to your tile count for cuts. Note "All tiling figures include 10% wastage for cuts and breakages."
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