How Many Tiles Do I Need?

Choosing the Right Tile

Ceramic tiles are the most affordable option, typically costing £10–£25 per square metre. They are lightweight, easy to cut, and available in a huge range of colours and patterns. However, they are softer than porcelain and better suited to walls or light-traffic floors.

Porcelain tiles are denser and more durable, making them suitable for floors, kitchens, and bathrooms. Expect to pay £25–£60 per square metre. They are harder to cut than ceramic, so you may need a wet tile cutter rather than a manual scorer for clean edges.

Natural stone tiles (marble, slate, limestone, travertine) start from around £40 per square metre and can exceed £120 for premium materials. They need sealing before and after grouting, and the adhesive requirements are different from ceramic or porcelain. Factor in the extra material costs and preparation time when budgeting.

Understanding Wastage

Wastage is the percentage of extra tiles you buy to account for cuts, breakages, and pattern matching. The industry standard is 10 per cent for a straightforward rectangular layout. If your room has alcoves, angles, or you are laying tiles diagonally, increase to 15 per cent. Simple rooms with few obstacles may need as little as 5 per cent.

Always buy all your tiles from the same batch number. Colours can vary slightly between production batches, and if you need to reorder later, an exact match is not guaranteed. Keeping a few spare tiles is also sensible for future repairs.

DIY or Hire a Tiler?

A professional tiler typically charges £25–£50 per square metre for standard work, or £200–£350 per day. A small bathroom (5–8 m²) usually takes one to two days. Complex work (mosaic patterns, underfloor heating, or wet room tanking) takes longer and costs more.

DIY tiling is manageable for small, straightforward areas such as a kitchen backsplash or a simple floor. You will need a tile cutter (manual or wet), spacers, a notched trowel, adhesive, and grout. A basic kit costs £30–£60 if you do not already own the tools.

For bathrooms with shower enclosures, wet rooms, or any area that needs waterproofing, hiring a professional is strongly recommended. Incorrect waterproofing is one of the most common and expensive tiling mistakes, and the consequences may not show up until months later.

Preparation and Substrate

The surface you tile onto matters as much as the tiles themselves. Walls should be flat, dry, and primed. Floors need to be level. Use self-levelling compound if there are dips or humps. Plywood or tile backer board is recommended over floorboards to prevent movement cracking.

If you are tiling over existing tiles, the surface must be sound and well-bonded. Use a specialist tile-on-tile adhesive and check that the extra thickness will not create problems with door clearance or drainage falls in wet areas.

Planning a Bigger Project?

If tiling is part of a wider renovation, our paint calculator can help you estimate paint quantities for other rooms. For a broader view of renovation planning and costs, explore our first renovation guide or check whether you qualify for an energy efficiency grant.