Porcelain tile flooring installation costs in 2025
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
Fast Facts
- The average cost of installing porcelain tile flooring is around £90 per m²
- Porcelain tiles are generally more expensive than ceramic tiles
- Porcelain tile installation costs vary depending on tile quality, size, and thickness, as well as the complexity of the installation
Porcelain floor tiles are known for their durability and stylish aesthetic. However, as far as tiled flooring goes, they’re also known for their higher price tag.
Here, you’ll learn how much porcelain tile flooring installation costs, why it’s an attractive option for so many, and how it compares to alternative materials.
How much does it cost to install porcelain tile flooring?
The cost of installing porcelain tile flooring averages around £90 per m². This includes mid-range porcelain tiles (9mm), materials, and labour.
| Item | Unit | Low Cost | High Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply only of budget porcelain tiles, 9mm thick | per m² | £20 | ||
| Supply only of mid-range porcelain tiles, 9mm thick | per m² | £35 | ||
| Supply only of high end porcelain tiles, 9mm thick | per m² | £60 | ||
| Cost of materials (adhesive, grout etc) | per m² | £10 | ||
| Labour cost of tiler | per hour | £30 | £45 | £40 |
| Labour cost of tiler | per day | £240 | £360 | £320 |
| Labour cost of tiler | per m² | £30 | £60 | £50 |
| Total cost of installing a porcelain floor (including tiles, materials and labour) | per m² | £60 | £130 | £90 |
| Total cost of installing porcelain flooring in a standard-sized family bathroom (5m²) | £300 | £650 | £450 | |
| Total cost of installing porcelain flooring in an average sized kitchen (10m²) | £600 | £1,300 | £900 | |
| Total cost of installing porcelain flooring in an open plan living space (15m²) | £900 | £2,000 | £1,350 |
Last updated: February 2025
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Porcelain floor tiles price per m²
- Budget porcelain tiles (9mm): £20 per m²
- Mid-range porcelain tiles (9mm): £35 per m²
- High-end porcelain tiles (9mm): £60 per m²
Porcelain tile installation – labour costs
Due to their high density, porcelain tiles can be more difficult to cut and handle than a comparable tile, such as ceramic.
Porcelain tiling labour costs per square metre (UK)
A professional tiler might charge for the work by the square metre, in which case, budget around £50 per m².
Complex patterns or layouts might be charged at a higher rate due to the extra time needed for installation.
What does a professional tiler cost per hour to install porcelain tiles?
If labour is quoted by the hour, expect this to be around £40 per hour for porcelain tile installation.
How much do tilers charge per day for porcelain tile installation?
As a day rate, tilers tend to charge, on average, between £240 and £360 per day.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Additional costs
In addition to the cost of your porcelain tiles and the labour costs for installation, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of preparation and materials.
- Average tile adhesive and grout costs: £10 per m²
- Average cost for floor levelling: Between £6 and £30 per m²
Porcelain tile flooring cost by project size
Looking to install porcelain floor tiles in your home? The figures below provide ballpark costs for installing mid-range porcelain tiles in a selection of different rooms.
- Standard-sized family bathroom (5m²): £300 – £650
- Average-sized kitchen (10m²): £600 – £1,300
- Open-plan living space (15m²): £900 – £2,000
For a more accurate estimate for your project, scroll down to our porcelain tile cost calculator. Alternatively, search your postcode, below, to find an approved local tiler for your project.
Porcelain vs ceramic tiles
Porcelain is often compared with ceramic when weighing up the best type of flooring for a home. Here are some of the common questions people ask.
Is porcelain tile more expensive than ceramic?
Porcelain tiles are typically more expensive than ceramic due to their higher density, durability, and resistance to moisture.
That being said, they also last longer, so they can be viewed as a more cost-effective investment in the longer term.
What are the pros and cons of porcelain tiles?
As a quick overview, here are the main pros and cons of porcelain vs ceramic tiles.
Pros of porcelain tiles
- Highly durable and resistant to scratches – good for dog owners!
- Low water absorption, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens
- Available in several styles, including wood and stone effects
Cons of porcelain tiles
- More expensive than ceramic tiles
- Heavier, therefore needing a strong subfloor
- High density, making them harder to cut and install
When should you choose porcelain over ceramic?
Due to its durability and water resistance, porcelain tiles make a better choice in high-traffic, moisture-prone areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.
However, ceramic tiles can be a more budget-friendly choice for areas of the home with lower foot traffic.
Factors affecting porcelain tile installation costs
The cost of tiling a floor will vary depending on several key factors. Whether you’re looking to get a handle on your budget or save some money on installation, here’s what you need to know.
Tile thickness and PEI rating
- Larger format and thicker tiles require more precise installation and cutting, which can increase labour costs
- Tiles with a higher PEI rating generally cost more
PEI ratings explained
Porcelain tiles are rated 1-5 for durability with the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI).
- PEI5 are the sturdiest, and are more resistant to scratches and wear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas
- PEI1 are the least durable and are mainly designed for walls – they are generally not designed to take weight on them
Complexity of installation
As we touched upon earlier, more complex patterns or layouts can increase the cost of porcelain tile installation.
- Straightforward, grid patterns are typically cheaper to install
- Herringbone or diagonal layouts require more cuts, therefore increasing labour costs
Porcelain tile cost calculator
Use our tiling cost calculator to get a ballpark cost for installing porcelain tiles in your home.
Measure the length and width of your space, select your tiles, and add in the labour cost for an instant estimate.
Enter your floor size (m²):
Type of tile (supply only)
Optional extras
New porcelain tile flooring could cost:
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK. All the costs are estimates only and for accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job. Read our disclaimer for more information.
How to save money on porcelain tile installation
While porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic, there are still ways to save money on your project:
- Quality: You’ll notice a broad price range with porcelain tiles, which is often reflective of their quality – choose from a range that suits your budget
- Layout: Keep labour costs down by choosing a simpler layout that requires fewer cuts
- Shop smart: Look for deals on tiles during sales or clearance events to make your budget stretch further
- Compare quotes: Get at least three quotes from local tilers to help ensure you get a fair and competitive price for the job. Use our request a quote form to do this quickly and easily
DIY vs professional tile installation
If you’re experienced in tile installation and have the right tools, DIY installation is one way to save money on your tiling project.
However, for a high-quality finish and efficient installation, we would always recommend calling in the experts.
Find a professional tiler near you
We’re proud to say Checkatrade tilers are a cut above the rest. Before being given our seal of approval, every single tradesperson must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding The Checkatrade Standard.
We’re so confident in the quality of our member’s work that we’ll guarantee it for 12 months, up to the value of £1,000*.
Find an experienced tiler near you. Just search your postcode, below to get started.
*Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
FAQs
How much does it cost to install porcelain tiles per m²?
On average, porcelain floor tile installation costs around £90 per m².
What is the total cost to tile a kitchen floor with porcelain?
The total average cost to tile a kitchen floor with porcelain would be in the region of £900. This would be for an average-sized kitchen (10m²) using mid-range porcelain tiles and includes materials and labour.
Can porcelain floor tiles be used for indoor-outdoor living?
Porcelain tiles make a great choice for a kitchen and adjacent patio area for a continuous flow from indoors to outdoors. Many suppliers have complementary tiles making it easy to match your indoor porcelain tiles to your outdoor porcelain paving slabs.
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
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