COST GUIDES
How much does a slate roof cost per m² in 2026?
Updated 04/26
If you're looking to add character to the exterior of a property, a slate roof can do just that. As a natural material, slate is also extremely durable and can often last for over 100 years.
Fast Facts
The average cost of a slate roof is £184 per m2
On top of that, labour per roofer costs around £275 per day - though most slate roofers work in pairs
In this guide, we look at the average slate roof cost per m² in the UK.
The prices featured in this article are meant as a guide to help you plan your budget for the cost of a new slate roof. But if you're wondering how much a slate roof costs on average, then read on for more information.
Slate roof cost per m²
| Cost provided item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slate roof | Per m² | £160 | £210 | £184 |
| Spanish slate | Per m² | £95 | £125 | £110 |
| Labour per roofer | Per day | £250 | £300 | £275 |
| Last updated: April 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £160 to £210 per m² for a slate roof.
There are cheaper alternatives out there, such as importing Spanish slate for your roof. This costs on average around £95 to £125 per m².
Some slate suppliers will have an online slate roof cost calculator for you to work out how much the slate will cost for your roof project. If in doubt, contact the supplier directly to discuss exact slate roof costs.
For a accurate quotes, speak to a local roofer, who can advise on how much your slate roof will cost.
How much does a roofer cost for a slate roof?
The average labour cost for slate roofers is about £250 to £300 per day.
This is for each roofer, but they usually work in pairs. So with two on the job you could pay £600 per day for both of them.
As slate requires skill to fit as a roofing material, make sure you hire an experienced roofer who has worked with slate before.
If you hire a roofer they will often supply their own scaffolding, but some may not, or they may charge an additional fee for it. To find out more about the prices of scaffolding, check out our scaffolding cost guide.
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What's included in a slate roof quote?
When a roofer or roofing company gives you a quote for your slate roof, it will usually include the costs of:
Materials, including the slate tiles
Labour
Disposal and removal
Scaffolding
You can also usually see information about the warranty and what timeline to expect for the project.
What affects the cost of a slate roof?
The exact total cost of your new slate roof is influenced by a few factors, including:
Type of slate
Design and type of roof (e.g. hip roof, gabled roof)
Size of roof
Whether you have solar panels, Velux windows, or other roof features
Scaffolding costs
Disposal and skip hire
Your location
If you're getting your slate roof replaced, this could be the perfect time to install, repair, or replace other features - such as chimneys, windows, and guttering.
Additional costs to budget for
Bear in mind that when you get a new slate roof, you may also need to pay extra for things like:
Scaffold hire
Complex or extra-large roofs
Parking and travel fees
Existing roof removal
Removing and reinstalling solar panels
Skip hire
Always get a written quote and check what is and isn't included before you go ahead with a project.
Find a slate roofer near you
Considering stone slate roof cost
One option for your roof is using stone slate which, provided it's well looked after, can last more than a hundred years. The average stone slate roof cost is around £160 to £210 per m².
The cost of your stone slate roof will depend on where the slate is from, whether it's new or reclaimed, and where you live.
Working out composite slate roofing cost
Composite, or man-made, roofing slate is a more cost-effective option if you want the look of a new slate roof without the higher cost of natural slate.
The overall look will be very similar to natural slate, only it's made up of plastic and rubber materials instead.
Thanks to being made quickly and easily, the composite slate roofing cost can often be less than £1.50 per slate. It also comes with the benefits of not having to be imported long distances, as it can be manufactured more locally.
Useful slate roof checklist
When you're seeking out costs for your new slate roof, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most accurate quotes and tradespeople who you're happy with.
Here's our checklist to get you started:
Your slate roof cost checklist
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FAQs about slate roof costs
The cost of roof slates in the UK starts from as little as £1.50 per slate. This can vary depending on the type of slate, however.
Many homeowners consider a slate roof absolutely worth it. Although slate tile roofing can have a high upfront cost, it has a long lifespan and offers good fire resistance and insulation - and it can look fantastic too.
Other types of tiled roof to consider include clay, concrete, wood, metal, synthetic, and even solar tiles.
The main disadvantages of a slate roof include:
Cost
Heavy weight
Limited colour choices
The best time of year to replace your roof, or install a new slate roof, is generally the warmer months - late spring to early autumn.
The lifespan of a slate roof can be anything from 50-200 years, with most easily lasting over 100 years. It's one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials.
Slate roofs only need a small amount of regular maintenance. Clean the gutters 2-3 times per year, replace damaged tiles as needed, and conduct a full roof inspection at least every five years.
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