How much does porcelain tiling cost?

Thinking of renovating your house and getting your floors tiled? Considering getting porcelain tile flooring, if not for the price? Yes, if you compare porcelain and ceramic tiles, the cost is different. However, porcelain tiles are highly durable and versatile.

But how much does it cost? Porcelain tile installation costs £45 to £62 per square metre. If you’re wondering about 10 or 20mm outdoor porcelain tile prices, this detailed cost guide will guide you as you embark on your home tiling project!

Is porcelain tile installation expensive?

Installing porcelain tiles is an investment. However, there should be proper planning when it comes to getting these installed, as the overall cost may surprise you.

To appreciate how much porcelain tile vs hardwood flooring costs, here’s a table that shows you different flooring options and how much you should expect to pay:

What are the benefits of installing porcelain tiles?

If you’re still on the fence about getting porcelain tiles, here are a few reasons why you should get them installed.

They are stylistically versatile

Not only do porcelain tiles add a feeling of luxury to your home, but they are also versatile. They can convincingly mimic flooring materials such as marble and granite. You can custom-design porcelain tiles to fit floral, geometric, and Art Deco patterns or go for more natural looks like wood, concrete, and metal. 

They are highly durable

Porcelain tiles are tested and proven to be hard-wearing and are considered to be harder and denser than most other ceramic tile products. The material is resistant to stain, scratch, and moisture, making porcelain tiles highly ideal for people with pets or heavy feet.

For example, Italian porcelain tiles are priced somewhere along £30 to £60 per square metre, depending on the design and size. This is well worth it because Italian porcelain tiles absorb very little water over time. This makes them resistant to water related-damages like mould and mildew.  

They are low maintenance

Porcelain tiles are also the better flooring compared to hardwood, despite the cost. These tiles are easily cleaned because they are bacteria-resistant. They stay cleaner for a longer period and don’t stain as easily. They are then ideal for heavy-traffic parts of your house like the kitchen, bathrooms, and entryways. 

What factors affect the costs to install porcelain tile flooring?

Deciding on your flooring can make or break the look of your house. Investing in tiles that are sturdy and stylish, like porcelain tiles, then becomes vital. Several factors affect its cost. Here is a summary of factors that affect the costs of having porcelain tile flooring installed:

Their PEI rating

If you’re new to home renovation, you should know that porcelain tiles are rated with the Porcelain Enamel Institute depending on how durable they are. The general rule is the more durable the tile, the higher their grade is on a scale of 1 to 5. And the more durable they are, the more likely it is that you’ll spend more on them.

For example, porcelain tiles rated with PEI 5 are meant for heavy foot traffic since they are the sturdiest. On the other hand, porcelain tiles with grades 0 and 1 are meant for wall tiles and are therefore the least durable. You’re not meant to put weight on them. Otherwise, they’d crumble. 

Which part of your house you want to get tiled

Different interrelated factors are affected by the space you want to get tiled. Having your bathroom tiled would be less expensive than having your living room floors done because of its area size, the tile style you want, and the overall days of labour it will take for these floors to get done. 

Size greatly affects the cost because a floor with a wider area will require more tiles. This, in turn, will require a much longer time to install and will affect labour costs. Outdoor porcelain tile installation prices are relatively high compared to indoor tile installation because its space is wider.

Your location

Another factor that affects porcelain tile installation costs is your location. Highly urbanised cities like London may have a higher cost of porcelain tile materials, affecting your overall expenses. 

Other things to consider

Redoing your flooring is a daunting yet highly rewarding task. It requires a lot of work and a pretty hefty budget. Besides knowing exactly how much porcelain tiles cost per square foot, you should also have a checklist of things to consider before installing tiles in your home:

1. Be prepared for unexpected costs
2. Watch out for uneven floors
3. Take note of the foot traffic 
4. Don’t forget to grout your floors
5. Consider the thickness of the tile before installing
6. Think carefully about the design

Ready to start your kitchen or bathroom flooring project? Put up a task now and get an accurate quote from a specialist near you. Your dream flooring is just a post away on Airtasker!