Cost of tiling a kitchen splashback in 2024

Article Updated 2nd Oct 2024

The Cost of Tiling a Kitchen Splashback in 2024: What to Expect

Curious about the cost of tiling a kitchen splashback in 2024? Whether you're planning a full kitchen renovation or just want to spruce up your space, understanding the expenses involved is crucial. In this article, we'll break down the steps, discuss how various factors can influence the price, explore material options, and provide insights on how costs have evolved over the years. Let's dive in!

What’s Involved in Tiling a Kitchen Splashback?

Tiling a kitchen splashback is a meticulous job that involves several steps to ensure a high-quality finish. The process can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Preparation – This initial stage involves measuring the area, selecting tiles, and preparing the wall surface, which includes cleaning and, if necessary, applying a primer. This step typically takes about 20% of the total time.

2. Layout and Planning – Before any tiling begins, planning the layout is crucial to ensure symmetry and a visually pleasing result. This step also includes cutting tiles to fit around sockets and corners. Expect this to take around 10% of the time.

3. Tile Installation – The core of the job, this involves applying adhesive to the wall and placing the tiles. Proper spacing and alignment are key here. This step takes the largest portion of the time, around 50%.

4. Grouting – Once the adhesive has set, grout is applied between the tiles to fill gaps and provide a finished look. This step takes about 10% of the total time.

5. Finishing Touches – The final step involves cleaning off excess grout, sealing if necessary, and ensuring all tiles are firmly in place. This takes the remaining 10% of the time.

A well-done job will feature even tile spacing, a clean and smooth grout finish, and tiles that are securely affixed to the wall.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Tiling a Kitchen Splashback

The size and scope of your project will significantly influence the overall cost. A larger splashback area will naturally require more tiles and adhesive, thus increasing the price. Additionally, complex layouts or intricate tile patterns may require more labour, further affecting the cost.

Options often included in the job can also add to the final bill. For instance:

  • Tile Removal: If existing tiles need to be removed, this will add to the labour costs. Expect to pay around £10-£20 per square meter.
  • Underlay or Backer Boards: To ensure a smooth surface, an underlay might be necessary, costing around £5-£15 per square meter.
  • Sealing and Finishing: Additional sealants or special grout can add another £5-£10 per square meter.

Considering these options, here’s a rough breakdown of costs:

  • Standard tiling job: £200-£500
  • Tile removal: £50-£150
  • Underlay: £60-£180
  • Sealing and finishing: £50-£120

Material Choices and Cost Implications

The materials you choose for your splashback will greatly affect the total cost. Here are some common options:

Ceramic Tiles: Affordable and versatile, ceramic tiles typically cost between £20-£40 per square meter.

Glass Tiles: These offer a modern look but come at a higher cost, around £50-£100 per square meter.

Natural Stone: For a luxurious feel, natural stone tiles like marble or granite can cost anywhere from £70-£150 per square meter.

Trends have evolved over the years, with subway tiles and hexagonal patterns becoming particularly popular. In terms of cost trends, both materials and labour have seen a gradual increase over the past five years due to inflation and rising material costs. On average, costs have risen by about 10-15% since 2019.

In conclusion, tiling a kitchen splashback in 2024 involves several steps and factors that influence the overall cost. From preparation to finishing touches, each phase requires careful attention to detail. The size of the project, additional options, and material choices all play significant roles in determining the final price.

If you're ready to get started, MyWorkman can help you find good local tradespeople across the UK. Whether you want to post a job or have questions to tradespeople, MyWorkman is your go-to resource for reliable home renovation services.