Quote templates for tilers
Professional quotes for wall and floor tiling in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas, priced in rand.
What to include in a tiling quote
Tiling is one of the most price-variable jobs depending on what the customer chooses. A tile at R150/m² or R850/m² is laid the same way, but the total cost can triple. Splitting material cost from labour cost is essential.
In a tiling quote, include: surface preparation (screeding, bonding primer), tile adhesive and screed, the tile itself (priced per m², supplied by you or the customer), grout, edge trims and finishing profiles, and installation labour.
If the customer supplies the tile, state clearly that the quote covers labour and installation materials only. Add a note that you're not responsible for batch differences or the customer running short. If you supply the tile, itemise it with a reference and allow for waste, typically 10-15% for straight lays, up to 20% for diagonal or complex patterns.
State the tile size and laying pattern. A diagonal layout increases both waste and labour time by roughly 20% and should be visible in the quote as its own line, not hidden in the base rate.
Example quote for kitchen wall tiling
Typical job: kitchen splashback between worktop and upper cabinets, 15 m².
- Surface preparation and cleaning, 15 m² at R38/m²
- Bonding primer on painted surface, 15 m² at R18/m²
- White subway tile 100x200 (supplied by tiler), 16.5 m² at R220/m² (includes 10% waste)
- Tile adhesive (C2 grade), 15 m² at R45/m²
- Epoxy grout, ivory, 15 m² at R55/m²
- Aluminium edge trim, 8 lm at R48/lm
- Installation labour, 15 m² at R280/m²
Materials subtotal: R7,251 | Labour: R4,200 | Total excl. VAT: R11,451
A job this size normally takes 2 days with 1 tiler, the second day mostly for grouting once the adhesive has cured.
How to calculate the price per m² for tiling
Labour rates for tile installation vary with complexity:
- Simple straight lay (regular format): R220 to R280/m²
- Diagonal lay: R280 to R380/m² (add 20% to material m² for waste)
- Large format tiles (600x600 or bigger): R320 to R450/m² (harder to handle and align)
- Mosaic and small format tile: R450 to R700/m² (significantly more labour time)
- Work at height or awkward access: add 15-20%
The correct m² calculation uses net wall area (deducting doors and windows), but material must be ordered on gross area plus waste, since cuts around openings are unavoidable.
For outdoor work (patios, pool surrounds), labour runs 20-30% higher due to the need for waterproofing beforehand and slip-rated, weather-resistant tile.
Tips for winning more tiling jobs
Keep a portfolio of patterns and combinations on your phone. Customers who don't know what they want, which is most of them, trust a professional who shows real examples. Photos of past work in different formats and layouts help them decide faster.
Offer material advice, not just a price. A tiler who says "for this pool surround I'd recommend an R11-rated slip-resistant tile because..." is adding real value. The customer feels they're dealing with a specialist, not just someone who lays tiles.
For full bathroom and kitchen jobs, an integrated quote covering tiling, waterproofing, and fittings is more convenient for the customer than three separate quotes. If you can offer this, present it as a combined proposal and highlight the single point of responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
The customer bought the tiles. How do I quote labour only?
Quote labour and installation materials only (adhesive, grout, trims). Add a note: "Tiles supplied by customer. Tiler is not responsible for batch differences or insufficient material supplied." This protects you if the customer bought fewer tiles than needed.
How do I quote when the customer hasn't chosen a tile yet?
Write the quote in two parts: labour + installation materials at a fixed price, and a "tile supply" line left open with the note "to be confirmed on customer's selection". The customer can approve the fixed part while the material cost is finalised, and you don't have to redo the whole quote.
How do I handle a surface in poor condition that might add work?
Include a surface preparation line with an estimated cost and a note: "Preparation cost may vary depending on the actual condition of the surface. Any additional work will be communicated before proceeding." This protects you from absorbing screeding costs that weren't visible before old tiles were removed.
How do my customers pay once they accept the quote?
Most pay by PayShap, a request goes straight to their banking app and it's usually confirmed within minutes. EFT with proof of payment works too, and cash is still common for smaller jobs. There's no card checkout or financing plan for South Africa.
Should I charge VAT on a tiling quote?
Only if you're registered for VAT with SARS. If you are, show it as its own 15% line so the customer sees the base price and the tax separately.
How much waste should I allow when ordering tile?
10-15% for straight lays, up to 20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, and higher again for small mosaic tile with a lot of cutting. Always order the extra upfront rather than risk a batch mismatch on a reorder.