Quote templates for tiling
Professional quotes for wall and floor tiling in bathrooms, kitchens, and exteriors.
What to include in a tiling quote
Tiling is one of the most price-variable jobs depending on the client's choices. A tile at €5/m² or €80/m² is installed in the same way, but the total cost can triple. Separating material cost from labour cost is therefore essential.
In a tiling quote, include: surface preparation (levelling, bonding primer), adhesive bed material (tile adhesive, screed), the tile itself (price per m² supplied by the professional or the client), grout, finishing profiles and corner trims, and installation labour.
If the client supplies the tile, state clearly that the quote covers labour and installation materials only. Add a note that you are not responsible for batch differences or insufficient material supplied by the client. If you supply the tile, itemise the cost with a reference and allow for waste (typically 10% to 15% for straight-lay patterns, up to 20% for diagonal or complex patterns).
State the tile size and the laying pattern. A diagonal layout increases waste and labour time by about 20% and should be visible in the quote.
Example quote for kitchen wall tiling
Typical job: kitchen splashback tiling between worktop and upper cabinets, 15 m².
- Surface preparation and cleaning, 15 m² at €4/m²
- Bonding primer on painted surface, 15 m² at €2/m²
- White metro tile 10x20 (supplied by professional), 16.5 m² at €18/m² (includes 10% waste)
- White C2 tile adhesive, 15 m² at €3.50/m²
- Epoxy grout ivory colour, 15 m² at €4/m²
- Aluminium trim profiles (edges), 8 lm at €3.50/lm
- Installation labour, 15 m² at €22/m²
Materials subtotal: €489 | Labour: €330 | Total excl. tax: €819
A job of this size normally takes 2 days with 1 tiler. The second day is mainly for grouting after the adhesive has cured.
How to calculate the price per m² for tiling
Labour rates for tile installation vary by complexity:
- Simple straight lay (regular format): €18 to €22/m²
- Diagonal lay: €22 to €28/m² (add 20% to material m²)
- Large format tiles (60x60 or above): €25 to €35/m² (harder to handle and align)
- Mosaic and small tiles: €35 to €55/m² (significantly more labour time)
- Work at height or difficult access: add 15% to 20%
The correct m² calculation uses net wall area (deducting door and window openings). But material must be calculated on gross area or with a waste formula applied, since cuts around openings are unavoidable.
For exterior work (patios, terraces, pool surrounds), labour is 20% to 30% higher due to the need for prior waterproofing and frost-resistant materials.
Tips for winning more tiling jobs
Have a portfolio of patterns and combinations. Clients who do not know what they want (which is most of them) will trust a professional who shows real examples. Photos of previous work with different formats and patterns help clients visualise and decide more quickly.
Offer material advice. Many tilers just state a price. A tiler who says "for this pool surround I recommend R11-rated non-slip tile because..." is adding value. The client feels they are working with a specialist, not just someone who lays tiles.
For complete bathrooms and kitchens, an integrated quote covering tiling, flooring, and painting is more convenient for the client. If you have this capability, present a combined proposal and highlight the benefit of a single point of responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
The client bought the tiles. How do I quote labour only?
Quote labour and installation materials only (adhesive, grout, profiles). Include a note: "Tiles supplied by client. Professional is not responsible for batch differences or insufficient material supplied." This protects you if the client bought fewer tiles than needed.
How do I quote when the client has not yet chosen the tile?
Write the quote with two lines: labour + installation materials at a fixed price, and a line for "tile supply" left open with the note "to be confirmed on client's selection". This way the client can approve the fixed part and understands the material cost will vary. It avoids redoing the entire quote.
How do I handle surfaces in poor condition that may add to the 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 levelling costs that were not visible before the old tiles were removed.