Cost of Kitchen Wall Tiles: Materials, Shapes, & More
How much do kitchen wall tiles cost? | Varying materials, tile shapes, and other costs
When designing a kitchen, wall tiles play a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics, in places such as a kitchen countertop or splashback. They protect your walls from spills, splashes, and stains while adding character and style to one of the busiest rooms in the home. However, with various materials, shapes, and styles to choose from, the cost of kitchen wall tiles can vary significantly.
In this guide, we will break down the factors that affect the cost of kitchen wall tiles to help you make an informed decision.
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Find out the different factors that may affect the cost of kitchen wall tiles.
Browse the different tile materials and their costs for kitchen walls.
Compare the most popular tile shapes for kitchen wall tiles, and their costs.
Find out if there any other costs that are related to kitchen wall tiles.
Read the most common queries on kitchen wall tiles.
What may affect the cost of kitchen wall tiles?
Several factors can influence the cost of kitchen wall tiles, and understanding these will allow you to budget more effectively for your kitchen design. These factors include:
Tile material
As we will discuss further, the kitchen wall tile material can make a significant difference to the cost. Each material's aesthetic value, longevity, and maintenance requirements should also be considered when evaluating its cost-effectiveness.
Type of tile shape and size
The size of the tile can influence the cost, both in terms of the tile itself and installation. Large-format tiles often cover more surface area, meaning fewer tiles and less grout are required. However, they may need more skilled installation, which may cost more per tile.
Smaller tiles or mosaic patterns often require more time and precision, leading to higher labour costs. Unusual shapes such as hexagons or arabesques, while visually striking, can also demand more complex installation techniques, adding to the total cost.
Where the wall tile is used
Feature walls or accent areas in the kitchen might require more intricate designs, patterns, or bespoke tiles, which can elevate both the material and installation costs. Complex tile arrangements in smaller, focal areas, such as mosaic designs for a splashback, may result in increased labour expenses due to the precision required.
How much do different kitchen wall tile materials cost?
Choosing a tile material is key, as you must assess its suitability and whether it meets your preferences and specifications. Here are some of the most popular kitchen wall tile materials, with their benefits, average cost per tile, and our recommended range:
Porcelain and ceramic wall tiles
Porcelain and ceramic are among the most common choices for kitchen wall tiles due to their versatility and affordability. Porcelain kitchen tiles are especially popular because of their durability, water resistance, and low maintenance needs. Available in a wide variety of colours and styles, porcelain can also double as other materials, replicating classic looks with stone effect, marble effect and wood effect, to name but a few.
Porcelain tiles are known for being a cost-effective alternative, perfect for creating feature walls, splashbacks and accents in kitchens. Their cost varies depending on the size and tile shape. Our porcelain kitchen tiles start from 61p per tile up to £70 per tile.
For more information, read our expert buyer’s guide on porcelain kitchen wall and floor tiles.
Natural stone and marble tiles
For those seeking a more luxurious and timeless look, natural stone kitchen tiles, such as marble, slate, and travertine, are popular options. Marble offers a stunning, sophisticated finish that can dramatically enhance the aesthetic of any kitchen. Kitchen marble tiles are often used as countertops and as a beautiful accent.
Our marble tiles for kitchen walls range from just over £1 per tile to up to £70, ranging in their shape and size.
Glass tiles
Glass wall tiles are a modern and stylish choice for a kitchen, reflecting light and making spaces feel brighter and larger. They're often used for splashbacks due to their smooth surface and resistance to staining. Although glass kitchen tiles are aesthetically appealing, they can be more expensive and may require specialist installation due to their fragility.
Expect to pay anywhere from £1.30 to £65 per tile – these more expensive tiles are often mosaic sheets or brick shaped tiles.
Terracotta tiles
Terracotta tiles, with their rich, earthy tones, provide a warm and rustic feel, often used in more traditional country kitchens. Terracotta is a porous material that requires sealing to protect it from moisture and stains. While it's not as versatile in design as porcelain or ceramic, terracotta offers a natural, handcrafted look that is perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere in a kitchen.
Our terracotta kitchen tiles range from £1.40 to £6.55 per tile, including both natural terracotta and terracotta effect tiles (a porcelain lookalike alternative).
At Fired Earth, we have an interesting history with terracotta—our company started in the early 1980s selling terracotta floor tiles. We have since grown, adding various tile materials and styles to our collections.
If you are interested, visit your nearest Fired Earth showroom or contact us for more information.
How much do different shapes and styles of kitchen wall tiles cost?
The shape and style of your chosen tiles will also affect the cost, especially when it comes to installation:
- Square tiles: A classic choice for kitchen walls, these are often the most affordable option due to their simplicity. They are versatile, coming in various sizes, from small 10cm x 10cm tiles to large 60cm x 60cm formats - ranging from £1 to £75 per tile.
- Rectangular: metro and brick tiles: Incredibly popular in contemporary kitchen designs, these tiles offer a clean, modern look and can be installed in various patterns, such as horizontal, vertical, or herringbone – ranging from 80p to just over £70 per tile.
- Mosaic tiles: Made up of small pieces of ceramic, glass, or stone, mosaics are a striking decorative choice. They can add texture and colour to a kitchen wall, often used as accents or splashbacks, but are often more expensive than other shapes - ranging from £5 to £60 per tile.
Are there any other costs to consider?
Tile installation
Though you might think about saving some money and tiling a kitchen wall yourself, this is generally not advised. Consider a professional installer who can perfectly tile even the most intricate designs to achieve a seamless and long-lasting result. This expense varies depending on the tiler’s labour costs, but is worth it in the long run.
Tile cleaning products
Certain materials, such as natural stone and terracotta, require ongoing maintenance to keep them looking their best. You may need to invest in specialised cleaning products or sealants, which can add to the long-term costs of your kitchen wall tiles. Regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Browse through our entire range of tile maintenance and cleaning products.
Bespoke design service
If you're aiming for a truly unique and personalised design, our bespoke design services can be invaluable. At Fired Earth, we offer expert guidance on tile selection, design layouts and colour schemes with a bespoke service. Though this is an additional cost, it will give you complete clarity on your choice, ensuring you are happy with how the wall tiles will look in your kitchen.
Our bespoke design service uses 3D visualisations and mood boards to bring your ideas to life. If you are interested, book your design appointment here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tile material for a kitchen wall?
The best tile material depends on your kitchen’s style, budget, and maintenance preferences. Porcelain is a durable and affordable option, while marble offers a luxurious finish but requires more maintenance.
Browse our entire range of porcelain kitchen tiles.