Current Tiling Labour Rates (2026)
Tiling labour in Sri Lanka is charged per square foot, and the rate depends mainly on tile size, surface (floor vs wall), pattern complexity and location. The national range is Rs. 100–250 per sq.ft, with Colombo and suburbs at the higher end.
| work | rate | notes |
|---|---|---|
| Floor tiling — 30×30 to 60×60 cm | Rs. 100 – 160 / sq.ft | Standard straight-lay |
| Floor tiling — large format (80×80+) | Rs. 180 – 250 / sq.ft | Needs skill + levelling system |
| Wall tiling — bathrooms/kitchens | Rs. 150 – 250 / sq.ft | Slower, more cuts |
| Diagonal / pattern laying | +20 – 30% premium | More cutting waste too |
| Staircase tiling | Rs. 250 – 400 / step | Often priced per step |
| Skirting | Rs. 80 – 150 / linear ft | Usually priced per foot |
| Tile removal (old floor) | Rs. 40 – 80 / sq.ft | Plus debris removal |
Why Rates Vary So Much
- Location — Colombo, Gampaha and tourist areas command 30–60% more than regional towns
- Tile size — large-format tiles take longer and carry breakage risk
- Floor condition — uneven slabs need screeding first (Rs. 100–120/sq.ft extra)
- Job size — bigger jobs get better per-sq.ft rates; tiny jobs may have a minimum charge
- Who supplies materials — labour-only vs labour+materials quotes are not comparable
How to Compare Quotes Fairly
Always ask whether the quote is labour-only or includes adhesive, grout and clips. Ask for the rate per square foot in writing, whether screeding is included, and who pays for tile cutting blades. A cheap headline rate that excludes materials often ends up costlier.
The fastest way to see the real market rate for your job: post it free on TilersHub. Verified tilers in your district send WhatsApp quotes you can compare side by side — no commission added.
Key takeaways
- ✓ Standard floor tiling: Rs. 100–160/sq.ft; large format: Rs. 180–250/sq.ft
- ✓ Wall tiling costs more than floor tiling — more cuts, slower work
- ✓ Confirm labour-only vs materials-included before comparing quotes
- ✓ Uneven floors add screed cost: Rs. 100–120/sq.ft
- ✓ Get 3+ quotes via TilersHub to see your district's real rate