Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about tiling costs, process, materials and booking.
Pricing
Every job is different — the cost depends on the size of the area, the tile format, the complexity of any cuts or patterns, and the condition of the existing substrate. I give free, no-obligation quotes after a site visit so you get an accurate price, not a guess. Read a full breakdown of bathroom tiling costs in London →
No — all quotes are free with no obligation. I'll arrange a visit to assess the job, take measurements, and give you a written price. There's no pressure to proceed. See realistic price ranges for bathroom tiling in London →
Either works. Many customers choose and purchase their own tiles — I'm happy to advise on what to look for, what quantities to order, and which formats will work best for your space. If you'd prefer me to help source tiles, I can do that too. Advice on choosing tiles for your bathroom →
Yes. I'm happy to quote for splashbacks, single feature walls, shower niches, shower trays, and similar smaller jobs — not just full bathroom re-tiles. No job is too small to get right.
No — my focus is exclusively on domestic homes. This lets me concentrate on the quality of finish and respect for the property that homeowners expect.
Process
A typical bathroom re-tile (walls and floor) takes 3–5 days depending on size, tile format, and pattern complexity. A wet room installation takes longer — usually 5–7 days — due to the tanking and waterproofing stages. I'll give you an accurate time estimate when I quote. See a full guide to tiling timescales →
For most jobs, very little. I'll let you know at quote stage if anything specific is needed — for example, removing old furniture from a bathroom, or ensuring access. I handle substrate preparation (removing old tiles, checking walls are sound, applying tanking where needed) as part of the job. What tanking involves and why it matters →
No. Every job is carried out by me or my relative Paul — both City & Guilds qualified with the same experience. On larger jobs we sometimes work together. Either way, you always know exactly who is on site, and I stand behind every part of the work.
Tiling involves dust and debris — I won't pretend otherwise. I lay dust sheets, protect flooring and adjacent areas, and clear up thoroughly at the end of each day. I treat your home with the same care I'd want someone to treat mine.
Call me. I stand behind my work. If a tile lifts, a grout line cracks prematurely, or anything isn't right, I'll come back and sort it. In 44 years of professional tiling I've learned what causes problems — and how to avoid them — but if something unexpected happens, I'll make it right. Why tiles crack — and how good installation prevents it →
Materials
All formats — from mosaic sheets and small brick tiles up to large format 1200×1200mm porcelain slabs. Large format tiles require specialist levelling systems and specific adhesive application methods; I have experience with all of them. What to know before buying large format tiles →
Sometimes, but not always. I'll assess the existing tiles at quote stage — whether they're sound, how much depth you can add, and whether the substrate underneath is suitable. In many cases, removing old tiles and starting from a sound substrate produces a better long-term result. Why substrate preparation matters for tile longevity →
Yes — marble, limestone, travertine, slate and other natural stone. Natural stone requires different adhesive selection, careful pre-sealing (to prevent adhesive staining through porous stone), and more precise handling than ceramic or porcelain. I've worked with high-value stone materials throughout my career, including on heritage and prestige projects.
I select adhesive and grout based on the specific tile, substrate, and location — not a one-size-fits-all approach. Wet areas get waterproof grout. Natural stone gets appropriate adhesive to avoid staining. Underfloor heating areas get flexible adhesive. Getting this right is one of the things that determines how long the job lasts. How adhesive and preparation affect tile longevity →
Specialist Work
A wet room is a fully waterproofed, open shower area — no tray, no screen (or just a simple glass panel). The entire floor is tanked (waterproofed), set to drain correctly, and tiled. Done right, a wet room is exceptionally durable and easy to clean. Done wrong, water finds every gap. I've been building wet rooms correctly for decades. Wet room vs shower tray — which is right for you? →
Yes — but it needs to be done correctly. Electric systems need the screed to be fully cured before tiling begins. Both electric and wet systems require flexible adhesive and correctly placed expansion joints to allow for thermal movement. Skipping these steps causes tiles to crack or lift within months. Why tiles crack — thermal movement and how to prevent it →
Yes — herringbone, chevron, diagonal, brick bond, running bond, Victorian geometric, and feature panel layouts. Pattern work requires careful setting out from accurate datum lines at the start. Get that wrong and every tile compounds the error. I set out methodically before the first tile goes down. Herringbone vs straight lay — which suits your hallway? →
Yes — sheet mosaics and hand-laid mosaics. Feature walls, shower niches, splashbacks, floor borders, and more. Mosaic work needs consistent grout line width and precise alignment across the whole surface — patience and experience both matter. How mosaic tiles work in smaller spaces →
Coverage
I cover Bromley and surrounding areas — Beckenham, Orpington, Chislehurst, West Wickham, Petts Wood, Crystal Palace, Croydon, Sidcup, Eltham, Lewisham, Bexleyheath, Catford, Sevenoaks and Dartford. If you're not sure whether I cover your area, call or email and I'll confirm.
It varies with demand. For larger jobs (full bathroom, wet room), booking 3–6 weeks ahead is sensible. Smaller jobs sometimes fit in sooner. Contact me to check current availability. How long different tiling jobs typically take →
Trust
Yes — I carry full public liability insurance. Details are available on request.
I hold a City & Guilds qualification in tiling — the recognised professional standard in the trade. Combined with 44 years of professional experience, including work on Buckingham Palace and the law courts, this underpins every job I take on. More about Bromley Tiler →
44 years. I've been tiling professionally since the early 1980s. My experience covers the full range of domestic tiling work — from simple ceramic wall tiles to complex natural stone floors, wet rooms, large-format porcelain, and decorative pattern work. See completed projects →
Still Have a Question?
Call or email — I'm happy to discuss your project and answer any questions before committing to a quote.