The cost of tiles for a Kerala home is not one number. It depends on the tile type, size, finish, brand and how much area you actually need to cover. Here is a simple way to build your budget before you visit a showroom, so a quotation makes sense when you see it.
Measure the area you will tile
List each space separately: living and dining floors, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, sit-out, staircase and balcony. Floors and walls need separate lines because bathroom and kitchen walls often use a different tile from the floor.
Example: a home with 1,200 sq ft of floor tiles and 300 sq ft of bathroom wall tiles.
Add wastage
Tiles break and get cut at edges. Many tile layers add about 5 to 10 percent for straight layouts and more for diagonal or patterned layouts. Ask your contractor which figure applies to your plan.
In the example, 1,200 sq ft of floor with 10 percent wastage means ordering 1,320 sq ft. The 300 sq ft of wall tiles becomes 330 sq ft.
Convert area into boxes
Tiles are sold by the box, and each box covers a fixed area. A 600 x 600 mm tile covers about 3.9 sq ft, so a box of four covers about 15.5 sq ft. Box contents differ by size and brand, so always check the figure printed on the box.
Example: 1,320 sq ft divided by 15.5 sq ft per box is about 85.2, so you would order 86 boxes. Always round up, never down.
Understand what changes the price per sq ft
- Type: ceramic, vitrified and porcelain are priced differently. Our guide to vitrified vs ceramic vs porcelain tiles explains the differences.
- Size: larger formats and slabs usually cost more per sq ft and need more careful laying. See large format slabs.
- Finish: glossy, matte, textured and wood-look finishes are priced differently within the same brand.
- Brand and collection: premium collections from brands such as Kajaria Eternity, Simpolo, Somany and Qutone sit above entry ranges.
- Thickness and grade: thicker tiles for outdoor or heavy use cost more.
Ask for a clear written quotation
When you ask any showroom for a quote, check that it lists the brand, collection, size, finish, rate per sq ft, number of boxes, whether GST is included and what delivery costs. A quote that lists only a total is hard to compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra tile should I order? Around 5 to 10 percent for simple layouts, more for diagonal layouts. Your contractor can confirm.
Is the cheapest tile the best saving? Not always. A tile that chips, stains or slips costs more to replace than a better tile costs to buy.
Can I see tiles in a room setting before buying? Yes. At Milano Ceramica you can walk through the experience centre and view tiles, sanitaryware and fittings under one roof.
Get a quotation for your home
Bring your plan or room sizes to Milano Ceramica on the National Highway at Trichambaram, Taliparamba, or book a design appointment. Browse the full range of tiles and slabs first, or call +91 9072 333 222.
