Tile Installation in Kenya - Labour Cost per m², Process, Materials & Expert Tips
- BeyondForest
- Oct 24
- 6 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
1.)Tile Installation Cost in Kenya per Square Meter
3.)Preparing the Surface Before Tile Installation
4.)Step-by-Step Tile Installation Process in Kenya
Tile installation labor in Kenya typically ranges between KES 250 to KES 300 per square meter, depending on the complexity of the job, the room being tiled, and the installer’s skill level. Wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens may cost slightly more due to extra cutting, alignment, and waterproofing.
To understand whether it’s better to pay per square meter or per box, let’s use the common 30cm × 30cm (300 × 300 mm) floor tile as an example. One piece measures 0.3m × 0.3m = 0.09m². A standard box contains 17 tiles, giving you:
0.09m² × 17 tiles = approx. 1.53m² of coverage per box
(These tiles are often marketed as “1m² per box”, but in reality, they cover more—usually between 1.3 to 1.5m², depending on spacing and cuts.)
Option | Cost | Pros | Cons | Best For |
Paying KES 300 per m² | Installer charges based on actual area covered | Fair pricing, you only pay for space tiled | You buy tiles separately | Most recommended |
Paying KES 300 per box | Installer charges per box used | Sounds cheaper at first | The box covers 1.3–1.5m², meaning you are actually paying less per m² | Risky it can encourage poor tile cutting or shortcuts |
Need a Professional Tile Installer in Kenya?
Transform your space with a clean, durable, and perfectly-finished tile installation. Whether it’s your home, office, Airbnb, or commercial space, our skilled tile installers guarantee a neat, level, and long-lasting finish — no hollow tiles, no uneven joints, no messy work.
✅ Experienced & verified fundis
✅ Affordable labour rates
✅ We assist in tile selection and material estimate
Tools and Materials Needed for Tile Installation
Buy 1 extra box to allow for breakage, cutting, and future tile replacements.
Successful tile installation requires the right tools and correct combination of materials to ensure strong bonding, durability, and a clean finish.
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Traditionally in Kenya, most fundis use cement-based bonding rather than pure adhesive alone. A 50kg bag of cement is mixed with approximately half a 25kg bag of tile adhesive, plus water, to create a paste commonly referred to as “niro.” This mixture provides strong grip and reduces the chances of tiles loosening or sounding hollow.
Before laying tiles, each tile should be soaked in water to allow it to absorb moisture this improves adhesion and prevents the tile from drawing moisture from the mortar too quickly.
Water is also used to wet the floor surface before installation to increase bonding strength. The floor must be swept clean with a broom to remove dust, debris, and loose particles that can affect adhesion. Other essential tools include a tape measure, tile cutter, trowel for applying niro, spacers for even gaps, a rubber mallet for leveling tiles, and a sponge or cloth for cleaning excess grout.
Preparing the Surface Before Tile Installation
Proper surface preparation is one of the most important steps in achieving a durable and neat tile installation. The process begins with thoroughly sweeping the floor to remove dust, sand, and any loose particles that may weaken adhesion.
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If there are hardened cement spots or uneven bumps on the floor or walls, the fundi chips them off to create a smooth and level surface. Once clean, the floor is lightly watered so it can absorb moisture this helps the bonding mixture (niro) adhere better.
Need a Professional Tile Installer in Kenya?
Transform your space with a clean, durable, and perfectly-finished tile installation. Whether it’s your home, office, Airbnb, or commercial space, our skilled tile installers guarantee a neat, level, and long-lasting finish — no hollow tiles, no uneven joints, no messy work.
✅ Experienced & verified fundis
✅ Affordable labour rates
✅ We assist in tile selection and material estimate
Step-by-Step Tile Installation Process in Kenya
The first step is surface preparation, which includes sweeping the floor thoroughly and removing any hardened cement particles that could interfere with leveling. Once the surface is clean and smooth, it is lightly watered so it can absorb moisture, helping the bonding mixture grip better.
Image of Soaked Tiles drying waiting to be Installed
Next, the fundi prepares niro, a mixture of cement, tile adhesive, and water, and spreads a thin, even layer on the floor. Tiles—already soaked in water to improve adhesion—are then laid one at a time, starting from the straightest point in the room for proper alignment. The fundi uses a trowel to spread niro, a spirit level to keep tiles even, and spacers to maintain uniform gaps. A rubber mallet may be used to gently tap tiles into place for a firm hold.
As work progresses, the fundi’s assistant wipes off any excess cement or adhesive from the surface with a damp cloth to maintain a clean, smooth finish. After all tiles are installed, the tiled area should remain untouched for at least 6 hours to allow the tiles to set firmly. Once cured, grouting and final cleaning are done, leaving a polished, professional-looking floor.
Image of Tiles applied Grout
Need a Professional Tile Installer in Kenya?
Transform your space with a clean, durable, and perfectly-finished tile installation. Whether it’s your home, office, Airbnb, or commercial space, our skilled tile installers guarantee a neat, level, and long-lasting finish — no hollow tiles, no uneven joints, no messy work.
✅ Experienced & verified fundis
✅ Affordable labour rates
✅ We assist in tile selection and material estimate
✅ Available in Nairobi, Kiambu, Thika, Ruaka, Kitengela & nearby towns
How Long Does Tile Installation Take
Tile installation time depends on the room size, tile type, and complexity of the work. On average, a standard 10–12m² room takes 1 to 2 days to install.
After tiling, the floor should be left untouched for at least 6 hours to allow the tiles to set, and 24–48 hours before heavy use to ensure proper curing and long-lasting results.
How much does tile installation cost in Kenya per square meter?
Tile installation labor in Kenya typically ranges from KES 350 to KES 650 per m², depending on the complexity of the work, tile size, room type, and location. Bathrooms and kitchens cost slightly more due to cutting and drainage alignment.
What materials are required for tile installation?
Common materials include tile adhesive, grout, spacers, tile trims, waterproofing membrane (for wet areas), and leveling compounds. For a professional finish, high-quality adhesive and grout are recommended over cement-sand mixtures.
How long does it take to install tiles in a room?
A standard room (12×12 ft. or 10–12 m²) takes 1–2 days to install, plus 24–48 hours for curing before walking on the tiles. Larger spaces or complex layouts may take longer.
Should I use tile adhesive or cement?
Tile adhesive is recommended because it provides better bonding, is easier to work with, dries faster, and reduces tile cracking. Cement-sand mortar is cheaper but less durable and increases the risk of hollow tiles.
What tile size is best for different rooms?
Small tiles (30×30 cm) are ideal for bathrooms and toilets, while larger tiles (60×60 cm or 60×120 cm) suit living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. Anti-slip textured tiles are best for outdoor and wet areas.
How do I prepare the surface before tile installation?
The surface must be clean, level, dry, and crack-free. Uneven floors need screeding. Bathrooms require waterproofing to prevent leakage and dampness.
What causes tiles to crack or become hollow over time?
Poor surface preparation, using low-quality adhesive, improper leveling, and skipping curing time are common causes. Heavy impact or weak subfloors may also lead to cracks.
Do I need grout, and what is its purpose?
Yes. Grout fills the gaps between tiles to prevent moisture penetration, dirt accumulation, and tile movement. It strengthens tile structure and enhances the final appearance.
Image of Tiles applied Grout
Look for an experienced installer with a portfolio of previous jobs, good reviews, clear pricing, and the ability to offer surface assessment before installation. Avoid those who rush or use cement instead of adhesive.
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