Laying slabs and tiles professionally
Tiling and paving work has a greater impact on a room than many people initially think. A neatly laid floor or a high-quality tiled wall not only affects the appearance, but also the comfort, ease of care, and durability of a room. Whether in the bathroom, kitchen, living area, or entrance hall, tiles are robust, timeless, and versatile— if they are laid professionally.
This is precisely where quality quickly separates itself from shoddy work. Laying tiles is a craft that requires the substrate, waterproofing, cutting, and grouting to work together perfectly. In this guide, you will learn how the costs for a tiler in Switzerland are calculated, which materials are best to use, and what you should definitely look for when choosing a specialist company.
What costs can you expect when laying tiles?
The price for tiling work is never based solely on the price per square meter of the tiles. Rather, the decisive factor is the total amount of work involved, which can vary greatly depending on the room and the materials used.
The most important cost drivers include:
- Type of covering (ceramic, porcelain stoneware, natural stone, mosaic)
- Panel size and thickness
- Condition of the substrate
- Wall or floor installation
- Wet area or dry room
- Cut, corners, edges, and transitions
The effort involved increases significantly, especially in bathrooms or with large-format tiles—and so does the price.
Price range for sheet material
Material prices vary considerably depending on quality, origin, and design. The following overview will help you plan your budget:
Ceramic tiles:
approx. $30–90 per m²
Porcelain stoneware:
approx. $30–90 per m²
Natural stone (e.g., granite, marble, slate):
Approximately $80–250 per square foot
Mosaic (standard):
from approx. $220 per m²
Mosaic (high quality/design):
up to over $3,800 per square meter
Baseboards:
approx. $15–35 per linear meter
Labor costs for a tile layer
In addition to the materials, the labor costs are also a significant factor. These vary depending on the region, company, and degree of difficulty.
Typical reference values in Switzerland:
- Hourly rate for tile layers: approx. 80–100 CHF
- Laying floor tiles: approx. $80–100 per m²
- Laying wall panels: approx. $50–85 per m²
- Surface preparation/primer: approx. $8–14 per m²
- Sealing work (shower, bathroom): approx. $40–65 per square meter
Important: Large formats or very heavy panels require additional work, as transport, cutting, and precise alignment are significantly more challenging.
Which sheet material is suitable for which application?
Not every material is equally suitable for every room. Making the right choice saves money and hassle in the long run.
Ceramictiles
Ceramic is a classic choice for wall and floor coverings. The selection of colors, formats, and designs is huge, and the prices are moderate. Suitable for: living rooms, kitchens, walls Advantages: inexpensive, easy to care for, versatile Disadvantages: less resistant than porcelain stoneware under heavy use
Porcelainstoneware
Porcelain stoneware is particularly dense and resistant. It absorbs hardly any water and is therefore ideal for wet areas. Suitable for: bathrooms, kitchens, entrance areas, outdoor areas Advantages: extremely durable, frost and water resistant Disadvantages: more expensive to install
Naturalstone
Natural stone gives rooms an exclusive, natural look. Each slab is unique, but requires professional installation and care. Suitable for: high-quality living areas, bathrooms, stairs Advantages: unique, very durable Disadvantages: expensive, requires sealing and intensive care
Why the ground beneath your feet determines success or failure
A common mistake when working with panels is underestimating the importance of preparation. An uneven or unstable surface will later lead to:
- cracks
- hollows
- loose panels
- moisture damage
That's why professionals invest a lot of time in:
- Leveling and filling
- priming
- professional sealing
- proper expansion joints
Proper sealing is crucial, especially in bathrooms—mistakes often only become apparent months or years later and result in high follow-up costs.
Lay it yourself or hire a professional?
Many builders consider laying tiles themselves to save money. In practice, however, this is rarely worthwhile.
DIY projects often fail because of:
- inaccurate cuts
- wrong adhesive
- uneven joint pattern
- lack of sealing
This results in costly repairs—often significantly more expensive than professional installation. A professional tiler not only ensures a clean result, but also guarantees adhesion and warranty.
How to find a reliable tile layer
A good tiler not only offers fair prices, but above all transparency and advice.
When reviewing offers, pay attention to:
- clear list of all services
- separate material and labor costs
- realistically calculated waste (approx. 10–15%)
- defined hourly rates for additional work
- Information on travel and transportation
A reputable company will explain the differences between materials, point out risks, and show you references of completed projects.
How long do tile coverings really last?
Properly laid tiles are among the most durable surfaces in the home:
- Ceramic: approx. 25–30 years
- Porcelain stoneware: 30–40 years and more
- Natural stone: often several decades
In practice, however, tiles are usually replaced for aesthetic reasons—such as renovations or style changes—and not because they are damaged.
Conclusion: Panel work is not the place for experimentation.
Laying tiles is precision work. Even small mistakes in the substrate, waterproofing, or cutting can cause major damage in the long term. An experienced tiler ensures that all steps are carried out correctly and that your floor or wall covering will last for decades.
In addition to high-quality craftsmanship, you will benefit from expert advice on material selection, format, and installation methods. If you value a durable, clean result, you are clearly better off with a specialist company.
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