Tiling in Meath
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Meath has experienced massive residential growth as a Dublin commuter county, particularly in Navan, Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Dunboyne, and Trim. Large housing estates built from the late 1990s to 2010s dominate the market, with many now at the age for mid-life maintenance and energy upgrades. Older market towns (Kells, Trim, Athboy) have pre-1970s housing needing more extensive work. Rural Meath has fertile farmland with traditional farmhouses and modern self-builds. The Boyne Valley area has heritage properties with specific conservation requirements.
Meath is an inland, relatively dry county with rainfall of approximately 800 to 900mm annually. The flat to rolling terrain provides good solar exposure. Colder winters than coastal counties mean more frost risk, affecting external works, paving, and pipes. The Boyne and Blackwater valleys create localised flood risk in low-lying areas. The relatively sheltered inland position means moderate wind exposure compared to western and coastal counties.
Tiling in Meath: Local Insights
Meath has experienced massive residential growth as a Dublin commuter county, particularly in Navan, Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Dunboyne, and Trim. Large housing estates built from the late 1990s to 2010s dominate the market, with many now at the age for mid-life maintenance and energy upgrades. Older market towns (Kells, Trim, Athboy) have pre-1970s housing needing more extensive work. Rural Meath has fertile farmland with traditional farmhouses and modern self-builds. The Boyne Valley area has heritage properties with specific conservation requirements.
Meath is an inland, relatively dry county with rainfall of approximately 800 to 900mm annually. The flat to rolling terrain provides good solar exposure. Colder winters than coastal counties mean more frost risk, affecting external works, paving, and pipes. The Boyne and Blackwater valleys create localised flood risk in low-lying areas. The relatively sheltered inland position means moderate wind exposure compared to western and coastal counties.
Strong commuter demand drives property values and investment in home improvements. The M3 motorway has made towns like Dunshaughlin, Dunboyne, and Ratoath particularly desirable, with young families investing in extensions and upgrades. Meath County Council manages planning and is supportive of sustainable development. The Boyne Valley heritage area has specific planning considerations. Contractor availability is good due to proximity to Dublin. Prices are generally 5-10% below Dublin but above national average.
Tiling Costs in Meath
Typical costs for tiling in Meath (prices may vary (typically 10% above national average)):
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom tiling (floor + walls) | €880 | €2,200 | Area, tile type |
| Kitchen splashback | €330 | €880 | Area, tile type |
| Floor tiling (per sq m) | €33 | €66 | Tile size, pattern |
Costs depend on tile size and material, area, complexity (cuts around fixtures), substrate preparation, and whether waterproofing is needed. Floor tiling costs more than wall tiling. Dublin 15-20% above national average.
Areas We Cover in Meath
Tiling FAQs for Meath
Tiling labour costs €25 to €50 per square metre depending on tile size, complexity, and location. A standard bathroom (walls and floor, approximately 15 to 25 sq m) costs €800 to €2,000 for labour plus adhesive and grout. A kitchen splashback costs €200 to €500. Hallway floor tiling costs €500 to €1,500. These prices exclude the tiles themselves, which range from €15 to €80+ per square metre. Dublin tilers are at the upper end.
A standard bathroom (walls and floor) takes 3 to 5 working days including substrate preparation, waterproofing, tiling, grouting, and silicone sealing. A kitchen splashback takes half a day to a full day. Large floor areas (hallway, kitchen) take 2 to 4 days. Allow 24 hours after grouting before the area can be walked on or used normally. Larger tiles and more complex patterns take longer than small, simple layouts.
Porcelain tiles are the most popular choice for bathrooms in Ireland: they are waterproof, extremely durable, easy to clean, and available in an enormous range of styles including realistic stone, wood, and marble effects. For shower floors specifically, choose tiles with an anti-slip rating (R10 or R11) to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. Natural stone is beautiful but requires sealing and more regular maintenance.
Both are clay-based, but porcelain is fired at a significantly higher temperature, making it denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic. Porcelain is suitable for both floors and walls and performs well in wet areas. Ceramic is lighter, easier to cut, and cheaper, making it a good choice for walls. If you want a single tile type for both walls and floors in a bathroom, porcelain is the better and more versatile choice.
Yes, absolutely. This is the most critical quality step in bathroom tiling. Tiles and grout alone are not waterproof. A waterproof membrane (tanking system) must be applied to the walls and floor in the shower area before any tiles are laid. This prevents water penetrating behind the tiles and causing damage to the structure below. This is the step most commonly done incorrectly by inexperienced tilers, and the one that causes the most expensive problems.
Standard practice is to tile the walls first, then install the bathroom suite (toilet, basin, bath, shower tray). The suite sits on top of the floor tiles. This approach allows clean tile edges behind and around each fitting and makes future suite replacement much easier, as you simply remove the old suite without disturbing the tiles. Silicone sealant is used where the suite meets the tiles to accommodate movement.