Tiling a kitchen differs from other rooms because it involves two distinct surfaces with different technical requirements. You need a safe, non-slip floor and hygienic, easy-to-clean walls.
This guide breaks down these costs separately, allowing you to create an accurate budget whether you are planning a simple floor replacement or a complete renovation using our kitchen tiles collection.
Standard Kitchen Sizes in Kenya
To create a realistic budget, you must first establish the total area. Kitchens in Kenya vary in design, but for the cost examples in this guide, we use the specific measurements of a standard, closed-plan family kitchen.
You should estimate your materials based on these three common zones:
- The Floor Area: Most standard closed kitchens in Kenya have a usable floor area between 8 and 12 square metres.
- The Backsplash Area: This is the strip of wall directly above the counters and sink. It typically measures between 3 and 5 square metres.
- Full Wall Area: Some homeowners choose to tile from floor to ceiling for easier cleaning and maximum hygiene. This significantly increases the surface area to 20 square metres or more.
Cost of Kitchen Floor Tiles per Square Metre
The kitchen floor requires specific materials that influence the budget. You cannot use standard wall ceramics here; the floor demands high-density porcelain to withstand heavy appliances, dropped utensils, and frequent cleaning.
Porcelain tiles for kitchen use generally cost between KES 1,400 and KES 1,800 per square metre.
This price point reflects the material's durability. Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures than ceramic, making it non-porous. This means it will not absorb oil spills or food stains, which protects your investment from permanent damage.
For a standard closed kitchen of 10 square metres, you should budget for 11 square metres of material to account for cutting wastage.
- Standard Matte Porcelain: ~KES 1,500/sqm. Total for 10sqm kitchen: KES 16,500.
- Wood-Look Porcelain: ~KES 1,800/sqm. Total for 10sqm kitchen: KES 19,800.
Kitchen Wall and Backsplash Costs
Budgeting for kitchen walls involves a choice between tiling just the workspace (the backsplash) or tiling the entire room. These two approaches have significantly different cost implications due to the area covered and the type of tile used.
Cost of Tiling a Backsplash (3–5 Square Metres)
The backsplash is the area between the countertop and the upper cabinets. Since this area is small, many homeowners choose premium decorative tiles, mosaics, or metro tiles. These specialized tiles often cost more per unit, ranging from KES 1,800 to KES 3,000+ per square metre.
Despite the higher unit price, the total project cost remains low because the quantity is small.
- Calculation: 4 sqm x KES 2,500 (premium tile) = KES 10,000.
Cost of Full Wall Tiling (20+ Square Metres)
Tiling the full kitchen from floor to ceiling creates a hygienic, washable surface. For this large surface area, standard glazed ceramic tiles are the most cost-effective choice. These tiles typically range from KES 900 to KES 1,200 per square metre.
While the price per square metre is lower than backsplash tiles, the total cost is higher due to the volume required.
- Calculation: 22 sqm (including wastage) x KES 1,100 (standard ceramic) = KES 24,200.
Labor and Specialized Material Costs
Tiling a kitchen involves more complexity than tiling an empty bedroom or living room. You must account for specific labor challenges and materials designed to withstand a cooking environment.
Labor Rates for Kitchens
Kitchens are congested spaces for tilers. Unlike an open room, a kitchen often has fixed obstacles like plumbing pipes, pantry corners, or installed cabinetry that tiles must fit around. A professional tiler (fundi) spends significantly more time measuring and cutting tiles to fit these irregular shapes.
Consequently, labor rates for kitchens often sit at the higher end of the market spectrum. You should budget between KES 600 and KES 700 per square metre. This rate ensures the tiler takes the time to achieve neat cuts around your cabinets and drainage points, which is critical for a professional finish.
The Importance of Stain-Resistant Grout
Standard white grout is porous and absorbs cooking grease, leading to discoloration that is difficult to clean. For kitchen floors and backsplashes, we recommend budgeting for a stain-resistant or darker-colored grout.
While a bag of standard grout costs approximately KES 600, a high-quality stain-resistant or epoxy grout can cost between KES 1,500 and KES 2,500. Although this is a higher upfront cost, it drastically reduces long-term maintenance and keeps the kitchen looking hygienic.
Total Budget Scenarios for a Standard Kitchen
We can now combine the costs for tiles, labor, and materials to create realistic budget estimates. These scenarios assume a standard Kenyan closed kitchen with a 10 square metre floor area.
Scenario A: Floor Replacement Only
This covers removing an old floor and installing new non-slip porcelain tiles. It is the most common renovation for homeowners updating a kitchen's look.
- Floor Tiles: 11 sqm (inc. wastage) @ KES 1,600 = KES 17,600
- Labor: 10 sqm @ KES 600 = KES 6,000
- Materials: Adhesive & Grout = KES 4,000
Scenario B: Floor + Decorative Backsplash
This scenario adds a decorative tiled strip above the counters. It balances cost with high visual impact.
- Floor Project (from above): = KES 27,600
- Backsplash Tiles: 4 sqm @ KES 2,500 = KES 10,000
- Backsplash Labor & Materials: ~KES 4,000
Scenario C: The "Full Hygiene" Finish
This involves tiling the floor and all four walls from floor to ceiling. This is common in commercial kitchens or high-traffic family homes to ensure every surface is washable.
- Floor Project: = KES 27,600
- Wall Tiles (Ceramic): 22 sqm @ KES 1,100 = KES 24,200
- Wall Labor: 20 sqm @ KES 600 = KES 12,000
- Extra Adhesive/Grout: ~KES 8,000
Expert Take on Kitchen Tiling Costs in Kenya
The total cost of your kitchen project depends largely on the wall area you cover. Replacing just the floor keeps expenses low (~KES 28,000), while tiling every wall for maximum hygiene increases the budget significantly (~KES 70,000+).
We offer specific materials for both approaches, from safe non-slip flooring to easy-to-clean wall ceramics. You can browse our kitchen tiles collection to compare specific prices and select the right materials for your renovation.
