Residential and commercial tiling advice Dublin

Bathroom, kitchen and residential tiling advice from Jason Costigan

Helpful guides from Jason (Jay) Costigan and his sons at Costigan & Sons Tiling, a family-run residential and commercial tiling service based in Dublin, Ireland.

Bathroom tiling Dublin

Choosing the Right Tiles for a Dublin Bathroom

One of the questions we get asked most often by residential customers across Dublin is what type of tile they should choose for their bathroom. While appearance is important, practicality should always come first.

Bathrooms deal with moisture, temperature changes and daily use, so choosing the right tile can save money and maintenance in the long run. For bathroom floors, I generally recommend porcelain tiles because they are durable, water-resistant and easy to maintain.

For walls, both ceramic and porcelain tiles can work well depending on the style, budget and condition of the room. Lighter coloured tiles can make smaller Dublin bathrooms feel more spacious, while larger format tiles can reduce grout lines and create a cleaner modern appearance.

Before selecting any tile, I always encourage customers to consider the room size, natural lighting and the overall style they want to achieve. A tile that looks great in a showroom may not always be the best option for a particular home.

If you are planning a residential bathroom renovation in Dublin and would like advice on tile selection, contact Jason Costigan at Costigan & Sons Tiling for a free quote.

Tiling trends Dublin

Tiling Trends I Am Seeing Across Dublin Homes

As a professional tiler working with my sons throughout Dublin and across Ireland, I see new design trends emerge every year. Some are short-lived, but others are practical choices that continue to work well in Irish homes, apartments and family bathrooms.

One trend that remains popular is large format porcelain tiles. These tiles create a modern appearance and can make a room feel bigger because there are fewer grout lines.

Wood-effect tiles are also increasingly popular. Many homeowners want the appearance of timber flooring while benefiting from the durability and water resistance of porcelain.

Another growing trend is feature walls in bathrooms using textured, patterned or herringbone tiles. When used correctly, feature walls can create a premium look without overwhelming the space.

Neutral colours such as greys, warm whites and natural stone finishes remain popular because they complement a wide range of interior styles and tend to age well over time.

When discussing trends with residential customers, I always recommend choosing a design that will still look great in five or ten years rather than following every short-term fashion.

Professional tiling advice

Common Tiling Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid

Over the years we have been called to many residential and commercial jobs where previous tiling work needed to be repaired or replaced. Most problems come down to preparation, planning or using the wrong materials.

One of the most common mistakes is inadequate surface preparation. No matter how expensive the tile is, the finished result depends heavily on the condition of the surface beneath it.

Another issue is selecting the wrong adhesive for the environment. Bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas often require different products to ensure a long-lasting installation.

Poor planning of tile layouts can also lead to awkward cuts and an uneven appearance. Taking time to properly measure and plan the installation can make a significant difference to the finished result.

Finally, rushing the grouting process or failing to allow sufficient drying time can create problems later on. Professional tiling is about much more than placing tiles on a wall or floor. Proper preparation, planning and attention to detail are what create a finish that lasts.

If you are looking for an experienced residential or commercial tiler in Dublin, contact Jason Costigan and Costigan & Sons Tiling.

Tiling costs Dublin 2026

How Much Does Tiling Cost in Dublin in 2026?

One of the first questions homeowners ask is how much a tiling job will cost in Dublin. The honest answer is that it depends on the size of the area, the tile selected, the condition of the surface and how much preparation is needed before the first tile is laid.

A small splashback or bathroom floor will normally be more straightforward than a full bathroom, large kitchen floor or commercial space. Larger areas take more time, and awkward corners, niches, steps and detailed cuts can also affect the labour involved.

Tile choice matters too. Ceramic tiles are often easier to work with and can suit walls and lighter-use areas. Porcelain tiles are harder wearing and popular for bathrooms, kitchens and floors, but they can require more careful cutting and preparation.

Preparation is one of the biggest factors. If old tiles need to be removed, walls need to be repaired, floors need to be levelled or waterproofing is required, this should be allowed for properly. Good preparation helps the finished tiling last longer.

The best way to price a tiling job is to look at the area, discuss the finish the customer wants and give a clear quote based on the actual work involved. If you are looking for a tiler in Dublin, Costigan & Sons Tiling can review the job and provide a free quotation.

Contact Jason for a free tiling quote in Dublin.

Porcelain vs ceramic tiles

Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles: Which Is Better?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both popular choices for Dublin homes, but they are not exactly the same. The better option depends on where the tiles are being fitted and what the customer wants from the finished space.

Porcelain tiles are dense, durable and suitable for areas that deal with regular use. They are commonly chosen for bathroom floors, kitchen floors, hallways and some outdoor areas because they are hard wearing and moisture resistant.

Ceramic tiles can be a very good option for walls, splashbacks and lighter-use areas. They are often more affordable and easier to cut, which can make them suitable for many residential tiling projects.

For a busy family bathroom or kitchen floor, porcelain is usually the stronger choice. For a decorative bathroom wall or kitchen splashback, ceramic may be more than suitable and can still give a clean, modern finish.

Before choosing tiles, it is worth thinking about slip resistance, cleaning, grout colour, room size and the overall style of the home. Costigan & Sons Tiling can advise customers on suitable porcelain and ceramic tiles for bathrooms, kitchens and floors in Dublin.

Contact Jason for a free tiling quote in Dublin.

Bathroom tiling mistakes

7 Common Bathroom Tiling Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid

Bathroom tiling needs careful planning because the room deals with water, steam and daily use. A good finish is not just about how the tiles look on the first day; it is about how well the work holds up over time.

The first common mistake is poor surface preparation. Tiles need a suitable surface underneath them, and uneven or damaged walls can lead to problems later.

The second mistake is using the wrong adhesive or grout for the area. Bathrooms and wet areas need products that are suitable for moisture.

The third mistake is not planning the tile layout before starting. Poor planning can leave awkward cuts in visible places and make the finished job look uneven.

The fourth mistake is ignoring waterproofing in areas that need it. Shower areas, wet rooms and heavy-use bathrooms need proper preparation before tiling begins.

The fifth mistake is choosing tiles based only on appearance. Slip resistance, cleaning and suitability for the room should also be considered.

The sixth mistake is rushing the drying and grouting stages. Tiling needs time to set correctly.

The seventh mistake is trying to cut corners on preparation. Good tiling is built on good groundwork. If you want bathroom tiling in Dublin done properly, Costigan & Sons Tiling can help with careful preparation and a clean finish.

Contact Jason for a free tiling quote in Dublin.

Tiling job timeframes

How Long Does a Tiling Job Take?

The length of a tiling job depends on the size of the area, the type of tile, the layout and the amount of preparation required. Some smaller jobs can be completed quickly, while larger bathrooms, kitchens and floors may take several days.

A straightforward kitchen splashback is usually faster than a full bathroom because there is less surface area and fewer wet-area details to consider. A bathroom can take longer because of wall preparation, floor preparation, waterproofing, cuts around fittings, niches and drying time.

Large-format tiles can look very modern, but they often need extra care when levelling, cutting and setting out. Patterned tiles, herringbone layouts and detailed feature walls can also add time because the layout has to be planned carefully.

Drying time is important. Adhesive and grout need time to cure, and rushing this stage can affect the final result. A professional tiler will normally explain the expected timeframe before the job begins.

If you are planning tiling work in Dublin, the best approach is to send photos or arrange a quote so the job can be assessed properly. Costigan & Sons Tiling can give a realistic timeframe based on the exact work required.

Contact Jason for a free tiling quote in Dublin.

Outdoor tiles Ireland

What Tiles Are Best for Irish Weather?

Irish weather can be wet, cold and changeable, so outdoor tiles need to be chosen carefully. A tile that works well indoors may not be suitable for a front step, porch, entrance or outdoor area.

For outdoor tiling, porcelain is often a strong choice because it is durable and can handle moisture well when the correct outdoor-rated tile is used. It is important to choose tiles that are suitable for external use, not just tiles that look good in a showroom.

Slip resistance is very important for Irish homes and businesses. Front steps, entrances and outdoor paths can become wet quickly, so the tile surface should be practical as well as attractive.

Preparation also matters. Outdoor areas need a sound base, correct falls for water run-off and suitable adhesive and grout. Without proper preparation, even a good tile may not perform as expected.

If you are considering front step tiling or outdoor tiling in Dublin, Costigan & Sons Tiling can advise on practical tile choices that suit Irish weather and daily use.

Contact Jason for a free tiling quote in Dublin.

Tiling over tiles

Should You Tile Over Existing Tiles?

Tiling over existing tiles is possible in some situations, but it is not always the best option. The most important question is whether the existing tiles are solid, clean, level and properly bonded to the wall or floor.

If the old tiles are loose, cracked, hollow sounding or uneven, tiling over them can create problems. The new tiles are only as reliable as the surface underneath, so weak old tiles can lead to failure later.

Height is another issue. Adding a new layer of tiles can affect doors, thresholds, skirting, fittings and floor levels. In bathrooms and kitchens, this needs to be considered before deciding whether to tile over existing tiles.

In some cases, removing the old tiles and preparing the surface properly is the better long-term choice. It can take more work at the start, but it often gives a cleaner and more reliable finish.

If you are unsure whether your existing tiles can be tiled over, Costigan & Sons Tiling can inspect the area and advise on the safest approach for your Dublin home or business.

Contact Jason for a free tiling quote in Dublin.

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Need a tiler in Dublin?

Call Jason Costigan or send an enquiry with a few details about the residential or commercial tiling work you need done.

  • Phone: 085 753 2525
  • Based in: Dublin, Ireland
  • Services: Residential bathroom, kitchen, floor, stair and commercial tiling

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