Tiles are a popular choice for flooring and wall finishes in Kenya, widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Known for their durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance, tiles are an appealing choice for many homeowners and builders.
Image of a Hardware Outlet In Zimmerman dealing with Tiles
The Kenyan tile industry has grown significantly in recent years, with both imported and locally manufactured tiles available to cater to a wide range of styles, preferences, and budgets.
Types of Tiles Available in Kenya
There are various types of tiles available in Kenya, each offering different qualities suitable for specific applications. The main types include:
- Ceramic Tiles: Made from clay and baked at high temperatures, ceramic tiles are versatile, durable, and available in various styles. Ceramic tiles are commonly used in residential flooring, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Marble and Granite Tiles: Natural stone tiles such as marble and granite are durable and aesthetically appealing, often used in upscale homes and commercial settings. However, they are more expensive and require specialized maintenance.
- Quarry Tiles: Made from unglazed clay, quarry tiles are highly durable and slip-resistant, suitable for industrial areas, kitchens, and outdoor walkways.
Each of these tiles is available in various sizes, textures, and finishes, including matte, glossy, and anti-slip, to meet the functional and decorative requirements of different spaces.
Read also: Designing with Moroccan Floor Sofas
Image of Sawa Sawa Tiles from Twyford
Tile Prices in Kenya
Tile prices have been on a sky rocketing move due to various factors such as competition and buyouts. For instance in 2023 the cost of Twyford tiles was 600-700Ksh while as of 2025 the box of tile could cost 1200-1800Ksh depending on the hardware you purchase from.
Many local stores in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other urban centers offer a wide range of tile options, with certain suppliers known for specializing in specific types or brands.
Here is a sample tile price list:
| Tile Type | Price (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| 40 by 40 Ceramic Tiles | 1750 |
| 60 by 60 Twyford Ceramic Tiles | 2500 |
| 25 by 40 Twyford Wall Tile | 950 |
| 30 by 30 Ceramic Tiles | 1500 |
Popular Tile Brands in Kenya
In Kenya, several tile brands are popular due to their quality, durability, and design options. Here are some of the most prominent brands:
Read also: Designing with Moroccan Tiles
Twyford Tiles
Twyford Tiles is a well-known tile brand in Kenya, known for its affordable and durable tiles. It is manufactured locally, which has helped reduce the cost of importing similar products, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Twyford offers a wide range of tiles, including ceramic and porcelain tiles, in various sizes, colors, and finishes. Common products include Twyford floor tiles, wall tiles, bathroom tiles, and kitchen tiles. Porcelain tiles from Twyford are slightly more expensive due to their durability and water resistance.
Twyford tiles are widely available across Kenya in major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. They are sold in major hardware stores and through distributors, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Kentiles
Kentiles is another popular tile brand in Kenya with a longstanding reputation for quality and durability. Kentiles are manufactured locally, focusing on both design and functionality, making them suitable for various applications in homes and offices.
Kentiles offers ceramic and porcelain tiles for flooring and wall finishes, available in a range of colors and designs to suit different tastes. Their product line includes anti-slip options, making them ideal for areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
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Kentiles are reasonably priced, with ceramic tiles starting from around KSh 700 per square meter, depending on the style and design. Porcelain tiles from Kentiles are priced higher, around KSh 1,500 per square meter, for more durable options.
Kentiles are available in tile outlets and hardware stores throughout Kenya. With the brand’s local manufacturing capabilities, they are accessible across the country and tend to be more affordable due to reduced importation costs.
SAJ Ceramic Tiles
SAJ Ceramics is a major Kenyan manufacturer of tiles, with a reputation for producing high-quality, aesthetically pleasing tiles that meet international standards. They have invested heavily in technology, which allows them to produce tiles with high precision and excellent durability.
SAJ offers a wide selection of ceramic and porcelain tiles for floors, walls, and specialty applications. They focus on a broad array of designs, including modern, rustic, and traditional styles.
SAJ Ceramic Tiles are competitively priced, with ceramic tiles starting from KSh 900 per square meter and porcelain tiles ranging between KSh 1,200 and KSh 2,500 per square meter, depending on the style.
SAJ tiles are available across Kenya in tile outlets, hardware stores, and online. They cater to both residential and commercial clients and offer custom designs for large orders.
Image of Goodwill Tiles Made In Tanzania
Factors Influencing Tile Prices in Kenya
Several factors influence the prices of tiles in Kenya:
- Material and Quality: High-quality materials like porcelain and natural stone are more expensive due to their durability and aesthetics. Ceramic tiles tend to be more affordable, while premium materials like marble and granite are the most expensive.
- Manufacturing and Import Costs: Locally manufactured tiles, like those from Twyford and Kentiles, are often more affordable than imported ones. Imported tiles may have higher prices due to shipping costs, import duties, and taxes.
- Design Complexity: Custom designs, intricate patterns, and mosaic tiles are generally more expensive due to the level of craftsmanship involved.
- Retail Location: Prices may vary depending on the location of the retailer. Stores in Nairobi or Mombasa, for instance, may have higher operational costs than those in rural areas, affecting tile prices.
- Supplier and Vendor Markup: Different suppliers may mark up tiles based on factors like quality, exclusivity, or brand reputation.
Tile Installation in Kenya
Tile installation costs in Kenya vary depending on the type of tile and the complexity of the job. Here are some average costs for installation:
- Floor Tile Installation: Cost KSh 300 to KSh 500 per square meter for standard ceramic or porcelain tiles. More intricate tile designs, like mosaic or marble, may require specialized skills and thus cost more.
- Wall Tile Installation: Cost KSh 400 to KSh 600 per square meter due to the additional tools and time required for wall applications.
- Specialty Tile Installation: Such as Custom designs, mosaic patterns, and outdoor paving installations generally cost more, ranging from KSh 600 to KSh 1,000 per square meter, depending on the labor involved.
Image of Tiles being soaked in water so as to absorb moisture for easy installation
Tile Trends in Kenya
Kenyan consumers show a growing interest in modern, minimalist, and sustainable tile designs. Trends in the Kenyan tile industry include:
- Wood Look Tiles: These ceramic or porcelain tiles mimic natural wood, offering the look of wood with tile durability. They are popular in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Marble and Granite Finishes: With the rising preference for luxurious aesthetics, marble and granite tiles are sought after in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Large Format Tiles: Larger tiles are in demand due to their ability to create a seamless look with fewer grout lines, ideal for open spaces like living rooms and patios.
- Eco-Friendly Tiles: There’s a rising interest in sustainable materials, with some manufacturers offering tiles made from recycled content.
- Textured and Anti-Slip Tiles: Tiles with texture and anti-slip finishes are becoming common in bathrooms and kitchens, offering additional safety in wet areas.
Steps to Lay Floor Tiles on Concrete
Here's a step-by-step guide to laying floor tiles on a concrete surface:
- Prepare the Concrete Surface
- Clean the surface: Remove dust, dirt, grease, and debris from the concrete floor.
- Repair cracks or holes: Use a concrete patching compound to fix any imperfections.
- Check for levelness: Use a level to ensure the floor is even. If uneven, apply a self-leveling compound.
- Dampen the concrete: Lightly dampen the concrete to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the tile adhesive.
- Plan the Layout
- Measure and mark: Find the center of the room and use a chalk line to create guidelines.
- Dry-lay tiles: Lay tiles without adhesive along the guidelines to determine the best fit and minimize cuts.
- Adjust layout: Shift the starting point if necessary to avoid small cuts at the edges.
- Apply Tile Adhesive
- Mix adhesive: Prepare the adhesive or thinset mortar as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Spread adhesive: Use a notched trowel to spread a layer of adhesive on a small section of the concrete floor.
- Create ridges: Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to form ridges for better tile adhesion.
- Lay the Tiles
- Position the tiles: Place the first tile at the intersection of your guidelines, pressing it firmly into the adhesive.
- Use spacers: Insert tile spacers between tiles to maintain even gaps for grout.
- Tap gently: Use a rubber mallet to ensure the tiles are level and properly set.
- Check alignment: Regularly use a level to check that tiles are even.
- Cut Tiles for Edges
- Measure and mark: Measure the space for edge tiles and mark the cuts.
- Cut tiles: Use a tile cutter or wet saw to make precise cuts.
- Lay cut tiles: Apply adhesive and place the cut tiles, ensuring alignment with the full tiles.
- Allow Adhesive to Set
- Wait for the adhesive to cure as per the manufacturer's instructions (usually 24 hours).
- Apply Grout
- Mix grout: Prepare grout as directed.
- Fill gaps: Use a grout float to spread grout into the gaps between tiles.
- Remove excess grout: Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge before it dries.
- Final clean-up: Once grout has set, clean the tiles with a damp sponge to remove grout haze.
Materials Needed:
- Tile adhesive or thin set mortar
- Tile spacers
- Grout
- Notched trowel
- Level
- Tile cutter or wet saw
- Sponge and bucket of water
- Measuring tape
- Chalk line
- Sealant (optional)
- Rubber mallet
Image of a Wheel Barrow and Cement ready for Tile Installation Process
Image of a Twyford Floor Tiles with 16 pieces Inside
Image of Twyford Wall Tiles
The Installer has to have a right hand man who will do the setting up of the room before tile installation such as making of Niro, removing dried cement to make room for a smooth surface and also cleaning up the tiles after being smeared with the cement which they call it in technical terms as Niro
Tile Installation cost depends on the mode the installer is willing to charge you as some charge per box while some charge per meters squared. A box of Wall tiles contains 15 pieces while a box off floor tiles contains 16 pieces. The cost of installing wall tiles is also different to floor tiles due to the technicality of the Gig.
Calculating The Cost Of Tiles Using Your Area Is Very Easy! Floor tiles are a great way to change the look of your room, they are also very strong and durable enough to withstand the constant foot traffic of a busy home and are very easy to clean & maintain.
The cost of tiles in Kenya depends on the size of the tile and it’s origin. Tiles manufactured in Kenya are cheaper compared to those manufactured in Italy and Spain. Smaller tiles are also cheaper than large format tiles due to the manufacturing process and the thickness of the tile.
On average the tiles prices in Kenya is between Ksh 900 to Ksh 4,500 per square meter i.e. 1 meter by 1 meter square.
Ceramic floor tiles are larger and thicker than wall tiles so they can withstand the weight of foot traffic. Tiles come in different shapes and sizes, but if you are working on a budget then square and rectangular tiles are the best and cheapest option. In addition to being cheaper to buy, they are also easier to install compared to hexagonal or octagonal tiles.
There are a variety of floor tiles available in the Kenya retail market, and the costs range depending on the kind of floor tiles and the quality. Ceramic tiles are among the cheapest options because you can easily cut them and when properly sealed, will be waterproof. Being waterproof makes them ideal to be used on bathroom floors and shwoer areas.
The types found at CTM are: Ceramic tiles, Porcelain tiles and Mosaic tiles.
Each of the floor tile types has attractive properties such as durability, design and the different finish of the tile.
We have a wide range of tile sizes to choose from for your wall & floor installation. Small tiles add character and charm to your home with the option to create different patterns and play with different colour schemes. However Large format tiles are often one colour and mimic textures such as marble, stone and wood. Large format tiles are often used in open plan spaces.
To get a quote for the area you wish to tile is easy. You just need to measure your length and width of the floor you wish to tile, in meters, and multiply the length by the width to get the area. If you wish to tile a wall then you need to measure the width of the wall and the height of the wall.
E.g. 15m2 X Ksh 1,250 / m2 = Ksh 18,750/-
Once you have got your area in square meters. You can check the prices of the different tiles we have on our different tile category pages and multiply the price seen with your area to get the approximate cost to tile that area.
Types of Tiles and Their Costs
Choosing the right tile involves balancing aesthetics, durability, and budget. Here’s a quick look at popular tile types and their price ranges in Kenya:
- Ceramic Tiles: Affordable and versatile, ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Their textured or matte finishes make them great for high-traffic areas. Floor tiles in Kenya like ceramics, are a go-to for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Porcelain Tiles: Stronger and less porous than ceramic, perfect for wet areas. Expect to pay KSh 1,500 to KSh 2,500 per square meter. Their polished or glazed finishes add a sleek look to modern spaces.
- Natural Stone Tiles: Marble, granite, and travertine offer a premium look but come at a higher cost, ranging from KSh 1,000 to KSh 4,500 per square meter. These are best suited for upscale homes or decorative spaces, but they require extra maintenance.
- Wood-Look SPC Tiles: Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) tiles mimic wood grain and are durable and waterproof.
Укладка плитки на пол своими руками. Все этапы и нюансы. Laying tiles on the floor DIY
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