Vetted tilers in Edenvale. Book now.

In Edenvale, expect labour of R180 – R320 per m² for floors and R220 – R380 per m² for walls, plus a minimum of R350 – R650 on small repairs. Removing the old tiles common in 1950s to 70s homes is R80 – R150 per m² and shower waterproofing R2,000 – R4,500. Tiles are quoted separately, R150 – R900+ per m² for ceramic and porcelain.

Original mid-century tiles are rarely still in production, but a tiler can lift matching ones from inside cupboards or under the stove to repair the visible area, and East Rand salvage yards sometimes have old stock. Failing that, a deliberate contrasting border or inset makes the new tiles look like a design choice rather than a patch.

Where the original tiles are firmly bonded and level, overlaying with a primer and flexible adhesive saves a lot of dust in an established home. The floor rises by around 10 – 12mm, so doors, skirtings and the step to the stoep need adjusting. If more than a few tiles sound hollow, lifting the lot is the safer investment.

A cleared kitchen floor takes two to three working days: lifting the old tiles and repairing the screed on day one, laying on day two and grouting on the third. Add a day if units must be removed and refitted or if the screed needs levelling. Walls and splashbacks are usually done alongside without adding much time.