Planning a flooring renovation? Whether you own an apartment in Thane, a commercial office in Navi Mumbai, or a heritage home in South Mumbai, the most common question we get is: “How much does tile installation actually cost?”
You might see a tile price of ₹50/sq. ft. in the showroom, but the final bill often comes out much higher. Why? Because of labor, dismantling, and logistical costs that vary across the region.
At Civil Creation, we believe in 100% transparency. Here is the detailed breakdown of Tile Fitting Labor Charges across the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region for 2025.
1. The Base Labor Rates (Per Sq. Ft.)
Labor rates can fluctuate slightly depending on your location, for example, handling materials in a South Mumbai high-rise often costs more than a ground-floor site in Navi Mumbai. However, here are the standard market averages:
| Tile Type | Labor Rate Estimate (Per Sq. Ft.) | Recommended Use |
| Standard Vitrified (2×2 ft) | ₹45 – ₹55 | Rental homes, Budget apartments |
| Large Format (4×2 ft GVT) | ₹60 – ₹80 | Living rooms, Modern finishes |
| Jumbo Slabs (6×4 ft or larger) | ₹85 – ₹120 | Luxury showrooms, Premium homes |
| Italian Marble / Granite | ₹140 – ₹180+ | High-end flooring (Popular in South Mumbai) |
| Bathroom / Wall Tiles | ₹55 – ₹75 | Wet areas (Includes spacer leveling) |
Note: These rates typically include the labor for mixing, cutting, and laying the tiles. It does not include the cost of the tile itself or the adhesive bags.
2. The “Hidden” Costs You Must Budget For
Most contractors won’t tell you these costs upfront. Whether your project is in Mumbai suburbs or Thane West, these site costs apply:
A. Dismantling (Breaking Old Floor)
If you are renovating an old flat, especially in older societies in Mumbai or Thane, the existing floor must be removed.
- Cost: ₹18 – ₹25 per sq. ft.
- Includes: Breaking existing tiles and removing the old mortar bed.
B. Debris (Malba) Removal
Strict municipal rules in BMC and NMMC (Navi Mumbai) areas mean you cannot dump waste downstairs. It must be transported away.
- Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per truckload (Mini tempo).
C. Skirting (The Border)
The 3-4 inch tile border running along the wall is measured in Running Feet (RFT), not square feet.
- Cost: Usually the same rate as the floor fitting (e.g., ₹50 per RFT).
D. Material Handling (Hamali)
If your building in South Mumbai or Thane does not have a service elevator, laborers charge extra to carry heavy tile boxes up the stairs.
- Cost: Varies by floor (approx. ₹10-15 per box per floor).
3. Sand-Cement vs. Chemical Adhesive: What affects the cost?
Method 1: Sand-Cement (The Old Way)
- Cheaper Labor: ₹45/sq. ft. range.
- Risk: Vitrified tiles are non-porous. Cement doesn’t stick well to them. This causes the dreaded “hollow sound”—a common complaint in new towers in Thane and Navi Mumbai.
Method 2: Chemical Adhesive (The Civil Creation Way)
- Premium Labor: ₹55+/sq. ft. range.
- Benefit: We use polymer-modified adhesives (like Roff or Laticrete). This creates a permanent chemical bond.
- Verdict: For modern 4×2 vitrified tiles, always use adhesive. The extra cost is cheaper than repairing a broken floor later.
Summary: A Sample Calculation
Let’s say you are renovating a 500 sq. ft. Living Room using 4×2 Vitrified Tiles.
- Dismantling Old Floor: 500 sq. ft. x ₹20 = ₹10,000
- New Tile Installation: 500 sq. ft. x ₹65 = ₹32,500
- Skirting (Approx 100 RFT): 100 x ₹65 = ₹6,500
- Debris Removal: 1 Truck = ₹4,000
Estimated Labor Total: Approx ₹53,000 (plus taxes/materials).
Get an Accurate Quote Today
Every site is different. A commercial shop in Vashi (Navi Mumbai) has different requirements than a residential flat in Malabar Hill (South Mumbai).
Don’t guess your budget. Contact Civil Creation for a free site inspection. We will measure your carpet area and give you an itemized, honest quote with no hidden surprises.
