Roof tile prices in the UK vary a lot. A single concrete tile can cost around a pound, while a hand-made clay tile can cost several times more. What matters more to most homeowners is the cost per square metre and the total bill for the whole roof, because labour, scaffolding and extras make up a big part of the price.
This guide covers typical 2026 UK prices for concrete, clay and slate roof tiles, per tile and per square metre, and explains what pushes the price up or down. All figures are guides only, so use them to budget and then get written quotes for your own roof.
Roof Tile Prices at a Glance
The table below shows typical UK ranges for the main roof coverings. The “fitted” column includes the tiles, labour, underlay and battens, which is what most roofers quote. Material-only prices are much lower.
| Covering | Price per tile (materials only) | Fitted cost per m² | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete tiles | About £1 to £4 | £75 to £170 | 40 to 60 years |
| Clay tiles | About £2 to £8 | £100 to £210 | 60 to 100 years |
| Natural slate | Varies by size and origin | £130 to £280 | 80 to 100+ years |
| Fibre-cement (artificial) slate | Varies by product | £85 to £185 | 30 to 40 years |
The ranges are wide because published prices differ between suppliers, regions and specifications. Premium products, hard-to-reach roofs and complicated shapes sit at the top end.
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Concrete Roof Tile Prices
Concrete tiles are the most common roof covering in the UK, mainly because they are the cheapest option. Large interlocking tiles cover a lot of roof per tile, so they are quick to lay, which keeps labour costs down.
- Per tile: usually around £1 to £4, depending on the size, profile and colour.
- Fitted per m²: roughly £75 to £170.
- Tiles per m²: about 10 for a large interlocking tile.
Concrete plain tiles are small and need many more per square metre, so they cost more to buy and fit than the interlocking type. Concrete is also heavy, so an older roof built for slate may need extra strengthening before you switch.
Clay Roof Tile Prices
Clay tiles cost more than concrete, but they hold their colour for the life of the roof and often last much longer. Hand-made tiles, special colours and matching to an older roof push the price up the most.
- Per tile: typically around £2 to £8.
- Fitted per m²: roughly £100 to £210.
- Tiles per m²: about 60 for plain tiles, fewer for pantiles and interlocking clay.
On the same roof, switching from concrete to clay can add a few thousand pounds, because both the tiles and the labour cost more. For more detail, read our clay roof tiles guide.
Slate Roof Prices
Natural slate is the premium option. The price depends heavily on where the slate comes from. Spanish and other imported slate is the mainstream choice and costs the least. Welsh slate is the heritage option and costs significantly more, often being specified on listed buildings and in conservation areas.
- Imported slate: often in the region of £130 to £220 per m² fitted.
- Welsh slate: commonly £180 to £320 per m² fitted.
- Fibre-cement slate: a cheaper, lighter alternative with a consistent look, but a shorter life.
Our slate roof guide compares the types in more detail.
What Does a Whole Roof Cost?
As a rough guide, a full re-roof on a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house often falls in these ranges:
- Concrete tiles: around £6,500 to £11,500.
- Clay tiles: around £9,500 to £15,500.
- Natural slate: around £11,000 to £18,500.
Bigger or more complicated roofs, such as detached houses with several valleys or dormers, can cost much more. Treat these figures as a starting point only.
How Much Do Replacement Tiles Cost?
If you only need a few tiles replaced, the tiles themselves are a small part of the bill. Most of the cost is the call-out, the access equipment and the roofer’s time. A handful of slipped or broken tiles often costs a few hundred pounds, while re-tiling a section of the roof costs considerably more.
Older and discontinued tiles can be harder to match, which takes extra time. If your roof is old, it is worth asking whether salvaged tiles are available.
What Affects the Price of Roof Tiles?
- Material: concrete is cheapest, then fibre-cement slate, clay and natural slate.
- Tile size and type: large interlocking tiles are quicker to lay than small plain tiles.
- Roof size and shape: valleys, hips, dormers and chimneys all add cutting and labour.
- Roof pitch: steeper roofs cost more to work on. Check the minimum pitch for any tile using our roof pitch calculator, since some tiles cannot go on shallow roofs.
- Access and scaffolding: a full scaffold is often a significant line on the quote.
- Underlay and battens: a good re-roof uses new breathable underlay and treated battens. See our guide to roof felt and underlay.
- Region: labour and delivery costs are generally higher in London and the South East.
- Extras: ridge and hip tiles, lead flashing, fascias and gutters are often priced separately.
Where to Buy Roof Tiles
You can buy roof tiles from builders’ merchants, specialist roofing suppliers and some online retailers. Prices and stock vary, and delivery of tiles is usually by pallet, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for clay or special orders.
When you search for suppliers near you, check these points before ordering:
- The tile has the correct size, profile and minimum pitch for your roof.
- You order a few spares from the same batch, since colours can vary between batches.
- The price includes delivery and any pallet charges.
- You know how many tiles per square metre you need, with an allowance for cutting and waste.
Most homeowners find it simpler to let the roofer supply the tiles, because they can match the product to the roof and are responsible if something is wrong. If you do supply your own, ask the roofer first.
How to Compare Roofing Quotes
A low price per tile does not mean a cheap roof. Always compare quotes on the full specification: tile type, underlay, batten grade, scaffolding, waste removal and guarantee. Our guide to reading a roofing quote explains what to look for, and the types of roof tiles guide helps you decide which material suits your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do roof tiles cost per tile?
Concrete tiles usually cost around £1 to £4 each, and clay tiles around £2 to £8 each, depending on size and style. Slate is priced differently, by size, origin and grade.
How much do roof tiles cost per m²?
Fitted costs for a full re-roof are roughly £75 to £170 per m² for concrete, £100 to £210 for clay and £130 to £280 for natural slate. This includes labour, underlay and battens.
What is the cheapest roof tile?
Concrete interlocking tiles are the cheapest in most cases, both to buy and to fit.
Are clay tiles worth the extra cost?
For many homes, yes. Clay tiles cost more upfront, but they hold their colour and often last decades longer than concrete. They are also the usual choice on period homes.
How many roof tiles do I need per m²?
About 10 for a large interlocking tile and around 60 for small plain tiles. The exact number depends on the product and the batten spacing, so check the manufacturer’s data sheet.
Is it cheaper to buy the tiles myself?
Sometimes, but not always. Roofers get trade discounts, and if you supply the wrong tiles or too few, the cost to fix it is on you. Ask your roofer before you buy.
Final Thoughts
Tile prices are only part of the story. The covering you choose, the shape of the roof and the quality of the underlay and battens all affect the total, and a cheap quote that skips them can cost more in the long run. Use the ranges above to set a budget, then compare at least three written quotes before you decide.
Get a professional assessment
If you are unsure how much life your current roof has left, a local roofer can give you an honest assessment as part of a free inspection. Browse vetted roofers through our roofer directory, or get a quick replacement estimate using our free cost calculator.