Tiling vs Titanium Flooring in Sri Lanka (2025 Cost Comparison)
Tiling vs Titanium Flooring in Sri Lanka (2025 Cost Comparison)
The floor is the largest surface in your home. You walk on it, your children play on it, you see it constantly. Choosing the wrong flooring is a Rs. 500,000+ mistake.
The classic battle: Ceramic/Porcelain Tiles vs Titanium (Epoxy) Flooring. But there are also contenders like Granite, Marble, and even Vinyl. This guide compares them all with 2025 Sri Lankan prices.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Flooring Types
- Tile Options and Pricing
- Titanium Flooring Explained
- Granite and Marble
- Vinyl and Laminate
- Complete Cost Comparison
- Room-by-Room Recommendations
- FAQs
1. Understanding Flooring Types
| Type | Material | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Tiles | Fired clay | Traditional, wide variety | Budget builds, walls |
| Porcelain Tiles | Dense ceramic | Modern, premium look | Living areas, premium homes |
| Titanium (Epoxy) | Chemical coating | Seamless, industrial | Modern minimalism |
| Granite | Natural stone | Luxury, unique patterns | Premium homes, lobbies |
| Marble | Natural stone | Classic elegance | Luxury features |
| Vinyl/Laminate | Synthetic | Wood-look, budget | Offices, rentals |
2. Tile Options and Pricing
Ceramic Tiles (Budget)
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, budget builds
| Size | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12" × 12" | Rs. 180 - 280 | Standard, easy to lay |
| 12" × 24" | Rs. 220 - 350 | Rectangular, modern look |
| 8" × 8" (Wall) | Rs. 150 - 250 | Bathroom walls only |
Brands: Dankotuwa, Lanka Tiles, Sonet (budget range)
Porcelain Tiles (Standard)
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, modern builds
| Size | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2' × 2' (600×600mm) | Rs. 350 - 550 | Most popular size |
| 2' × 4' (600×1200mm) | Rs. 500 - 750 | Large format, fewer joints |
| 3' × 3' (800×800mm) | Rs. 550 - 800 | Statement size |
Brands: Rocell, Lanka Tiles (premium range), RAK
Premium/Imported Tiles
| Origin | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Premium | Rs. 600 - 900 | Good quality |
| Spanish/Italian | Rs. 1,200 - 2,500 | Designer patterns |
| Large Slabs (1.2m × 2.4m) | Rs. 1,500 - 3,000 | Ultra-modern, seamless |
Installation (Labor) Costs
| Work | Cost Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tile Laying (Simple) | Rs. 120 - 150 | Standard rooms |
| Tile Laying (Diagonal) | Rs. 150 - 180 | Design pattern |
| Tile Adhesive | Rs. 35 - 50 | Better than cement |
| Grouting | Rs. 20 - 30 | Colored grout extra |
3. Titanium Flooring Explained
What is Titanium Flooring?
Despite the name, it contains no titanium. "Titanium flooring" in Sri Lanka refers to Epoxy-based self-leveling floors with metallic or solid finishes.
Process:
- Floor is leveled and primed
- Epoxy base coat applied
- Metallic pigments added (for Titanium effect)
- Clear topcoat for protection
Titanium Flooring Costs
| Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Epoxy (Solid Color) | Rs. 350 - 500 | Plain grey, industrial |
| Standard Titanium (Metallic) | Rs. 600 - 850 | Silver, gold, copper effects |
| Premium Titanium | Rs. 900 - 1,200 | 3D effects, marble simulations |
| Imported Systems | Rs. 1,500+ | European brands |
Pros of Titanium
- Seamless: No grout lines, no joints
- Easy to Clean: Mop and done
- Modern Aesthetic: Very trendy
- Quick Installation: 2-3 days for a full house
Cons of Titanium
- Scratches: Shows scratches over time (especially metallic finishes)
- Slippery: Can be slippery when wet
- Cannot Repair: If damaged, entire section needs redoing
- Hot Underfoot: Can get warm in direct sunlight
- Limited Contractors: Not many skilled applicators yet
⚠️ Warning: The epoxy flooring market has many unskilled contractors. Always ask for:
- Previous project references
- Material brand certification
- At least 2-year warranty
4. Granite and Marble
Granite Flooring
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Granite (Polished) | Rs. 550 - 800 | Most cost-effective |
| Sri Lankan Granite | Rs. 650 - 950 | Local mining |
| Imported Premium | Rs. 1,000 - 1,800 | Brazilian, Italian |
Installation: Rs. 150 - 200 per sq ft (requires skilled workers)
Best For: Outdoor, porch, lobby, high-traffic areas
Marble Flooring
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Marble | Rs. 800 - 1,500 | Entry-level luxury |
| Italian Carrara | Rs. 2,500 - 5,000 | Iconic white marble |
| Spanish Marble | Rs. 2,000 - 4,000 | Varied patterns |
Installation: Rs. 200 - 300 per sq ft
Best For: Formal living rooms, feature areas
💡 Pro Tip: Marble stains easily (acidic food, chemicals). Use only in formal spaces, not kitchens or bathrooms.
5. Vinyl and Laminate
Budget alternatives that simulate wood or stone.
Vinyl Flooring (LVT)
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet Vinyl | Rs. 180 - 300 | Cheapest, rolls |
| Vinyl Tiles | Rs. 350 - 550 | Click-lock, DIY friendly |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Rs. 550 - 850 | Realistic wood texture |
Pros: Waterproof, warm underfoot, affordable Cons: Not as durable, can look fake
Laminate Flooring
| Type | Price Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AC3 (Budget) | Rs. 350 - 500 | Light residential use |
| AC4 (Standard) | Rs. 500 - 750 | Normal residential |
| AC5 (Commercial) | Rs. 800 - 1,200 | High traffic |
Pros: Wood look, easy installation Cons: Not waterproof, swells if wet
6. Complete Cost Comparison
Per Square Foot (Material + Installation)
| Flooring Type | Budget | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Tile | Rs. 350 | Rs. 500 | Rs. 650 |
| Porcelain Tile | Rs. 550 | Rs. 750 | Rs. 1,100 |
| Titanium (Epoxy) | Rs. 500 | Rs. 750 | Rs. 1,100 |
| Granite | Rs. 750 | Rs. 1,000 | Rs. 1,500 |
| Marble | Rs. 1,200 | Rs. 2,500 | Rs. 4,500+ |
| Vinyl (LVT) | Rs. 400 | Rs. 600 | Rs. 900 |
| Laminate | Rs. 500 | Rs. 700 | Rs. 1,000 |
For a 2,000 Sq Ft House
| Flooring | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Porcelain Tiles (Standard) | Rs. 1,500,000 |
| Titanium (Standard) | Rs. 1,500,000 |
| Granite | Rs. 2,000,000 |
| Marble (Partial) | Rs. 3,500,000+ |
7. Room-by-Room Recommendations
| Room | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Porcelain 2×4 or Titanium | Modern, impressive |
| Bedrooms | Porcelain or Vinyl LVP | Comfortable, warm |
| Kitchen | Ceramic (Anti-slip) or Vinyl | Waterproof, easy clean |
| Bathroom | Ceramic (Small format) | Non-slip, water-resistant |
| Outdoor/Porch | Granite or Outdoor Tile | Weather resistant |
| Garage | Epoxy (Industrial) | Chemical resistant |
| Rental Property | Vinyl Tiles | Cheap, quick replacement |
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Titanium flooring actually durable?
Standard quality lasts 10-15 years with proper care. Heavy furniture can dent it, and metal objects scratch it. It's durable for walking but less forgiving than tiles.
Q2: Which is easier to maintain—tiles or Titanium?
Titanium is easier (seamless, just mop). Tiles require grout cleaning and can stain. However, damaged tiles can be individually replaced; damaged Titanium needs full section repair.
Q3: Can I put Titanium flooring over existing tiles?
Yes, if the tiles are level and stable. The epoxy is applied over the existing surface. This is a great option for renovations.
Q4: What's the best tile size for small rooms?
Go larger (2×2 or 2×4). Fewer grout lines make the room appear bigger. Avoid busy patterns.
Q5: Should I tile the ceiling?
For bathrooms, consider it (stops moisture damage). For other rooms, paint is fine again.
Q6: How long does tile installation take?
- Tiles: 250-350 sq ft per day per worker
- Titanium: 500-700 sq ft per day (faster)
- A 2,000 sq ft house: 2-3 weeks for tiles, 1 week for Titanium
Building your dream home? Find land on LandSale.lk →