Bathroom Tiling Costs in Australia: 2025 Prices & Installation Guide
Wondering how much it costs to tile a bathroom in Australia? Whether you need new bathroom tile installation or bathroom tile remodelling, you require a tiler company. Tiling is an important component of a bathroom. Tiles can remodel the appearance of a washroom and deliver the space a present-day, glamorous, or comfortable experience. Popular options like ceramic, porcelain, marble, mosaic, and subway tiles offer a range of finishes to suit modern, classic, or luxe designs.
From the sleek porcelain to the timeless charm of subway tiles, your bathroom can be transformed into a spa-like haven with the right tile choice. On average, bathroom tiling costs range from $50 to $230 per square metre, depending on the type of tile, size of the area, and complexity of the installation. This cost guide will explain all the costs related to tiling in Australia – the forms of tiles, tiling a bathroom cost in Australia, and other charges.
Notable Tips For Bathroom Tiling
- Choose Moisture-Resistant Tiles: Australia's humid climate, especially in coastal regions, makes it essential to choose porcelain or ceramic tiles as they are non-porous and durable, and ideal for wet areas like bathrooms.
- Consider Slip Resistance: Safety is crucial in a bathroom, so select tiles with a high slip-resistance rating, especially for the floor. Look for tiles rated R10 or above to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
- Plan for Professional Installation: Tiling can be complex, especially when dealing with waterproofing, grout lines, and ensuring a level surface. Hiring a professional tiler ensures a flawless finish, compliance with Australian standards, and long-lasting results.
Types of Tiles For Bathroom & Their Costs
The cost of tiles depends on the material, size, shape, and design. Below is a detailed view of different varieties of tiles and their prices:
Tile Types |
Material Cost (per m²) |
Tiler's Cost (per m²) |
---|
Ceramic Tiles |
$20 - $50 |
$40 - $80 |
Porcelain Tiles |
$30 - $80 |
$50 - $70 |
Natural Stone Tiles |
$50 - $150 |
$70 - $100 |
Mosaic Tiles |
$40 - $100 |
$80 - $120 |
Glass Tiles |
$50 - $120 |
$70 - $150 |
Marble Tiles |
$80 - $200 |
$90 - $160 |
Travertine Tiles |
$60 - $120 |
$70 - $130 |
Slate Tiles |
$50 - $100 |
$60 - $110 |
Terracotta Tiles |
$40 - $90 |
$50 - $100 |
Vinyl Tiles |
$20 - $50 |
$30 - $80 |
Ceramic Tiles
These are the most used ones due to their strength and because they are not very pricey.
- Standard Ceramic Tiles: The cost of ceramic tiles ranges from $20-$50 per square meter. These are good for those who plan on doing simple renovations at an affordable price.
- High-Quality Ceramic Tiles: Heavier-level designs can range from $30 to $50 per m2. These are used in luxury bathrooms. They have extra durability.
Porcelain Tiles
- Basic Porcelain Tiles: The charges vary from $35 to $50 per m2. Porcelain tiles are very tough and do not soak up water, and hence can be appropriate for the restroom.
- Premium Porcelain Tiles: Premium finishes can be priced between $50 and $100 per m2. These are used in commercial space bathrooms.
Marble Tiles
The type of tiles commonly associated with classy living is marble. However, these tiles are slightly more delicate or fragile and need slight care.
- Standard Marble Tiles: Cost between $50 and $80 per square meter. These are useful for bathroom wall tiling.
- Premium Marble Tiles: These tiles cost around $80 per square meter if the size is large and the quality is high.
Travertine Tiles
Travertine tiles are natural stones that are quite similar to marble but possess a more rugged look; they cost between $20 and $40 per square meter.
Natural Stone Tiles
These include various categories of stones, such as granite have high strength and durability but come with a high cost.
- Granite Tiles: It costs between $40 and $100 per square meter.
- Other Natural Stones: Prices depend on the type of glass and can be in the ranges of $40-$100 or even more per square meter.
Glass Tiles
These tiles have a rather attractive look on the layers, but they are known to be rather expensive.
- Standard Glass Tiles: The usual cost ranges from $40 per square meter.
- Premium Glass Tiles: Other designs that are more complex and even the larger designs start from a price of $60 per square meter.
Mosaic Tiles
Ideal for applying personal style and finishing touches to the bathroom.
- Standard Mosaic Tiles: The costs can range from $30 to $40 per square meter.
- Designer Mosaic Tiles: They range from $20 to $50 or even more for each square meter of floor space.
Tiling And Installation Costs In A Bathroom
The cost of putting tiles on partitions, flooring, or walls may vary depending on the area and the contractor you hire. The floor tiling averages $65–$120 per m², wall tiling ranges from $80–$160 per m², and shower walls are the most expensive at $100–$180 per m². These rates include both tile materials and labour. Prices can shift based on tile type, bathroom size, and prep work required. Here’s what you need to know about bathroom tiling costs:
- Labour Costs: Tilers usually cost between $75 and $120 per square meter. This could range from approximately $1,200 for a small-sized bathroom of approximately 10 square meters to about $2,000 for top-rate bathroom furnishings for the identical-sized bathroom.
- Tile Removal: If you are willing to do tile removal yourself, then you could save on the price of hiring an expert. However, if you wish to hire an expert to do that for you, the cost may vary between $45 and $55 per square meter. Old tiles are pretty easy to take off, but in case you want to do the task yourself, it's going to take a lot of effort and time.
- Waterproof Membrane: The laying of a water-resistant membrane on the ground is commonly required as a barrier in opposition to water accumulation. It may also contribute to your total expenses, but the amount will vary depending on the size of the area.
Additional Costs With Bathroom Tiling
How much to tile a bathroom? Beyond the basic tiling a bathroom cost Australia, several optional extras can affect your budget:
- Sealant: Some tiles, especially the natural stones, have to be sealed to avoid the penetration of water into the tiles. Sealing may cost from $25 to $40 per square meter. Ceramic and porcelain tiles generally will not require any type of sealer.
- Plastering: Preparation of the wall before the tiling might involve the application of plaster. If the walls are rough or have some wear and tear, then this too could come at added costs.
- Underfloor Heating: Optional underfloor heating can add some extra comfort, especially if your home is in an area with a cold climate. This option is priced at slightly over $105 per square meter.
Comparing Bathroom Tiling vs Alternative Waterproof Wall Systems
When renovating a wet area like a bathroom, you can choose between traditional tiling and various waterproof wall panels (e.g. Cementitious panels like Aquapanel®, fibre‐cement boards, or fully waterproof wallboards).
Traditional tiling typically costs between $65–$120 per m² installed, while waterproof wall panels run about $50–$90 per m². Tiles last around 20–30 years (with periodic re-grouting) and require a separate waterproof membrane, regular grout sealing, and 2–4 days of installation, whereas wall panels come factory-sealed, carry 40–50+ year warranties, need only a quick wipe-down, and can be fitted in 1–2 days.
- Cost: Wall panels are generally 10–20% cheaper per square metre installed, saving both material and labour time.
- Durability: Panels offer longer warranties and are inherently waterproof, reducing the risk of leaks and mould around grout lines.
- Maintenance & Speed: With no grout to reseal or repair, panels require almost no ongoing upkeep and can be installed faster, ideal for tight timelines.
- Design: For homeowners seeking bespoke patterns or premium stone/mosaic looks, traditional tiling remains unparalleled. Panels work best in minimalist or contemporary schemes where ease and longevity take priority.
By weighing upfront savings and reduced maintenance against the aesthetic versatility of tiles, you can choose the solution that best fits your bathroom’s style and your budget.
Factors Influencing the Costs Of Bathroom Tiling
Several factors can influence the total cost of tiles and installation:
The area to Be Tiled
The cost of the tiling material and the labour cost depends on the area you intend to cover with tiles. Having to tile the bathroom entirely or large portions of walls and floors will be more costly as compared with tiling a small portion of the bathroom splash area only. For example:
- Small Bathroom: The cost of tiling a small restroom (among 10-15 m2) ranges from $500 to $1,200 for the tiles and $750 to $1,800 for the installation, making it approximately $1,250 to $3,000 overall.
- Medium Bathroom: It can cost approximately $850 to $1,700 for tiles and $1,275 to $2,040 for installation that occupies approximately 20 m2 to 25 m2, which evaluates to approximately $2,125 to $3,740.
- Large Bathroom: For larger bathrooms than 25 square meters, tiling expenses may be greater than $1,250 for the tiles and more than $1,875 for installation; the entire cost can be as excessive as $3,000 and above.
Complexity of Layout
The cost of tiling a bathroom depends on the layout; the more complicated the floor and walls, the higher the price of tiling. Highly specific designs that can require problematic cuts or precise styles could be extra costly due to the high wastage of tiles and the cuts. For example:
- Simple Layout: A basic design in which speedy tile cuts are not needed will be cheaper.
- Complex Layout: Complex geometries, sharp edges, or intricate patterns and textures will lead to increased labour costs because they take longer to produce.
Cost of Labour
Labour cost depends on the area and the extent of understanding of the tiler. The hourly fee can be between $45 and $85, depending on the tiler you use. For example, tiling services in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to be more expensive compared to regional areas. Homeowners in states like Queensland or South Australia may enjoy slightly lower rates. It's always a good idea to compare local quotes before starting your project. Always request a breakdown of the charges, which includes labour and materials.
How to Get Accurate Tiling Quotes From Contractors?
To avoid unexpected costs, it’s essential to obtain detailed quotes from tilers. Here’s a way to make certain you get an accurate estimate:
- Get a Written Quote: Ask the tiler to give you an average price of the task rather than simply an hourly rate. Labour, materials, and any extras such as tile removal or waterproofing should be included in the quote.
- Measure Your Space: Find out the area of your tiling space so that you get a clear measurement of the area. Give these measurements to your tiler for an accurate estimate of your tile installation.
- Specify Tile Type: Specify what type of tiles you prefer to use. It is usually very important to note that the price of tiles may differ depending on their material and quality.
How To Choose the Right Tiles For Your Bathroom?
Choosing the tiles comes with some considerations such as cost, appearance, and practicality of the tiles. Here’s a guide to help you choose:
- Material: Select the tile material that can be paid for and which is suitable for your bathroom’s characteristics. As for the material, porcelain tiles are preferred because of their hardness and water-repellent features. Other natural stones, such as granite, will add a touch of elegance at a higher cost.
- Size and Finish: The size and type of tiles can either be expensive or cheap, depending on the owner's preference and the floor's decoration. Even though large tiles are relatively costlier than smaller tiles, they are more economical since they would take less time to lay out on the floor.
- Maintenance: Think about all the types of tiles and how much care and maintenance they will require. For example, marbles are sensitive and need regular cleansing and sealing, while ceramics and porcelain are a number of the maximum durable types.
Conclusion
Bathroom tiling is one of the investments that add value to your home. If you view the diverse tiling costs in Australia above and make the right choices, then you are on the right track towards getting a beautifully tiled bathroom that does not break the bank. Whether it is ceramic tiles or marble that you choose to have in your bathroom, you must estimate the cost for installation before hiring a tiler so that you can design the right bathroom at the best price.