To DIY or hire a professional?
The biggest influence on the cost will be whether you decide to tackle this project yourself or hire some help. Simple tile jobs are DIY friendly and will cut labour costs altogether. More detailed jobs may need a professional tiler. If you don’t have the time to tile or if you have a large or intricate job, hiring a tiler will be the best way to go. There are a few things that determine how much a bathroom tiler charges, including the size and complexity of the job as well as the skill and reputation of the tiler.
How much does it cost to tile a bathroom professionally?
Tilers typically give you a quote based on their hourly rate. Remember, this does not include the price of the tiles you’ve chosen. It is best to ask for a quote for the entire job (tiles included), so you are not surprised by any hidden costs. Expect to pay a tiler anywhere from $75 to $120 per square metre. A medium-sized bathroom (17 m2) can cost around $1,200 at the lower end and $2,000 at the premium end. Hiring a professional can be helpful if you are not ready to take on a bathroom tiling project. They will take care of everything involved in tiling your bathroom. This includes things like tile removal to grouting. Removing old tiles is something you may want to tackle yourself, however. It is a little more doable for most people and with a little elbow grease, you can save yourself a large chunk of money. When hiring a professional you can expect to pay about $45-$55 per square metre for tile removal.
Bathroom size and tile type
The size of your bathroom will play a huge part in knowing how much it will cost to tile. A small bathroom will typically cost less to tile because you will need less material and less labour. If your tiling request is incredibly complex however this may not always be the case. The type of bathroom tile you choose for your project can also have a big impact on the price. The cost of tiles, on average, ranges from $45 and $150 per square meter. The size, material and quality of the tiles determine their price. Keep in mind that that is the average range. You can always find tiles above and below that range. Wall and floor tiles differ in price, too. Standard white ceramic wall tiles start at around $20 per square metre. Ceramic floor tiles start at about $35 and typically top off around $50 per square metre.
Related article: 18 striking types of tiles to consider for your home in 2024
Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom
Tiles come in many finishes, sizes, and styles. Knowing your budget will help you figure out which types of tiles are best for your bathroom design. You'll want to consider whether you go for both wall and floor tiles as well when looking at the options available to you. Some options might be more appropriate for one or the other depending on the size of your room.
Related article: 22 Bathroom tile ideas for Australian homes
Marble tiles
Marble tiles are popular for their beauty, but they can be very delicate. The care of marble is a little more involved than other types of tiles. Marble can be expensive, too. Expect to pay between $80 and $140 per square metre. The size and type of marble will affect this price. Marble sometimes requires professional installation, so remember that when pricing it out.
Travertine tiles
Travertine tiles are a stone material that is often used in bathroom designs. The natural finish is perfect for floor or wall tiles. The cost of travertine tile will vary depending on size. You’ll see prices starting at around $35-$40 per square metre.
Natural stone tiles
Natural stone tiles are an excellent choice for bathroom projects. They are long-lasting when properly maintained. There are many styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find one to match your design. Natural stone tends to cost more than other tiles. These tiles range in price from around $40-$120 (or more) depending on the type of stone you choose. It may be worth the price tag since it can last for decades.
Related article: Are slate tiles expensive? A detailed look
Ceramic and porcelain tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices because they are durable and affordable. These tiles are not porous and can stand up to the high traffic in a bathroom. White ceramic wall tiles give a classic look to any bathroom project for an affordable price! Ceramic tile prices start at around $20 to $30 per square metre while ceramic subway tiles are priced around $85 per square metre. Porcelain wall tiles will cost you around $70 per square metre while floor tiles are between $50 and $100.
Mosaic tiles
Use mosaic tiles when you want to create an eye-catching display in your bathroom. These tiles come in almost every design imaginable. They are a great way to add personality to your bathroom project. You will, of course, pay a bit more for these beautiful tile designs. For mosaic tiles, you can expect to pay $45 for an interlocking mosaic sheet or $35 for a pebble effect sheet.
Related article: Are mosaic tiles hard to install? A look at the installation process
Glass tiles
Glass bathroom tiles are beautiful and have different finishes available. They are easy to clean and maintain. Furthermore, glass tiles are non-absorbent so splashes and spills wipe right off of them! Because of their delicacy, glass tiles can be expensive. Standard size glass tiles start at about $40 per square metre. They increase in price with size and more intricate designs.
Related article: 8 Modern bathroom ideas for 2025 and beyond
Are you ready to tile your bathroom?
Now that you’ve got a better idea of the total costs, you’re hopefully in a better position to decide if tiling your bathroom is right for you. Bathroom tiles can look stunning when done well and are a great way of protecting your walls and floors exposed to regular water and moisture. You may have to be strategic with the types of tiles you choose and the professionals you hire but if you make those decisions as well-informed as possible you’ll put yourself on the right track to success.
This article was updated on 3rd December 2024
