How much does it cost to tile a bathroom in Australia?

03 March 2022

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6 min read

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The average renovation cost of a bathroom in Australia is around $17,500 according to the Housing Industry Association. The high end of this average is $25,000 and the lower end is $5,000. That is quite the range! Tiling plays a large part in the overall cost of any modern bathroom renovation and there are a number of factors that can swing a budget either way.

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 $30-$55 per m2. 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 per square metre.

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 it 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 $50 and $80 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 can expect to pay between $20-$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-$100 (or more) depending on the type of stone you choose. It may be worth the price tag since it can last for decades!

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 $15 per square metre. More detailed designs can cost you upwards of $50 per square metre. High-end artisan ceramic and porcelain tiles can range from $80-$150 per square metre.

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. Mosaic tiles can range from about $30 to $50 or more per square metre.

Glass tiles

Glass bathroom tiles are beautiful and have different finishes available. They are easy to clean and maintain. 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.

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 for success.

Related article: Modern bathroom ideas for 2023 and beyond

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.