How Much Does it Cost to Tile a Bathroom?
When it comes to resale value, quality of life, or even relaxation there’s nothing that can elevate a space quite like a well-done bathroom.
And the quickest way to improve this space? It’s with expertly installed, high-quality bathroom tiling.
But transforming your Sydney home with modern and elegant tiling can arrive at both ends of the spectrum. How much should you expect to pay to tile your bathroom? What should that cost breakdown look like? And can you pay peanuts and end up with a premium finish?
We’ll be answering all of those questions (plus a few more) in the following guide. So put on the kettle, find somewhere comfortable to sit, and read on for the ultimate guide to bathroom tiling across Sydney.
When should you retile your bathroom?
Before we dive into cost details, let’s discuss when and why it’s appropriate to tile your bathroom.
After all, if you’re looking to make your bathroom a more enjoyable space (especially if foot traffic and a busy household has taken the shine off things), you may be able to make small changes to your fixtures, or upgrade cabinetry to achieve the same results without the cost.
Then again, if you recognise any of the following signs, it’s probably time to start browsing Pinterest or searching on Google for a new tile material and design that fills you with joy.
✘ Your bathroom is outdated (and you cringe when having company over)
✘ You notice unsightly grout discolouration that’s impossible to restore
✘ Your existing tile is stained, scuffed or scratched beyond reasonable repair
✘ You see mould or notice unpleasant odours in your bathroom (no thanks!)
That said, you don’t have to wait for these warning signs to want to retile your space. Finding the best new tiling option can also be as simple as waking up to brush your teeth and thinking “I’m ready for a change”.
Alright, let’s start talking about dollars and cents.
When should you retile your bathroom
How much does it cost to retile a Sydney bathroom in 2021?
You’re here for prices, so here’s the facts and figures to help you with your research.
Let’s start with the price of bathroom tiles (not inc. installation)
| Bathroom Size | Cost of Tiles |
| Small bathroom | $500 to $1,000 |
| Medium bathroom | $600 to $1,100 |
| Large bathroom | $900 to $1,800 |
Now, the price of bathroom tiling (inc. tiles and labour)
| Bathroom Size | Cost of Installation |
| Small bathroom | $1000 to $1,800 |
| Medium bathroom | $1100 to $2,000 |
| Large bathroom | $2000 to $3,500 |
Please Note: Most Sydney tilers will include materials AND labour in the cost of installation, but these figures are general so be sure to contact your local tiler for a detailed quote.
As an example, an average-sized bathroom on the lower North Shore or Eastern Suburbs will cost between $1,500 and $6,000
What factors affect bathroom tiling costs?
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer when it comes to bathroom tiling.
Naturally, there are plenty of variables with the most obvious being your choice of tile material. A heavy, dense and opulent choice like marble will cost more than a more cost-effective porcelain.
With that in mind, let’s unpack the factors that affect your bathroom tiling costs (with some having more of an impact on your bottom line than others).
Bathroom size
Yes, you can fully tile your bathroom, but you can also pick and choose where you want to install new tiles.
Are you looking for a full upgrade? Just the floor? Maybe an accent wall to elevate a small space?
Sydney homeowners often tile just one part of their bathroom, for example a wall, the floor, or an accent space like the shower. Additionally, it’s common to see tiling installed halfway up a bathroom wall, which frees the upper half of the space for paint and design.
Where you decide to tile your space and how much tiling you do will affect your overall costs.
Tile material
The type of tile that you choose will certainly influence the cost.
As a rule of thumb, the more high-end and durable your material, the more money you should expect to pay. That said, check out the table below for an estimated price on each popular tile material (and where you plan to install them).
| Tile | Average Price | |
| Floor Tiles | Ceramic per m2 | $40 to $80 |
| Porcelain per m2 | $60 to $90 | |
| Natural stone per m2 | $60 to $80 | |
| Wall Tiles | Ceramic per m2 | $50 |
| Porcelain per m2 | $60 to $100 | |
| Natural stone per m2 | $70 to $120 | |
| Mosaic Tiles | Pebble mosaic per sheet | $30 to $50 |
| Interlocking mosaic (per sheet) | $40 to $80 |
Tiling quality
The cost of a bathroom tiling job will depend on your choice of tiler as much as it will your choice of tile.
The more skilled your tiler, the more they’ll likely charge for their services.
Generally, a professional tiler will either charge per hour or per square meter. You can expect these prices to range from:
- $45 to $150 per hour for labour
- $35 to $120 per square meter
Typically, prices per hour include the cost of the tiles AND installation, so be sure to check with your Sydney tiler what’s included in their quote.
Tile shape and size
Another factor to consider is the size and shape of your tiles.
Larger floor tiles, for example, cover more ground with less material, making them easier to use and this will drive down costs. Conversely, if you choose tiles that are small, complex, or non-standard in size and shapes, your costs will increase.
This difference in cost is because these tiles are more difficult to lay and will typically take more time to complete the job.
Waterproofing
If you’re retiling an old or outdated bathroom, you might need your tiling professional to reinforce your waterproofing, for example on a bathroom shower wall.
This is generally priced separately, and the cost of waterproofing can range from $500 to $1,100 depending on the size of your bathroom.
In most instances, your tiler will include this cost in your overall quote (but again, always ask for an itemised list of what’s included in your quote so you know what you’re paying for).
Tile removal
It’s easy to forget this cost, but if you’re looking to have your current tiles stripped, you’ll need to factor that cost into your home improvement budget.
Unless you’re building a Sydney home from scratch, it’s likely that your choice of tiler will have to replace your old or damaged tiles.
This tile removal cost generally falls between $20 to $50 per square meter.
Is there a price difference between wall and floor tiles?
Yes.
If you’re not looking to retile your entire bathroom, you can break down the costs even further by the area that you are looking to tile.
Floor tiling is typically more expensive than wall tiling as it needs to be able to handle foot traffic, requiring more dense tiles.
- Flooring: The average cost to install a tile floor in your bathroom should be between $2,000 and $4,000 depending on the size and shape of your space.
- Walls: If you just want to tile your walls, expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the complexity of the design and other factors (like if you need to install waterproofing or move fixtures).
Is there a price difference between wall and floor tiles?
Looking to find a premium Sydney tiler at a price that suits your budget?
There are many factors to consider when planning your next bathroom project, including the size of your bathroom and the material that you choose.
As a Sydneysider, you take great pride in your home, and your bathroom is no exception.
If you’re looking for a premium bathroom at a price that’s right for you, let’s chat about how we can help. Our experts at NHK tiling can help get you started with:
- 100% obligation-free assessment at your home [we practice COVID-safe hygiene and adhere to all NSW Government health advice]
- Complimentary measure of your bathroom space
- Brainstorming design ideas and materials
- Helping visualise the design with drawings
- Invite you to our showroom to view your options
Interested in learning more? Claim your fast and FREE quote online or contact one of our experts for more details.