Factors that affect tiling costs

Like many other building and renovation jobs, tiling costs depend on several factors. On average, tiling jobs in Australia are priced at $60.29 per square metre, but this is just a rough estimate. Quick and easy jobs might cost as little as $10 per square metre, while very complicated tiling jobs with premium rates can cost $100 per square metre.*

Knowing what goes into the computation of your tiling job can help you understand and evaluate quotes much better. Here are some of the major factors that affect tiling costs

Areas to be tiled

It goes without saying that the size of the area to be tiled dictates the cost of the job. However,  the cost also depends on what part of the house needs tiling. Wall tiling is generally cheaper than floor tiling. One reason is that floor tiles are more complicated to cut than wall tiles. Bathroom tiling, where waterproofing and sealing is especially important, is usually pricier than kitchen tiling. Rooms with an odd or uneven layout can also cost more than simple square or rectangular rooms.

Type of tile

Because of their versatility, glazed ceramic is the cheapest and most commonly used tiling option. The quality of the tile will also affect the material cost, so glazed ceramic tiles with a higher Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) tile rating are more expensive than ones rated PEI 3 or lower.

If you want to use a different type of tile, be prepared to dole out more cash. Porcelain is a more durable alternative to ceramic but also slightly more expensive. Natural stone tiles like granite, travertine, and marble cost much more in terms of material and labour since they require more careful handling. Glass tiles and mosaic tiles are also quite pricey, so they are best left as decorative features or accent tiles.

Tile size and shape

If the tiles you use are not the standard 30 x 30 centimetres, you’ll probably have to pay more. There are some cases when the cost of laying larger tiles is less than that of laying standard tiles because the tiler can cover a larger area in less time. However, labour costs can also be higher for some large tiles, particularly those with rectified edges, because they require additional skill, care, and installation time. The same can be said for mosaic tiles and odd-shaped tiles as well.

Site preparation and extras

Removal of the old floor, waterproofing, and sealing are some of the most commonly requested tiling extras that jack up the total cost of a tiling job. You’ll pay less if tiles are laid on a smooth, level, and new concrete slab. Intricate patterns, inlays, borders, and other special requests will also increase the labour cost.

*Pricing data updated on 16 November 2023