How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Bathroom in Australia?

Renovating your bathroom is one of the most impactful ways to elevate your home’s aesthetic and value. Yet many

homeowners find themselves asking: how much does it cost to tile a bathroom, especially when aiming for a high-end finish?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the cost of bathroom tiling, the details that matter most, and how to achieve that bespoke, polished look, whether you’re hiring a bathroom tiler or exploring DIY with care.

Understanding Bathroom Tiling in Australia

Luxury bathroom renovation projects are never one-size-fits-all, and the bathroom tiling project is no exception. From carefully selected tiles for your bathroom to intricate layouts and artisan finishes, tiling can either be a subtle design choice or a bold centrepiece.

Understanding the factors behind tiling costs is essential not just for budgeting but for making design decisions that suit your lifestyle and boost the overall cost of tiling as a long-term investment.

Why Tiling Costs Can Be Confusing

The final cost of tiling can vary widely. One bathroom tiler may charge $8045 per square metre, while another quotes $200 or more. Why? Here’s what impacts the overall cost:

• Tile Prices: Entry-level ceramic and porcelain tiles are more affordable than natural stone tiles or designer mosaic tiles. The tile you choose plays a major role.
• Design Complexity: A simple layout costs less than intricate tiling jobs like herringbone or splashback tiling jobs.
• Labour Rates: Tilers often charge based on their hourly rate or per square metre. Premium installs come with higher bathroom tiler charges.

Knowing these variables helps clarify how much tiling your bathroom will cost, especially in a high-end renovation project.

Common Bathroom Areas That Require Tiling

• Wall and floor tiles are common in luxurious bathrooms, especially in high-traffic bathroom zones like showers.
• Bathroom shower walls and floors often use porcelain tiles or porcelain wall tiles for a clean, waterproof finish.
• Accent walls or splashback tiling jobs behind vanities often feature textured ceramic wall tiles or glossy mosaics.

Custom features like floating benches or niches enhance both utility and aesthetics in any tiling project.

Average Cost to Tile a Bathroom in Australia

Luxury bathroom tiling is an investment that balances function, aesthetics, and long-term value. Costs can vary significantly depending on your layout, finish, and level of customisation. Whether you’re updating a compact ensuite or creating a grand master retreat, this breakdown helps you understand where your money is going.

Cost by Bathroom Size

The size of your bathroom directly impacts material quantities, installation time, and complexity. Here’s a guide based on Australian averages:

• Tip:Bathrooms with full-height wall tiling or large tiles will generally fall into the higher end of each cost range.

Cost by Tiling Scope (Floor Only vs Full Bathroom)

Tiling scope makes a big difference to your total cost. Before finalising your tiling scope, it helps to understand the broaderrenovation process from demolition to final finishes. Here’s a breakdown based on how much of the bathroom is being tiled:

• Floor Only ($1,000 – $5,000):Best for minimalist designs or when paired with painted or panelled walls. Cost depends on tile type, room size, and substrate condition.
• Floor + Shower Walls ($3,500 – $5,500): Covers high-traffic and high-moisture areas. Suitable for modern designs and smaller upgrades.
• Full Bathroom (walls + floor) $6,000 – $15,000+: The hallmark of a luxury renovation. This price range allows for premium materials, intricate patterns, and floor-to-ceiling.

Upgrades such as recessed LED lighting, underfloor heating, or installing large-format tiles with minimal grout lines can elevate both the price and the experience.

Hourly and Square Metre Rates in Australia

Tilers may bill based on time or the area covered, depending on the scope of the job:

• Hourly Rates ($80–$150+ per hour): Used for complex installs, small bathrooms, or jobs with heavy customisation. Highly skilled tilers working on high-end projects typically fall on the higher end of the spectrum.
• Square Metre Rates ($70–$200 per m²): Common for straightforward floor and wall tiling. Costs increase with the use of delicate tiles (e.g., natural stone), intricate patterns (e.g., herringbone), or prep-intensive surfaces.

Keep in mind: labour rates include more than laying tiles. Professionals account for surface preparation, waterproofing, grouting, cleanup, and final detailing.

Tiling Material and Labour Costs Explained

Tile Material Costs (Type-by-Type)

• Ceramic: $80–$100/m² (entry-level luxury)
• Porcelain: $80–$150/m² (durable with upscale finishes larger format tiles)
• Mosaic:$90–$200/m² (perfect for accents and niches)
• Natural Stone:$150–$300/m² (marble, travertine, granite)

High-end tiles provide superior texture, colour variation, and durability.

Labour Costs and What’s Included

Expect a seasoned tiler to offer:

• Substrate levelling
• Certified waterproofing solutions
• Seamless mitred corners
• Specialist adhesives and grouts
• Careful alignment for visual harmony

Intricate work like herringbone or custom borders increases installation time and cost, but delivers showstopping results.

What Affects the Final Price of Tiling a Bathroom

Engaging a bathroom designer for layout planning or tile selection can also influence your overall investment, especially in high-end renovations. Here’s what luxury-focused renovators should consider.

1. Bathroom Layout and Accessibility

If your layout includes shifting fixtures like toilets or vanities, the cost to move plumbing can significantly impact your budget. Custom features, such as curved walls, floating vanities, and recessed shelving, require additional planning and expertise. Easy access for trades can also reduce labour costs.

1. Surface Preparation Needs

Luxury renovations often include:

• Demolishing old tile or waterproofing
• Screeding floors to suit designer tiles
• Creating perfectly level surfaces for full-wall tiling

All of which adds to upfront investment, but ensures lasting quality.

1. Tile Shape, Pattern, and Finish

• Shapes: Chevron, hexagonal, or custom-cut tiles require more labour.
• Patterns: Intricate layouts like Versailles or herringbone add elegance.
• Finishes: Matte, polished, or handmade tiles offer varied visual effects.
• Size, larger format tiles cost more to lay

Smart Tips to Save on Bathroom Tiling Costs

There are smart ways to reduce costs without sacrificing impact. Learn more strategies to keep your bathroom renovation costs down.

1. Choose Cost-Effective Tile Options

• Select ceramic or porcelain for the main areas.
• Use statement tiles only in focal zones.

1. Tiling Only High-Impact Areas

• Tile from floor to mid-wall, then finish with paint.
• Use luxury tiles in niches, vanities, or splashbacks.

1. Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Scope

• Look for tilers with experience in premium finishes.
• Ensure quotes include sealing, trims, and floor levelling.
• Don’t just compare prices, review portfolios.

Pro tip: Check our questions to ask a contractor for the bathroom remodel article.

When Is the Best Time to Tile a Bathroom?

Great results depend on smart timing. Here’s when to schedule your luxury upgrade.

Why Milder Months May Be Ideal

Autumn and winter offer:

• Lower humidity for adhesive curing.
• Better availability of top-tier tradies.

Explore our guide: How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

Tiling Your Bathroom With Confidence

The cost of tiling your bathroom ranges from $5,000 to $10,000+, depending on how much tiling your bathroom needs, the tile you choose, and the finish.

Ready to enhance your bathroom? Explore ourbathroom renovation services or get a custom estimate with ourbathroom renovation cost calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Cost to Tile a Bathroom in Australia?

The average tile cost for a bathroom in Australia varies widely depending on the size of the bathroom and the level of finish you’re aiming for. For standard homes, tiling costs typically fall between $5,000 and $105,000.

However, if you’re opting for premium finishes such as marble, large-format tiles, or intricate patterns, the cost can rise significantly, often reaching $6,000 to $15,000 or more. Custom features like in-floor heating, niche tiling, and floor-to-ceiling coverage can also influence the final price.

How Can I Estimate Tile Quantity for My Bathroom?

To estimate tile quantity, measure the height and width of each surface you plan to tile and calculate the total area in square metres. Once you have the measurements, add 10–15% extra to account for offcuts, mistakes, and future repairs.

This is especially important for patterned tiles or those with a specific layout. Many tile retailers provide tile calculators online or can assist with a tailored estimate based on your floor plan. Don’t forget to include grout lines and transitions in your calculations for a more accurate total.