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How much does a Tiler cost?

$35 - $140 per hour

    How Much Does a Tiler Cost?

    For medium tiles, the cost to tile floor would be $3,000 or more for a 50 square-metre area with simple white ceramic tiles. An average bathroom tile job might be from $1,500 to $5,000. These figures are a baseline since there are many different tiles and labour rates.

    How Much Does the Tiling Labour Cost in Australia?

    Since tiling is labour intensive and requires a real expert, therefore tiling labour costs may run higher than other building contractors. Your tiler will probably include tile labour cost as a single item in the quote. If they tell you how long they expect the job to last, you can divide the amount to determine what you are probably paying per hour for the work.

    Labour cost and proper equipment: To ensure that the job is completed efficiently and accurately, it is important to look for tradesmen who invest in professional equipment like a Milano or Ryobi tile cutter. This will help reduce labour costs, allowing for faster tile cutting and reducing wasted material due to inaccurate cuts. Using such specialized tools also minimises potential risks associated with manual tile-cutting, ensuring that all workers remain safe while on the job. Ultimately, investing in quality equipment like this can help lower labour costs significantly while ensuring that your tiling projects are done right every time.

    Labour cost per square metre: Labour costs average may be as low as $35 or climb as high as $120. Bathroom tile labour costs more due to its intricate nature. You can expect it to run $60 per square metre.

    Labour cost and materials per square metre: A simple job with white ceramic tiles might be as little as $65 per square metre, including labour and materials. On the high side, artisan ceramic wall tiles might be $260 per square metre to cover materials and expertise.

    Average labour charges per day: Tilers generally calculate hourly fees of $35 to $45. Your final bill can vary as labour hours may increase or decrease depending on whether the job is more straightforward or more complicated than they have anticipated. Per day, a tradesperson may expect to make from $250 to $550.

    Tiling Process in Bathroom

    As you consider the cost to tile bathroom, remember that factors include the current surfaces, the layout, and the type of design you envision. The average price of a bathroom renovation is higher when you involve tile, but the final look is worth it.

    Preparation of surfaces: The cost to remove the floor tiles should be included and the need for a separate contractor, if any, should be discussed. Levelling or sloping may be carried out for a floor or to achieve a specific design.

    Cutting and laying of tiles: Your tiler will take exacting measurements, leaving lines to help create a straight lay for the tiles. Tiles will be shaped to get the right fit in corners and around obstacles. A dry lay may be done to ensure that the cut is right.

    Applying grout: Tile spacers make grout look even, but this detailing will take more time. If you were to pay for this separately, regrouting tiles cost approximately $25 per square metre.

    Applying waterproofing: If this is necessary, your contractor should specify in the quote. Waterproofing alone can run $35 per square metre. It is essential to have a qualified waterproofer to ensure the longevity of your bathroom. 

    Sealing and polishing tiles: Some tiles must be sealed or cleaned after application and the price should be part of the final quote.

    Factors Impacting the Cost of Tiling

    The cost to lay tile varies widely. Size matters, but it is not the only deciding factor even with a floor tiles price. If difficult to work with, the type of tile can be as important as the area’s size.

    Size of area and type of tiles: As a general rule, the cost to tile a room is higher for a larger area. However, if there is cutting involved when working around a toilet, vanity, tub or shower, this will lengthen the amount of time needed for a small area. Also contributing to the length of time it takes to complete a project, certain types of tile break easily while others are easy to cut.

    Design: Tilers have to allot more time to patterns or decorative tiles. Unique cut-outs and details may make the tiling cost higher; for example, subway tiles and mosaics require a slower, more careful pace.

    Timeline for tiling or renovation project: The average tiling job (50 square metres) can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days, depending on whether there are one or two workers.

    Payment agreement: To be on the safe side, you want to get a final figure on the job rather than agree to pay by the hour. An hourly arrangement could save money, but it is more likely that tile labour costs would balloon well beyond your budget.

    Cost of Tiles

    Marble tiles: These tiles are cut from marble and are more expensive than many other choices. At approximately $55 per square metre, they are an investment.

    Porcelain tiles: The average price for tiling per square metre is around $70. A standard porcelain floor tile may be as much as $50 per square metre, increasing to $100 with higher quality porcelain.

    Ceramic tiles: Bathroom or kitchen ceramic tiles will be $20 to $30 per square metre. Ceramic floor tiles average $35 or more.

    Mosaic tiles: An interlocking mosaic sheet runs at $45. A pebble effect sheet would be more affordable at $35 per sheet.

    Subway tiles: A Spanish white gloss ceramic subway tile might be $85. You won’t need as many if you are using this for a splashback or single bathroom wall.

    Natural stone tiles: For floor tiles, prices run from $80 to $130 per square metre, which can be pricey, but adds to your home’s value.

    Terrazzo tiles price: Smooth Australian marble tile cost vary with the size and quality. Larger tiles are more expensive to lay than smaller ones. Finishes include machine polished, sealed polished, and honed anti-slip.

    Price Estimates for Different Types of Tiling

    Indoor: If you compare an indoor job to an outdoor one, you will find that the indoor tile installation cost is more. On the floor, tilers have to cut out spaces for vents. On the walls, they must cut out areas for electric outlets.

    All white tiled bathroom with black fittings and bath centred beneath a window.

    The impact of tiling in a modern bathroom. | Source: Inline Tiling

    Outdoor: Tiling a 10-square metre area runs over $300 for ceramic tiles. Porcelain will require 1.5 times that. Wood tiles will double it. Labour rates are approximately $40 per square metre, but they can run 1.5 times that.

    A sandstoned tiled backyard with pool overlooking hill with trees and farm animals.

    Outdoor sandstone tiles. | Source: ABLE TILES AND RENOVATIONS

    Walls: Wall tiling ranges from $40 to $50 per square metre. Pricing factors include the extra steps such as waterproofing or sealing, that can be necessary for your project. Other factors include the difficulty of working with your chosen tile.

    Picturesque two-storey home with polished concrete driveway and travertine walls.

    An example of travertine tiles used on the exterior of a house. | Source: Modern Trend Tiling

    Floors: If you use ceramic tiles in a kitchen, a new floor is likely to cost you $1,500 to $3,000.

    White marble kitchen with island bench and black cabinetry and fittings.

    Proper floor tiles can make a kitchen pop. | Source: -XonR8-

    Kitchen: A tiled splashback can be an update to your kitchen that can transform the aura of your home. For 3 square metres, a simple design can be $350 to $550, plus the price of tiles. A more complicated design can be approximately $1,500 due to labour. Labour rates average at $45 with a low of $35 and a high of $50.

    A grey tiled kitchen splashback with black stove on bench.

    Grey tiled kitchen splashback. | Source: Tile Teck

    Does the Cost Differ Based on Location?

    Labour costs are generally higher in more populated areas, particularly when certification is required. For instance, tilers in New South Wales are required to be licensed. Tiler licences can reassure you that the contractor can do the job, but it does raise costs. Tiling work per square metre is estimated at:

    City                                         Average Labour Costs
    Sydney $50 – $60
    Melbourne $45 – $50
    Perth $45
    Brisbane $40 – $45
    Adelaide $40

     Oneflare customers have been sent the following quotes for their various tiling jobs:

    State/Territory Average Reported Cost
    Australian Capital Territory $3,300 – $3,500
    New South Wales $350 – $5,000
    Queensland $300 – $4,000
    South Australia $200 – $1,600
    Victoria $50 – $4,000
    Western Australia $50 – $3,000

    Tips on How to Create an Accurate Estimate

    Before asking for online quotes, it helps to determine room size and gather other details. Be sure to get at least three quotes from different contractors. You’ll also want to get quotes about installing various styles of tile. After you get an itemised quote, ask if it includes such items as surface preparation, tile removal cost, waterproofing, sealing, and polishing.

    Tip #1 – Labour costs: When requesting a bid, ask how many days the project will take to accomplish. From that, you can determine the number of hours and divide the project bid to get a projected hourly rate.

    Tip #2 – Designs: Rather than try to describe your thoughts, look online for design ideas. Your tiler will appreciate a picture that clearly shows the tiler what you want.

    Tip #3 – Room size: You are just looking for a rough estimate when seeking an online bid. By multiplying the longer side by the shorter side, you can determine the square metres of your rectangular floor, wall or other areas.

    How to Hire a Tiler

    A tiler must have expertise beyond the average contractor’s skill level. You should check credentials, ask for references and proof of business insurance. Also, ask to look at pictures of recent jobs.

    Tiler Licences in Australia

    The certifications vary in each state, so make sure you double-check the most up-to-date details in your state. Here is a guide of what each state requires of a tiler.

    State/Territory Tiler Licence Details
    New South Wales Wall and Floor Tiling Licence & Certificate III
    Victoria Domestic Builder Registration Card for jobs valued over $5,000
    Queensland Builder Restricted Contractor Lice
    South Australia Wall and Floor Tiling Registration Card & Waterproofing Limited to Bathrooms, Laundries and Balconies
    Western Australia Builder Practitioner License, Building Contractor License (jobs valued over $20,000) and White Card from WorkSafe
    Tasmania Restricted Builder’s License
    Australia Capital Territory Licence from Planning and Land Authority
    Northern Territory Not required by law to have a Trade Licence (ask for certification for waterproofing)

    Tips on How to Save Money When Hiring a Tiler

    Tip #1: Make sure the tiler has experience in the type of tile that you want, and that they will perform all necessary steps to ensure long-term viability. It isn’t worth paying a lower labour price if the final job doesn’t meet standards.

    Tip #2: Since tilers may get discounts you can’t, ask them what prices they can purchase your tile choice. They’ll select a tile that they are accustomed to working with, and your costs will be lower.

     

    * The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

    FAQ

    How long does tiling take?

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    It will take a professional around 10 hours to tile an average sized room. It will take a beginner or amateur almost double the amount of time to tile a room.

    What is the cost of flooring products?

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    If you’re looking to update your home’s flooring, it’s essential to consider the cost of the materials needed. You can find many flooring products at Bunnings, including tile underlay, Prepsol, Ardex grout, and Dunlop epoxy grout. While the cost of each product may differ, they are all designed to ensure your flooring is durable, professionally finished, and long-lasting. Investing in high-quality flooring products is crucial to ensure your floors remain in top condition for years to come. Whether you’re renovating your entire house or just one room, Bunnings offers affordable and reliable flooring options.

    Real Oneflare Customer Quotes

    Caroline's Tiling Job

    Location PinBrisbane, QLD
    Job type

    Tile installation

    Area of home

    Kitchen splashback

    Splashback size

    3.5m x 600mm

    $550inc. gst

    Quoted by T.I Tiling

    Mathew's Tiling Job

    Location PinSydney, NSW
    Job type

    Tile installation

    Area of home

    Balcony

    Size of area

    Approximately 30m²

    $1000inc. gst

    Quoted by Aka Tiling Service

    Laura's Tiling Job

    Location PinMelbourne CBD, VIC
    Job type

    Tile installation

    Area of home

    Kitchen, tiling and hallway

    Size of area

    Approximately 40m²

    $2500inc. gst

    Quoted by MJT Maintenance Solutions

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