At a Glance
Bathroom tiling in Australia typically costs $2,000–$12,000 per bathroom, using Sydney metro as the baseline. Perth and Adelaide tend to run 10–15% higher due to smaller trade pools and logistics costs. The final price depends on bathroom size, tile type, pattern complexity, and whether existing tiles need removing first. Waterproofing is a separate cost that must be completed before any tiling begins.
What's Included
A standard bathroom tiling job covers:
- Surface preparation (levelling, priming, and cleaning the substrate)
- Supply and installation of wall and floor tiles to AS 3958
- Tile cutting around fixtures, niches, and fittings
- Grouting and silicone sealing at junctions
- Cleanup and disposal of tile offcuts and packaging
Materials (tiles, adhesive, grout, waterproof tape for junctions) typically make up 40–50% of the total cost. Labour is the remainder, and it scales with pattern complexity and the number of cuts required.
Waterproofing is not included in the tiling price. Under AS 3740, all wet areas must be waterproofed by a licensed waterproofer before tiling begins. This is a separate trade and a separate quote, typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard bathroom.
What Affects the Cost
- Bathroom size and scope. A small ensuite with floor and shower tiles is far less work than a full family bathroom tiled floor-to-ceiling on every wall.
- Tile type and size. Basic ceramic and subway tiles are the most affordable to supply and install. Large-format porcelain (600x600mm and above) requires a flatter substrate and more adhesive. Natural stone needs sealing and careful handling. Mosaics are labour-intensive due to the cutting and grouting per sheet.
- Pattern complexity. Straight stack and brick bond are the fastest to lay. Herringbone, chevron, and mixed patterns increase labour time by 20–40%.
- Niches and shelves. Each shower niche adds cutting, waterproofing coordination, and finishing work. Two niches or a tiled shelf can add half a day of labour.
- Old tile removal. Removing existing tiles costs $25–$50/m2 and frequently damages the waterproof membrane underneath, requiring re-waterproofing before new tiles can go on.
- Substrate condition. Uneven walls or floors need levelling before tiling. Older properties often have walls that are far from plumb, which the tiler must correct.
A straightforward ensuite retile with basic ceramic tiles, brick bond pattern, and good substrate condition sits toward $2,000. A full family bathroom with large-format porcelain, herringbone feature wall, multiple niches, old tile removal, and substrate correction pushes toward $12,000.
City and Regional Price Comparison
Prices vary across Australia due to differences in labour rates, housing stock, and the condition of existing bathrooms.
At the city level, Sydney is the baseline at $2,000–$12,000 per bathroom. Melbourne tracks close to Sydney, though period homes with non-standard bathroom dimensions add cutting complexity. Brisbane tends to sit slightly below Sydney, benefiting from newer housing stock with concrete slab floors that simplify substrate preparation. Perth and Adelaide typically run 10–15% above eastern capitals, reflecting higher trade rates and smaller tiler pools.
Within any city, the spread depends heavily on property age and bathroom condition. Inner-city apartments in Sydney and Melbourne often have small bathrooms that maximise per-square-metre cost because the tiler spends proportionally more time on cuts and edges versus open runs. Older suburbs with original bathrooms from the 1960s–1980s frequently need tile removal and re-waterproofing, pushing costs toward the upper end. Newer estates in outer suburbs with fresh substrates and straightforward layouts tend to sit at the lower end of the range.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on surveyed trade rates for licensed tilers, adjusted for each state and property age bracket. All prices include GST. Figures cover standard residential bathroom tiling including walls and floors. Waterproofing, plumbing modifications, and fixture installation are separate costs not included in these estimates.