Tiling is one of the most common finishing trades in Australia, used in bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, and outdoor spaces. The total installed cost ranges from $80 to $150 per square metre, which includes tiles, adhesive, grout, and labour.
Tile prices vary enormously — from $25/m² for basic ceramic to $200+/m² for natural stone or designer tiles. Labour rates for tilers average $50-$70/m² for floor tiling and $55-$80/m² for wall tiling, which is more labour-intensive.
This guide breaks down every cost component so you can budget accurately for your tiling project.
Tiling Cost Breakdown — 2026 Pricing
| Item | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Tiles | $25 | $50 | /m² |
| Porcelain Tiles | $40 | $80 | /m² |
| Natural Stone | $60 | $150 | /m² |
| Large Format (600×600+) | $50 | $100 | /m² |
| Mosaic / Feature Tiles | $80 | $200 | /m² |
| Floor Tiling Labour | $50 | $70 | /m² |
| Wall Tiling Labour | $55 | $80 | /m² |
| Adhesive | $6 | $10 | /m² |
| Grout | $4 | $8 | /m² |
| Waterproofing (bathrooms) | $30 | $50 | /m² |
| Tile Removal (existing) | $20 | $40 | /m² |
| Floor Levelling / Screeding | $25 | $50 | /m² |
What Affects the Cost?
Tile Type & Size
Ceramic is cheapest ($25-$50/m²). Porcelain is mid-range ($40-$80/m²). Natural stone is premium ($60-$150/m²). Large format tiles need a perfectly level substrate.
Location (floor vs wall)
Wall tiling costs 10-15% more than floor tiling due to the additional difficulty of working vertically and cutting around fixtures.
Waterproofing
Bathrooms, laundries, and wet areas require waterproofing under AS 3740. This adds $30-$50/m² but is mandatory and essential.
Substrate Preparation
If the floor isn't level, screeding costs $25-$50/m². Removing existing tiles adds $20-$40/m². These preparation costs are often overlooked.
Pattern & Layout
Straight lay is cheapest. Herringbone, chevron, and diagonal patterns increase labour by 15-25% due to more cutting and waste.
Cost by City — 2026
| City | Price Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $90 – $170/m² | Highest labour rates |
| Melbourne | $85 – $160/m² | Competitive market |
| Brisbane | $80 – $145/m² | Standard pricing |
| Perth | $85 – $155/m² | Growing demand |
| Adelaide | $75 – $140/m² | Most affordable |
| Gold Coast | $80 – $150/m² | Premium finishes popular |
Expert Tips
Always buy 10% extra tiles for cuts, breakage, and future repairs
Choose slip-rated tiles for wet areas and outdoor use (P4/P5 rating)
Large format tiles need a perfectly level substrate — budget for screeding
Natural stone requires sealing — factor in $15-$25/m² for sealer
Ask your tiler about their waste disposal — tile removal creates heavy waste
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tiling cost per square metre in Australia?
Tiling costs $80-$150 per square metre fully installed in Australia. This includes tiles ($25-$150/m²), labour ($50-$80/m²), adhesive ($6-$10/m²), and grout ($4-$8/m²). Bathroom tiling with waterproofing costs more.
How much does a tiler charge per square metre?
A tiler charges $50-$70/m² for floor tiling and $55-$80/m² for wall tiling (labour only). Complex patterns like herringbone add 15-25% to labour costs.
How much does bathroom tiling cost?
Bathroom tiling costs $100-$180/m² including waterproofing. A standard bathroom (15-20m² of tiling) costs $1,500-$3,600 for labour and materials, not including the tiles themselves.
Should I buy my own tiles or let the tiler supply them?
Buying your own tiles gives you more choice and control over quality. However, some tilers offer trade discounts of 10-20% on tiles. Either way, buy 10% extra for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
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