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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grey tiled kitchen splashback. | Source: Tile Teck

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:

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

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.

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.

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