What Are The Top 2 Factors That Affect Bathroom Tiling Costs?

Tiles are not only important in protecting your bathroom walls and floors from water and moisture, but can also be a great visual accent, adding to the value, appeal and comfort of your residence. In this article Sydney Tiling Specialists looks at the key factors that impact bathroom tiling costs in Sydney NSW, with specific highlight on the top two factors.

Factors that impact bathroom tiling costs

We have observed the average cost to tile a bathroom in Sydney to be around $50 to $250 per square metre, thereby costing on average around $2,000 to $4,500 to tile the floor and walls of an entire small bathroom, around $3,000 to $5,500 for a medium-size bathroom, and from $6,500 and beyond for a large bathroom. However these estimates can widely vary due to a range of factors as below:

• Tile type, material and quality: Bathroom tiles can come in various materials: ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, marble, glass, stone, travertine, just to name a few. On the lower end, travertine tiles and ceramic tiles can start around $20 per square metre. On the higher end, certain natural stones tiles and high-end porcelain and artisan ceramic tiles can cost up to $200 per square metre. More expensive tiles tend to be more durable and last longer, while cheaper tiles may require more frequent replacement down the track. We provide further detail below.

• Size of tiles: There is a misconception that the bigger the tiles, the less grout lines there are, and less labour is required to install them, therefore overall cost is lower. The reality is, bigger tiles often cost more in terms of material, and more care is required when installing in order to prevent damage and material waste. Therefore on average, we have observed projects involving larger tiles to cost more overall. On the other hand, if the tiles are too small, it may take longer (and therefore also cost more in labour) to install. As an aside, smart selection of tile size can help make your bathroom appear smaller or bigger as desired.

• Costs of labour: The overall cost of labour can vary due to a range of factors, including the experience, qualifications and expertise of the tiler, current demand for bathroom renovations in the Sydney market, the types of tile materials that the tiler needs to work with, whether there are specific design elements or complexities in bathroom structure, and the length of time the tiler needs to be on-site (driven by the size of the surface area that required tiling). We provide further detail below.

• Size of bathroom: The cost of a tiling project will also be driven by the area of the bathroom that requires tiling, and whether both floor and wall tiles are required. You may want to tile only the shower floor, or the entire bathroom including floor and walls. Your cost expectation should then reflect the area you want covered, as this can be significantly different depending on the size. The correlation of cost with size is due to both the amount of materials required and labour. Some providers may offer discounts when the bathroom is above a certain size. It is important to note that when quoting based on size, suppliers are expecting that you provide the size of the surface areas that need to be tiled (including floor, walls, splashbacks, etc.), rather than just the size of the room floor.

• Layout of bathroom and difficulty: Costs can increase due to irregular shaping, angles and surfaces, intricate designs and patterns, fixtures, tight spaces, or unique/complicated features of a bathroom, as extra labour may be required to cater to these. This can also result in increased wastage of materials, which adds to the overall cost.

• Additional services: Related services such as tile removal, plastering, and application of sealant (especially when natural stone materials are used) post-tiling can add to the overall cost. 

Bathroom tiling material costs

The cost of tiles can vary based on the type of material (with different finishes, styles and quality), whether it is for the wall or floor, and tile size. Tiles (excluding labour) on average range from $30 to $60 per square metre across the Sydney market. Common materials include the below:

• Ceramic and porcelain: We have observed this to be the most popular option across Sydney, as they are reasonably affordable and do the job well in being durable and long-lasting. Ceramic is made of fired clay and is porous. Porcelain is made of much finer clay and therefore non-porous and waterproof. They can come in a range of colours and finishes ideal for a range of bathroom styles. Standard ceramic wall tiles start at around $25 per square metre, while ceramic floor tiles can cost a bit more, starting at around $40 per square metre. This is because floor tiles need to be more durable and denser to withstand weight from foot traffic and other heavy objects. Installation of porcelain tiles require special care, as they can easily crack and chip when moved about. Porcelain is slightly more expensive than ceramic. 

• Natural stone: There is a range of natural stones ranging from slate to granite. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, unpolished travertine (a type of limestone) is naturally coarse, which is great in preventing slipping in bathrooms. It costs between $20 and $45 per square metre. Granite is as durable as ceramic and porcelain, but can cost more and is very heavy. Marble is softer than granite and can be easily cut to suit irregular shapes and corners, but is more susceptible to stains and scratches. It is also quite porous, so is less waterproof, and needs to be periodically resealed. Marble is often seen as a luxurious material, and is great from a design viewpoint, but can cost between $60 and $85 per square metre. Slate is another natural stone that is long-lasting and can help create a homely feel, however slate with cleaner finish (rather than its natural rough texture) can be expensive.

• Vinyl: These have similar look and feel as ceramic and natural stone, but cost a lot less. It is important however to ensure the specific type you select is waterproof.

• Mosaic: These are usually very small pieces arranged to form larger patterns, and can be very visually intriguing and detailed. Patterns can range from simple to complex, and usually repeat a set of shapes. These can range from around $35 to $55 per square metre.

• Glass: The advantages of glass are that it is difficult to stain and easy to clean and maintain, and can come in a variety of finishes. However, it can be delicate and therefore prices start at around $45 per square metre. It is more common for shower wall areas as it is naturally water-resistant.

• Pebble: Small pebble stones pieced and glued together give a stylish, outdoor feel to the bathroom. It is not the most common option, but is worth considering as it helps prevent slipping.

Bathroom tiling labour costs

The other key factor in determining the cost of tiling a bathroom is the cost of labour, which can be up to around half of the total cost of tile installation. This cost increases in proportion to the size of the bathroom, but can also be driven up by the layout of the bathroom, any difficulty or complexity in terms of design, and the type of tile materials that are installed, for example if special care or certain expertise are involved. As discussed above, the size of the tiles can also be a labour cost factor, in that large tile pieces tend to require more care and expertise when installing.

Across Sydney, a qualified and experienced tiler will charge around $75 per hour for tile installation, or around $60 to $95 per square metre, for a job of average complexity. This does not include tile removal, regrouting, waterproofing or sealant application. Tile removal should be a lower rate than tile installation, at around $40 to $50 per square metre. Labour costs may also be quoted based in daily rates.

When obtaining a quote, it’s important to clarify the labour rate that applies to each specific aspect of the project, and also obtain an overall quote including both the materials and labour, with breakdown shown.

Most importantly, you need to make sure that the tiler is experienced, qualified and licensed. This not only ensures the quality of the work, but also covers you in case of accidents.

How to minimise bathroom tiling costs

If you’re on a tight budget, some ideas on how to minimise costs while reaching a desired outcome is as follows:

• Conducting sufficient research to be able to select the most appropriate tiles for your bathroom, and understanding the costs in your local area.
• Sourcing tiles, adhesive and grouting materials independently of the tile installer, by researching for the best materials and deals.
• Obtaining a range of quotes, and using such quotes to negotiate with tile installers.
• Take on the easier work yourself, such as tile removal.
• Choose cost-effective materials, such as plain ceramic.
• Use a combination of expensive and cheaper tiles, with expensive tiles only on the borders or used as accents.
• Tile only part of the bathroom that frequently gets wet, for example, installing tiling only halfway up a bathroom wall.
• Select medium-sized tiles, rather than overly large or overly small tiles (which are labour-intensive and/or skill-intensive).
• Confirm the length of warranty offered by the tile provider. 

Conclusion

With the range of options available, each impacting cost in different ways, it’s wise to put some time and thought into what tiling solution might be best for your bathroom style and the design you are trying to achieve, without neglecting the basic need of waterproofing and protecting your home. Balancing upfront investment with ongoing required maintenance, a desirable bathroom tiling outcome can provide your family years of comfort and enjoyment without throwing off your entire budget.