How Much Do Kitchen Tiles Cost? [2024]

Planning your kitchen reno? If you are thinking of a tiled kitchen splashback or tiling your floors you are going to want to get a handle on costs.

This article will give you an idea of what type of tiles are available and what a tiler may charge to lay them.

What type of tiles are best for your kitchen?

There is a wide variety of tile types and styles to choose from, so you can pick from anything to suit your budget and your needs.

• Ceramic: For decades, ceramic tiles prevailed in the majority of Australian kitchens. Decent quality ceramic tiles will probably cost you around $40-$45 per square metre. Hard wearing and available in a range of colours, there's little to be said against ceramic tiles except that they often lack the "Wow!" factor. Rows of square tiles, like a coat of paint, are there to serve a function and complement a colour scheme, but tend to get lost in the background

• Porcelain: Next up on the price scale are porcelain tiles. The major difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles is that porcelain is denser and less water-absorbent than ceramic. Although often touted as superior to ceramic, the difference in quality is not always as great as the difference in price. If you find a ceramic tile that you like as much as its porcelain equivalent, you're probably better off choosing ceramic and saving money. Porcelain tiles generally cost around $50-$100 per square metre.

• Mosaic: Mosaic tiles are great for creating visual interest and texture. In a kitchen they are often specified as an eye-catching splashback surface. Expect to pay around $30-$60 per square metre.

• Glass: If you want a tile that catches the light, then consider glass tiles. Often manufactured as mosaic sheets, glass tiles come in a multitude of colours, including stunning metallics. The thing that distinguishes all glass tiles, though, is their almost gem-like appearance. While they may look like precious gems, they do not cost as much as diamonds or emeralds. Expect to pay around $40-$90.

• Stone: Natural stone is cool underfoot and adds a certain charm to any home. In the kitchen granite, marble and slate are all popular choices, either as a floor or wall tile. Engineered stone is also an option, especially as a splashback.

How much does kitchen tiling cost?

Tilers charge anywhere from $45 to $150 per hour for their labour, though they are more likely to quote you on a per square metre basis, ranging from $35 per square metre to $120 per square metre. $60 per square metre is the average for laying kitchen tiles. This figure does not include the cost of your tiles.

For kitchen wall tiles, expect to pay in the region of:

• $20 to $28 per square meter for standard white ceramic wall tiles (600mm x 300mm)
• $68 per square metre for steel grey polished porcelain wall tiles (150mm x 600mm)
• $86 per square metre for handmade Spanish white gloss ceramic subway tiles (150mm x 75mm) which look great as a splashback.

For floor tiles, expect to pay:

• $35 to $50 per square meter for ceramic or porcelain tiles
• $50 to $100 per square meter for high quality porcelain
• $80 to $130 per square meter for high quality natural stone tiles

Mosaic tiles can give your kitchen the wow factor you are looking for, and are popular as an eye-catching splashback. Expect to pay (priced per sheet):

• $33 for one pebble effect mosaic sheet (300mm x 300mm)
• $47 for one interlocking mosaic sheet (300mm x 290mm)
• $59 for one polished silver metal sheet (300mm x 300mm)

Does my kitchen tiler need to be licensed?

Not all states require tilers to be licensed. For example, in NSW and Queensland, wall and floor tilers are both required to be licensed. In other states, you could ask your tiler for their qualification or to see examples of their work. Tilers will always quote your job based on a number of factors, including the size and difficulty of your job

Getting quotes for kitchen tiling

To get an exact quote, first measure your walls or floor area and determine how many square metres of tile you need. Next choose your preferred type and style of tile and get quotes directly from local tilers. You might also want to keep a less expensive type of tile in reserve, just in case your first choice is outside your budget. Also look for close-out specials and other deals. The market is fiercely competitive and with a little luck, you might find the kitchen tile of your dreams at a lower price than you dreamed was possible.

Why not take a look at the Tile Design Ideas on our photo pages to give you some ideas for your project?

* All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.