How much does it cost to install floor tiles? [2024]

Tiles can be an attractive and durable flooring solution for bathrooms, kitchens and other areas in and around your home, but they can also be expensive.

The cost of tiling depends on a number of factors, including the size of the job, the type of tiles you want and the cost of hiring a tiler in your area. To estimate the average costs for your specific project, please visit our tiling cost calculator.

So how much does it cost to install floor tiles in Australia? Read this guide to find out what you need to know before you get quotes from tilers.

• How much does tile installation cost on average?
• How much does floor tiling cost per square metre?
• How much is the labour for tile installation in Australia?
• Do tiling costs vary in different states?
• What factors affect tile installation costs?
• Do tiles increase house value?
• Are floor tiles and wall tiles different?
• How do you reduce the costs of tiling?
• Why hire a professional tile installer?
• How do you find the best tile installer for your job?

How much does tile installation cost on average?*

The cost of floor tiles ranges from approximately $30 per square metre (m2) for the cheapest tiles to $150 per m2 for premium tiles. You also need to add $30 to $120 per m2 for labour, depending on your location and the type of tiling.

For a medium-sized bathroom of 17m2, the total cost to install floor tiles could be anywhere from $1,020 at the lower end to $4,590 at the high end.

How much does floor tiling cost per square metre?*

Floor tile installation cost is usually quoted on a per square metre basis. The cost of floor tiles will depend on the type and size of the tiles. As a rough guide, expect to pay around:

• $40 to $100 per square metre for vinyl floor tiles
• $40 to $100 per square metre for ceramic floor tiles
• $50 to $150 per square metre for porcelain floor tiles
• $50 to $150 per square metre for natural stone floor tiles
• $30 to $100 per sheet for mosaic floor tiles

As well as the cost of floor tiles themselves, you will also need to account for the cost of a professional tiler to lay them.

How much is the labour for tile installation in Australia?*

It's recommended to have your floor tiles installed by a professional. Tilers in Australia may charge by the square metre or per hour.

The average cost of tiling is $40 to $50 per square metre, but this can vary from $30 to $150, depending on the type of tiles and local rates. A more complex installation will be in the range of $100 to $150.

Some tilers charge an hourly rate, which may be from $45 to $100 per hour.

If you have existing tiles that need to be removed, this will add to your overall floor tiling cost. The cost to remove floor tile ranges from $20 to $50 per square metre, depending on the type of tiles.

Do tiling costs vary in different states?*

The cost to install floor tiles varies depending on where you live in Australia. The average cost of tiling in different states is between:

• $35 to $40 per m2 in South Australia
• $45 to $48 per m2 in Queensland
• $45 to $50 per m2 in Western Australia
• $47 to $50 per m2 in Victoria
• $55 to $65 per m2 in New South Wales

Labour rates also tend to be higher in large cities. The cost to hire a tiler in Sydney or a tiler in Melbourne will generally be higher than in surrounding regions or in the suburbs.

What factors affect tile installation costs?

No two tiling jobs are exactly alike. If you're wondering why the cost to install floor tiles varies so greatly, this depends on aspects such as:

• Type of tiles - Your tile flooring should match the style of the room. Budget linoleum or vinyl tiles may be suitable for a laundry, but a bathroom or kitchen renovation may require more expensive premium materials, which also require more care when being installed. Some types of tiles will need to be sealed after being laid.
• Size of tiles - Large tiles can cost more to install than smaller tiles, as they can be more difficult to work with and there's less margin for error. This requires a skilled and experienced tiler.
• Size of floor - While a larger area will cost more to tile, smaller areas require more tile cutting in relation to the entire job than larger areas, so the tiling cost per square metre may be higher because of the extra labour.
• Preparation - If old tiles need to be removed first, this will add to the labour cost. If tiles are laid on timber floorboards or in rooms where water will be present, an underlay and waterproof membrane will be required, which is a more labour-intensive job.
• Bathroom tiles - Bathroom tiles always require a waterproof membrane and the floor should be sloped to allow water to drain away. The cost of tiling a bathroom can be twice as much per square metre as a standard room.

Do tiles increase house value?

Floor tiles cost more than some other flooring options, but they're also an investment in your home that could add to its appeal and even fetch a higher sale price when it comes time to sell in the future.

Tiling kitchen and bathroom floors can give the biggest boost, as these rooms benefit from floors that are waterproof, easy to maintain and hard-wearing. Damaged floor tiles can also be easier to replace than other types of flooring.

• Ceramic floor tiles are a great choice for kitchens, as they are slip resistant and available in a wide range of colours to suit any kitchen.
• Porcelain floor tiles are popular in bathrooms, as they are less porous than ceramic and more resistant to water and stains. They also work well with radiant underfloor heating.

Are floor tiles and wall tiles different?*

Wall and floor tiles may be made from the same materials, but they're designed for different purposes. Floor tiles need to be more durable to stand up to foot traffic, scratches and heavy objects, or they will wear out and need to be replaced much sooner.

Generally, wall tiles are slightly cheaper than floor tiles, starting from around $20 per square metre compared to around $30 for the cheapest floor tiles. When you're comparing prices for tiles, make sure you're looking at the right type.

How do you reduce the costs of tiling?

There could be ways to save on the cost of installing floor tiles without sacrificing quality. These might include:

• Avoiding large tiles or those with complex shapes, as these can be more difficult and time-consuming to install
• Asking your tiler if they have access to discounts that could reduce the cost of your tiles
• Negotiating a quote for the entire job rather than an hourly rate to avoid surprises

Why hire a professional tile installer?

Professional tilers can make the job look easy, but tiling a floor can be more complicated than it looks. Floor tiles are more likely to require specialist tools than wall tiles, and the flooring needs to be installed correctly to ensure it's waterproof and doesn't cause trips. For these reasons, it's recommended to hire a professional tiler.

If you have existing floor tiles that need to be removed, you could save on the cost of labour by removing these yourself, if you have the tools and you're confident that you won't cause accidental damage.

How do you find the best tile installer for your job?

From the examples above, you can see why one tiler might give you a lower quote than another for your tiling job. When you apply for quotes from tilers near you, ask for a detailed quote to find out if you're getting an apples for apples comparison of their services and won't have any surprises later.

It's recommended that you get 3 quotes from local tilers and request a quote for the entire job rather than just a per square metre rate. That way, you'll know exactly what you're getting for your money and may even be able to negotiate a better rate from your preferred tiler.

Licence requirements for tilers can vary depending on where you live and the value of the job. In most cases, if a tiler has been working steadily in the same area for a number of years, it's likely they'll have established a good reputation and can be relied on to do quality work that will stand the test of time.

Before you make your final decision, compare the quality of similar jobs the tilers have done and see if you can visually inspect some of these projects. If this isn't possible, ask for references and contact them directly. This could give you confidence that you're choosing a tiler you can trust.
 

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.