Floor tiling can be a great way to give your floors an attractive look without sacrificing durability. Many Australian homes have tiles in their kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and other areas.

If you’re looking into getting tile flooring or you’re not sure what kind of flooring you want, read on for more information including:

• Types of floor tiling
• Benefits of floor tiling
• How much does floor tiling cost?
• How do I find a floor tiler?
• Getting quotes for floor tilers
  

Types of floor tiling

There are many different types of tiles you can use in your home. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Ceramic floor tiles

One of the most popular tile options for Australians, ceramic tiles are versatile, durable and affordable. They work well throughout the whole house and are even great for outside, making great features for a patio or courtyard. Inside the home, ceramic tiles are often used for bathrooms, kitchens and front entrances. 

If you're worried about damage or stains, you can pay a little more for glazed ceramic tiles which offer more protection. 

Porcelain floor tiles

Porcelain is becoming increasingly popular throughout Australia for various uses in the home. They have a higher ratio of silica and quartz and they are fired at higher temperatures to make them more durable. This can come with a price increase but many Australians are finding the extra cost worth it. 

They come in a variety of colours and patterns that can fit with any style or room. If you want a more personalised look to your floor tiling, it can be etched or textured to mimic a range of other materials. Like ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles can be glazed for extra protection and they are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens and front entrances. 

Natural stone tiles 

Marble, granite, limestone and slate tiles are just some of the natural stone tiling options that you can have in your home. They often carry a heftier price tag than other options but the natural and rustic look of stone tiling, as well as the incredible durability they offer, can often be worth it. 

For areas prone to water and moisture, granite or slate can be a great option. Both deal well with water and slate is also slip-resistant, making it perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. 

Marble can often be one of the most expensive options but the elegance it offers makes it a clear choice for many. Limestone, on the other hand, is one of the more versatile options and it can be used inside and outside the house for great effect and long-lasting value. 

Another consideration when choosing natural stone tiling is that it can often help to increase the value of your home. Making it a great investment in your future.

Mosaic floor tiles

Mosaic refers generally to the style rather than the material. It’s more often used on walls than flooring but it can be a great addition to your home for a little extra style. 

Mosaic tiling usually comes with sheet backing and can be made from ceramic, glass, porcelain or natural and precious stones. Mosaic tiling can be a great way to break up a large space with some unique patterns and it’s great for wet areas. 

If you are happy to pay extra, you can have the pieces cut specifically for your home for a truly luxurious look. 

How much does floor tiling cost?

The cost of floor tiling installation can depend on several factors, including: 

• The size of the space you need to tile 
• The material your tiles are made from 
• The amount of preparation needed before the tiles can be placed
• Any customisation like areas that need more tiles cut than normal
• If any extra treatment is needed. Bathrooms usually require waterproofing before the tiles can be laid and this can be as much as double the price of tiling

When it comes to installing floor tiling, the cost will usually involve two parts. The price of the tiles and the labour cost of the tiler. Depending on the material you use, expect to pay between $30 - $150. As a rough breakdown, this could include:

• $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

The labour cost will often change from tiler to tiler but they usually charge by the square metre for each job. In Australia, the average cost of a floor tiler is $40-$50 but you can expect to pay anywhere between $30-$150 depending on the complexity of the job. 

If you’re unsure what the cost of your job may be, hipages has a tiling cost calculator that can help you with an estimate of the average cost for a job like yours. If in doubt, always feel free to ask for an obligation-free quote. Groups like Precise Tiling Solutions in Woodville Gardens SA offer free quotes upon request. 

How do I find a floor tiler?

Before you hire a floor tiler it can be a good idea to ask them some questions to make sure that you get the right service for your needs. Some of these questions include:

• How long will the job take?
• Do you have experience with the job?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Can you provide a written quote? We recommend getting a quote for the whole job rather than just a price per square metre
• Do you have references I can follow up on?

Getting quotes for a floor tiler 

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. You can always ask about the quotes and get an itemised list of what you are paying for. One way to do this is to request a written quote. This will make it easier to compare the quotes you receive and choose the right service for you.