Bathroom renovations
How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Bathroom?
Thinking about a bathroom renovation and wondering, “How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?” Our latest guide covers everything you need to know about bathroom tiling costs, including detailed breakdowns by bathroom size, tile materials, and labour expenses.
At Hunter Bathroom Renovations, we specialise in Newcastle homes and believe in providing transparent, up-to-date information for every homeowner considering a bathroom project.
Cost Breakdown by Bathroom Size
Small Bathroom Tiling Costs
A small bathroom, typically up to 6 square metres, represents the most budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to renovate. The tile material costs for a small bathroom generally range from $300 to $900, depending on your choice between ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, or more premium options. Labour costs for professional installation typically range from $1,200 to $2,000, bringing the total cost to between $2,500 and $4,000.
When planning a small bathroom renovation, consider that even compact spaces can benefit from strategic tile choices. Larger tiles can make a small bathroom feel more spacious, while carefully selected feature tiles can create visual interest without overwhelming the space. The key is balancing your aesthetic preferences with your bathroom renovation budget.
Medium Bathroom Renovation Costs
A medium bathroom, measuring between 6 and 10 square metres, offers more design flexibility while still maintaining reasonable costs. Tile materials for a medium-sized bathroom typically cost between $600 and $1,500, with labour costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. This brings the total cost to between $3,500 and $6,000 for professional installation.
Medium bathrooms allow for more creative tile layouts and the incorporation of different tile types. You might choose ceramic and porcelain tiles for the main areas while incorporating mosaic tiles or natural stone tiles for accent features. This size bathroom also provides space for features like a separate bathroom shower area with its tiling requirements.
Large Bathroom Tiling Projects
Large bathrooms, measuring over 10 square metres, offer the most design possibilities but also represent the highest investment. Tile materials can range from $1,200 to $3,000 or more, while labour costs typically fall between $3,000 and $5,000. The total cost for a large bathroom tiling project generally ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on the complexity and materials chosen.
Large bathrooms provide opportunities for premium features such as extensive natural stone installations, complex mosaic tile patterns, or multiple distinct areas with different tiling approaches. The bathroom floor might feature luxurious travertine tiles, while the walls could showcase high-quality porcelain with accent areas of interlocking mosaic sheets.
Tile Material Costs and Options
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic tiles remain one of the most popular choices for bathroom renovations, offering excellent value and durability. In Newcastle, ceramic tiles typically cost between $25 and $60 per square metre for supply only. Porcelain tiles, which offer superior water resistance and durability, range from $35 to $80 per square metre. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are excellent choices for both wall tiles and floor tiles, providing versatility and long-lasting performance.
The choice between ceramic and porcelain tiles often comes down to specific requirements and budget considerations. Porcelain tiles are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles, making them particularly suitable for high-moisture areas, such as the bathroom shower. However, ceramic tiles can be perfectly adequate for many bathroom applications and offer significant cost savings.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles, including marble, travertine, and granite, provide a luxurious aesthetic but come with higher costs. Natural stone tiles typically range from $70 to $200 per square metre or more, depending on the specific stone type and quality. Travertine tiles, popular for their natural beauty and slip-resistant properties, usually fall within the $80 to $150 per square metre range.
When considering natural stone tiles, factor in the additional costs for specialised installation and ongoing maintenance. Natural stone requires specific sealers and cleaning products to maintain its appearance and durability. However, the investment often pays off in terms of aesthetic appeal and potential property value increases.
Mosaic and Specialty Tiles
Mosaic tiles offer incredible design flexibility and can create stunning visual effects in bathrooms. Standard mosaic tiles typically cost between $50 and $150 per square metre, with interlocking mosaic sheets providing easier installation. Specialty options like pebble effect mosaic sheets can add unique texture and visual interest to bathroom walls or floors.
Feature tiles and designer options can range from $80 to $250 per square metre or more, depending on the specific design and manufacturer. These premium tiles are often used sparingly as accent pieces rather than covering entire surfaces, allowing homeowners to incorporate luxury elements without dramatically increasing the overall project cost.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Waterproofing and Compliance
Waterproofing is a critical component of any bathroom renovation that cannot be overlooked. Professional waterproofing typically costs between $30 and $60 per square metre, but it is essential for protecting your home from water damage. All bathroom waterproofing must comply with Australian Standard AS 3740, and proper installation by certified professionals is mandatory.
At Hunter Bathroom Renovations, we ensure all waterproofing work meets Australian standards and provide compliance certificates for every project. This investment in proper waterproofing protects your home and ensures your bathroom renovation stands the test of time.
Surface Preparation and Tile Removal
Surface preparation is crucial for successful tile installation and long-term durability. This process typically costs between $10 and $30 per square metre and includes cleaning, priming, and levelling surfaces. If you’re removing existing tiles, expect to pay an additional $20 to $50 per square metre for this service.
The condition of your existing surfaces significantly impacts preparation costs. Older bathrooms might require extensive surface repair or the installation of new substrate materials before tiling can begin. While these costs can add to your project budget, proper preparation ensures your new tiles will adhere correctly and last for years to come.
Premium Features and Upgrades
Underfloor heating has become increasingly popular in bathroom renovations, typically costing between $100 and $200 per square metre. This luxury feature works particularly well under tile floors and provides exceptional comfort during colder months. While it represents an additional investment, many homeowners find the comfort and potential energy savings justify the cost.
Other premium features might include tile niches, custom splashback tiling jobs, or complex pattern installations on your wall and floor tiles. These features can add to your overall cost but often provide significant aesthetic and functional benefits that enhance your bathroom’s appeal and usability.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Your Bathroom Renovation
Smart Tile Selection
Choosing the right tiles for your project can significantly impact your bathroom renovation budget. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer excellent durability and water resistance at reasonable prices. Limiting expensive feature tiles to accent areas while using more economical options for larger surfaces can help control costs without sacrificing style.
Consider standard tile sizes for most applications, as they’re typically less expensive to install than custom or unusual sizes. However, don’t compromise on quality for critical areas like the bathroom floor, where durability and slip resistance are essential for safety.
Working with Experienced Professionals
While professional installation represents a significant cost, attempting DIY tiling often leads to costly mistakes and substandard results. Experienced bathroom tilers can often complete work more efficiently and with better results than inexperienced DIY efforts.
Professional tilers also understand local building codes, waterproofing requirements, and best practices for climate conditions. This expertise can prevent costly problems and ensure your renovation meets all necessary standards.
Key Takeaways
- The cost to tile a bathroom in Newcastle ranges from $2,500 to $8,000, depending on size, tile type, and labour.
- Small bathrooms (up to 6m²) typically cost $2,500 – $4,000, medium bathrooms (6–10m²) cost $3,500 – $6,000, and large bathrooms (10m²+) start at $5,000.
- Tile material costs vary, with ceramic tiles priced at $25 – $60 per m² and natural stone tiles ranging from $70 to over $200 per m².
- Key factors influencing costs include bathroom size, tile choice, accessibility, and the experience of the tiler.
Get Your Personalised Quote Today
Ready to transform your bathroom with professional tiling? At Hunter Bathroom Renovations, we provide comprehensive bathroom renovation services throughout Newcastle, including complete tiling solutions. Our experienced team can help you remove old tiles, navigate tile selection, make design decisions, and plan a budget to achieve the bathroom of your dreams.
Contact Hunter Bathroom Renovations today to schedule your consultation and receive a personalised quote for your bathroom tiling project. Let us help you create a beautiful, functional bathroom that adds value to your home and enhances your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Removing existing tiles typically costs between $20 and $50 per square metre. This cost can vary depending on the tile type, adhesive used, and the condition of the underlying surface. Some situations might require additional surface preparation after tile removal. So you will need to factor this into the overall cost to tile a bathroom.
Porcelain tiles are generally considered the best choice for bathroom floors due to their durability, water resistance, and slip-resistant properties. They’re available in a wide range of styles and colours, making them versatile for various design preferences.
Quality bathroom tiles, when properly installed and maintained, can last 15-20 years or more. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are particularly durable, while natural stone tiles require more maintenance but can last even longer with proper care.
Professional tilers typically tile walls first, then floors. This approach allows for better water management during installation and ensures proper overlap patterns for water protection. However, the specific approach might vary depending on the project requirements.
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Jarrod Adnum
Jarrod Adnum is the founder of Hunter Bathroom Renovations. He is proud to lead an experienced team and support staff that are experts in their field. All staff ensure you are getting the best solutions and service for your bathroom.
