Getting a bathroom tiled and not sure what it should cost? Tiling cost per m² in Australia sits anywhere between $45 and $150+ depending on the tiles, job size, and what’s included in the quote.
This guide gives you the honest numbers upfront. No vague ranges, no fluff. We make sure you can walk into a quote knowing exactly what to ask.
What Does Tiling Cost in Melbourne?
Average Price Per m² (Supply & Lay vs Lay-Only)
Most tiling quotes come in one of two ways: supply & lay (tiles + labour bundled) or lay-only (you supply the tiles, the tiler supplies the work).
| Service | Approx. Price Per m² |
| Supply & lay (tiles + labour) | $80 – $150/m² |
| Lay-only (labour only) | $45 – $90/m² |
These are Melbourne averages. Prices move based on tile type, job complexity, and site conditions.
Typical Bathroom Tiling Cost Range
Here’s a rough idea of what a full bathroom tiling job costs in Melbourne based on size:
| Bathroom Size | Estimated Cost |
| Small (5–7 m²) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Medium (7–12 m²) | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Large (12 m²+) | $4,000 – $6,000+ |
These figures cover tiling only. Not plumbing, vanity, or other renovation costs are included.
What’s Included in a Tiling Quote?
Before you compare quotes, know what you’re comparing. Not every quote includes the same things.
Labour
Labour is charged per m² or as a day rate. For straightforward wall or floor tiling, most Melbourne tilers charge between $45–$90/m² for lay-only work. Day rates typically sit between $350–$600+ per day.
Materials (Tiles, Adhesive, Grout)
A supply & lay quote includes tiles, tile adhesive, grout, and spacers. Standard ceramic tiles are the most affordable. Large-format porcelain, natural stone, or imported tiles cost more. They also take more time to lay, which adds to labour too.
Surface Prep & Waterproofing
This one trips people up. Many quotes don’t include waterproofing or substrate prep. If your walls or floors need patching, levelling, or a fresh waterproofing membrane before tiles go on, that’s typically an add-on. Always ask what’s included.
What Affects the Price of Tiling?
Tile Size & Type
Larger tiles (600×600mm and above) need a flatter substrate and more precise cutting. That takes more time. Natural stone and handmade tiles need sealing and extra care. Here’s how tile choice maps to cost:
- Budget: Standard ceramic tiles, basic colours
- Mid-range: Large-format porcelain, rectified edges
- Premium: Imported stone, mosaic feature walls, bespoke tiles
Room Size & Layout
Bigger rooms usually come with a lower per-m² rate. There’s more ground to cover but the setup cost spreads out. Small, detailed bathrooms with lots of cut-outs (around niches, toilet pans, floor wastes) take longer, so the effective rate per m² can be higher.
Prep, Removal & Access
Tile demolition is usually charged separately. It typically costs $15–$30 per m² for removal. Levelling uneven surfaces or patching damaged substrates adds more. Difficult access (upstairs bathrooms, tight doorways) can also bump costs.
Cost to Tile a Bathroom vs Floor vs Splashback
| Job Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Full bathroom (walls + floor) | $2,500 – $5,500+ |
| Bathroom floor only | $500 – $1,500 |
| Shower recess | $800 – $2,000 |
| Kitchen splashback | $300 – $900 |
| Laundry floor | $400 – $1,000 |
Real talk: these are starting-point ranges. Every job is different — especially when waterproofing, demo, or repairs are in the picture.
Is It Cheaper to Tile Over Existing Tiles?
Technically yes. Skipping tile removal can save $15–$30/m² in demo costs. But it’s not always the smart move.
When tiling over existing tiles works:
- The existing tiles are flat, solid, and firmly bonded
- The extra height won’t cause issues with doors or fixtures
- The substrate can handle the added weight
When you shouldn’t tile over existing tiles:
- There are loose, hollow, or cracked tiles underneath
- The waterproofing is old or has failed
- It’s a wet area (shower) where waterproofing integrity matters
A good tiler will check the existing surface before quoting. If tiling over is the right call, it saves money. If it’s not, cutting corners here is asking for problems.
How to Get an Accurate Tiling Quote
A rough ballpark is fine for early budgeting. But the only number worth acting on is a written, itemised quote from a licensed tiler. Here’s how to get a good one:
- Measure your area (length × width in metres) before calling. Most tilers quote by the m²
- Decide on tile type first, or ask for a supply & lay quote with tiles included
- Ask specifically what’s included: demo, waterproofing, adhesive, grout, trims, shower niche
- Ask for a fixed-price quote, not just a day rate. It’s easier to budget
- Check licensing — in Victoria, waterproofing and certain tiling work is regulated by the VBA
Secure Tiling provides free, written quotes across Melbourne — no pressure, no hidden costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tiler cost per day or per m²?
In Melbourne, tiler labour rates sit between $45 and $90 per m² for lay-only work, or roughly $350–$600+ per day. The rate depends on experience, tile type, and job complexity.
How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?
Tiling a standard Melbourne bathroom typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000+ depending on size, tile choice, and whether prep or waterproofing is included. Get a written quote for an accurate figure.
What is the average tiling cost per m² in Australia?
The average tiling cost per m² in Australia is around $45–$90 for labour-only and $80–$150 for supply & lay. Melbourne sits within that national range, though prices vary by suburb and job type.
How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?
A full bathroom renovation in Melbourne including tiling, plumbing, vanity, and fixtures. It typically runs $12,000–$30,000+ depending on size and finish level. Tiling usually makes up $2,000–$5,000 of that total.
Is it cheaper to tile over existing tiles?
It can be. Skipping the demo saves $15–$30/m². But it’s only suitable if the existing tiles are solid, level, and the waterproofing underneath is sound. Your tiler should assess before proceeding.
Does the quote include supply and lay, or labour only?
Always confirm this upfront. Supply & lay includes tiles and materials. Lay-only covers labour only and you source the tiles yourself. Both are common. What matters is knowing which one you’re comparing.
How many tiles will I need for my room?
Measure the area (length × width in m²), then add 10–15% for cuts and waste. For a 10 m² bathroom, order around 11–12 m² of tiles. Your tiler can confirm the exact amount once they’ve measured the space.
Why do tiling quotes vary so much between tilers?
Because not all quotes include the same things. One might exclude waterproofing; another might quote supply & lay while a competitor quotes labour only. Always read the scope carefully before comparing prices.
Get a Real Number for Your Job
Every bathroom is different. The only accurate tiling cost per m² in Australia, for your job, comes from a written quote based on your actual space and tile choice.
Secure Tiling offers free, written quotes across Melbourne. No guesswork, no hidden extras. Request your free tiling quote and know exactly what your bathroom is going to cost.
