Considering a completely tiled bathroom or wondering if tiling half a bathroom wall is enough? As a Perth-based design and renovation team, Joyce Kitchens helps WA homeowners plan bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes that are stylish, practical and built for our climate. Below, you’ll find real-world costs, material choices, layouts, and a proven process to make your project smooth and compliant.
Completely Tiled vs Half Tiled: Core Insights
The term “completely tiled bathroom” generally means wall tiles from floor to ceiling and a fully tiled floor. A half bath tile approach (tiling half bathroom wall height) typically runs to about 1200 mm, with paint above the tile line. Both can look sharp—your choice should be guided by moisture levels, ventilation, style, and budget.
When a completely tiled bathroom shines
- Wet zones: Showers, ensuites with steam, and family bathrooms used daily.
- Longevity: Tiles are durable, easier to keep clean, and protect walls from moisture.
- Resale: A full-height, rectified porcelain finish reads as premium.
When tiling half bathroom wall is smart
- Powder rooms or low-moisture spaces where splashback areas need protection but full-height tiling is optional.
- Styling flexibility: Combine tiles with washable paint or VJ panels for texture.
- Budget: Save on tile quantity and labour while still creating a striking feature wall.
Compliance tip for WA: Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are wet areas. Waterproofing and drainage must meet Australian Standards (such as AS 3740). Consider engaging HIA or Master Builders WA members and verify contractor credentials through WA Building and Energy.
Useful authorities:
Housing Industry Association (HIA) •
Master Builders WA •
WA Building and Energy
Our Renovation Process
Joyce Kitchens delivers kitchen renovations Perth homeowners love—and the same award-winning approach applies to your bathroom, laundry renovation, and custom cabinetry WA-wide.
1) Design consultation
- Measure and assess ventilation, plumbing routes, ceiling height, and door swings.
- Discuss tile format (e.g., 600×600, 300×600, mosaic feature), grout lines, and shower screens (frameless or semi-frameless).
- Select cabinetry finishes (two-pack, laminate, or vinyl wrap) and stone vanity tops to coordinate with your kitchen splashback or shaker kitchen style if renovating multiple rooms.
2) Compliance & planning
- Confirm waterproofing scope to meet AS 3740 and NCC requirements.
- Plan fall to floor waste, niches, tiled hobs, and any nib walls for shower separation.
- Coordinate trades to minimise downtime—ideal if you’re also updating a scullery, walk-in pantry, or laundry.
3) Build phase
- Demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in, new screed, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry install, and final fixtures.
- Quality checks: membrane coverage, tile lippage, grout consistency, silicone finishing, and WELS-compliant tapware.
4) Handover
- Care guides for porcelain tiles and grout sealing schedule.
- Warranty documentation for cabinetry hardware (e.g., soft-close drawers) and benchtops.
WA Case Example 1: Subiaco Ensuite
A completely tiled bathroom with 600×600 rectified porcelain, full-height walls, a frameless shower screen and Caesarstone vanity top. Result: brighter space, easy cleaning, and excellent resale appeal.
WA Case Example 2: Joondalup Powder Room
Tiling half bathroom wall to 1200 mm in a small powder room, with a feature mosaic splashback and painted upper wall. Result: designer look on a modest budget, faster turnaround.
Materials & Finishes
Tiles
- Porcelain tiles: Dense, low-porosity, ideal for floors and walls; excellent for wet zones.
- Ceramic tiles: Great for walls; lighter and often more cost-effective.
- Mosaics: Perfect for niches or feature walls; budget for higher labour time.
- Grout: Consider epoxy grout in showers for stain resistance and longevity.
Cabinetry & Benchtops
Bathroom vanities benefit from the same expertise we bring to kitchens. Whether you want a classic shaker vanity or a handleless contemporary look, we’ll match finishes to your broader renovation brief (kitchen splashback, laundry cabinetry, wardrobe design).
Engineered Stone vs Laminate (for Vanities and Kitchens)
| Feature | Engineered Stone (e.g., Caesarstone) | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look & Feel | Premium, consistent patterns; pairs well with rectified tiles | Wide range of decors; excellent value |
| Water & Stain Resistance | High; easy to maintain | High for modern laminates; avoid pooling water at edges |
| Heat Resistance | Good, but use trivets; avoid direct hot pots (kitchens) | Moderate; protect from heat appliances |
| Indicative Installed Cost (Perth) | Approx. $700–$1,200 per m² | Approx. $120–$350 per m² |
| Best For | Premium bathrooms, shaker kitchen upgrades | Budget-savvy vanities, rental kitchens |
Tip: Match your engineered stone benchtop across kitchen, laundry and vanity for a cohesive whole-home palette. If you prefer laminate in the vanity, choose high-moisture core boards and quality edge sealing.
Fixtures & Fittings
- Undermount sink or semi-recessed basins for a clean benchtop line.
- Frameless shower screens for minimal hardware and easy cleaning.
- WELS-rated tapware and toilets to save water without sacrificing performance.
Local note: Australian appliance and fixture sizing is standardised—e.g., 600 mm ovens, 900 mm cooktops in kitchens; in laundries allow 600 mm for front loaders with ventilation. In bathrooms, confirm mixer rough-in depths and vanity waste positions early.
Layouts & Styles
Layouts that work
- Walk-in showers with a single fall to linear drain, reducing grout lines and trip points.
- Niches aligned to tile grids for clean lines and reduced cuts.
- Pocket or cavity sliders to reclaim floor area in small bathrooms.
Styles we love in Perth
- Modern coastal: Light porcelain tiles, soft greys, matte black tapware.
- Shaker-inspired: Two-pack shaker doors, stone vanity tops, brushed nickel hardware to echo a shaker kitchen.
- Minimalist: Large-format rectified tiles, wall-hung vanity, concealed cistern.
If you’re renovating multiple spaces, we’ll carry themes from your kitchen renovations Perth project into the bathroom or laundry renovation for a connected, considered home.
Costs in Perth & WA
What does a completely tiled bathroom cost?
- Compact bathroom/ensuite: roughly $18,000–$28,000+ (full renovation, Perth market).
- Premium fit-outs: $30,000–$50,000+ depending on tiles, stone, screens and bespoke cabinetry.
Tiling-specific allowances
- Tiles: $30–$90 per m² for quality porcelain; $120–$300 per m² for mosaics/features.
- Tiling labour: $80–$150 per m² (format, pattern and substrate condition affect price).
- Waterproofing: $40–$60 per m² depending on build-up and detailing.
- Extras: Niches, mitred corners, epoxy grout, and rectified edges add labour time.
Saving with tiling half bathroom wall
Switching from a completely tiled bathroom to tiling half bathroom wall height can reduce tiling materials and labour by around 15–25%, especially in low-moisture powder rooms. Ensure all required wet areas are still waterproofed to standard.
Practical Pre-Reno Checklist
- Confirm your moisture zones and whether a completely tiled bathroom is warranted.
- Choose tile size and layout (stagger, stack, herringbone) and confirm grout colour.
- Lock in drain style and falls before screeding.
- Confirm mixer and spout positions with your tiler and plumber.
- Select vanity construction (Plywood HMR board) and finish (two-pack or laminate).
- Decide on benchtop: engineered stone benchtop or laminate benchtop.
- Plan storage: mirrored cabinets, wall niches, or tall cupboards.
- Ventilation: ensure compliant exhaust extraction to outside.
- Lighting: task at mirror + ambient ceiling; consider warm-to-neutral LEDs.
- Schedule: allow for waterproofing cure times and lead times on custom cabinetry.
Note: Prices are indicative as of 2025 and vary with site access, substrate condition, selections and scope. For an accurate quote, book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens.
FAQ
Is a completely tiled bathroom worth it in Perth’s climate?
Yes—Perth’s warm summers and regular shower use make full-height tiling a smart choice for durability, easy cleaning, and moisture protection. It also elevates resale value, especially in ensuites and main family bathrooms.
What is the difference between a completely tiled bathroom and tiling half a bathroom wall?
A completely tiled bathroom has tiles floor-to-ceiling on all walls plus the floor. Tiling half bathroom wall height (often ~1200 mm) protects splash zones while leaving painted wall above. Full-height tiling suits wet zones and premium finishes; half-height tiling can save 15–25% on tiling costs in low-moisture areas like powder rooms.
How much does it cost to tile a small bathroom in WA?
As a guide, quality porcelain tiles can be $30–$90 per m², labour $80–$150 per m², and waterproofing $40–$60 per m². A full small-bathroom renovation in Perth typically lands from $18,000–$28,000+, depending on selections and site conditions.
Do I need waterproofing if I’m only tiling half the bathroom wall?
Yes—waterproofing is governed by Australian Standards (such as AS 3740), not just tile height. Wet areas (showers, around baths, floors and junctions) must be correctly waterproofed regardless of whether walls are tiled full height or half height.
What tile size is best for a small powder room?
For floors, 300×300 or 450×450 porcelain tiles help manage falls and reduce cuts; use mosaics where extra grip or complex falls are needed. On walls, 300×600 or 600×600 can visually enlarge the space—keep grout lines minimal for a seamless look.