Planning a bathroom refresh or a full renovation and wondering the real price to tile a bathroom? This WA-focused guide explains the costs per m², total project budgets, material choices, and the process Joyce Kitchens follows to deliver durable, beautiful bathrooms that complement your kitchen, laundry and wardrobe design.
Quick answer: how much does tiling a bathroom cost?
If you’re after a fast ballpark, here’s what Australian homeowners typically invest in 2025.
- Per m² tiling labour (Perth metro): $55–$95/m² for straight lay; $90–$150/m² for patterns like herringbone/stack-bond or large-format handling.
- Tile supply:
- Ceramic wall tiles: $25–$60/m²
- Porcelain floor tiles: $40–$120/m²
- Natural stone/terrazzo: $90–$250+/m²
- Typical total price to tile a bathroom (WA):
- Powder room/small ensuite retile: $1,800–$4,000
- Average family bathroom retile: $3,800–$8,800
- Premium/complex or stone: $7,000–$15,000+
Those totals assume existing layout retained, new waterproofing where needed, standard screed, and quality trades. Your exact cost to tile a bathroom depends most on tile choice, area to cover, detailing, and site access.
What drives the price to tile a bathroom?
1) Size and coverage
Bathrooms vary from 10–40 m² of tile surface when you include floor and walls to 1.2–2.1 m high. More square metres equals more tile, adhesive, waterproofing, and labour.
2) Tile material and size
Porcelain and rectified tiles take longer to cut and lay than standard ceramics; mosaics and stone add labour for handling and sealing. Oversized slabs reduce grout lines but need extra care and two-person handling.
3) Layout and detailing
- Patterns (herringbone/chevron/stacked/brick bond)
- Niches, mitred edges, curved walls
- Multiple levels (hobless shower, step-downs) and fall-to-waste accuracy
4) Substrate preparation and waterproofing
Uneven floors/walls require screeding or levelling. Wet areas must be waterproofed to Australian Standards. More prep equals more time and material.
5) Site factors
High-rise lifts, limited parking, regional travel outside Perth, or tight access can add to the cost of retiling.
Bathroom renovation process in WA
- Design & selections with a Joyce Kitchens designer: tiles, grout, cabinetry, vanity tops (engineered stone benchtop or laminate), tapware, lighting.
- Strip-out: remove old tiles, fixtures, and failing substrate.
- Plumbing & electrical rough-in to suit the design.
- Substrate repair and screed to set correct falls for a hobless shower.
- Waterproofing to AS 3740 (membrane, curing time, QA checks).
- Tiling & grouting: set-out, install tiles, niches, trims, expansion joints; grout and clean.
- Sealing (if natural stone/terrazzo or as specified).
- Fit-off: shower screen, vanity, toilet, tapware, accessories; silicone.
- Final QA & handover with care instructions.
- Waterproofing: A membrane applied to wet areas to stop water penetration; must comply with AS 3740.
- Screed: A sand-cement layer used to create a level surface or set falls to the drain.
- Fall to waste: The slope directing water to the waste; incorrect falls cause ponding or leaks.
- Rectified tile: Machine-cut tile with sharp edges; enables tight grout joints but needs precision.
- Epoxy grout: High-performance, stain-resistant grout; higher upfront cost but lower maintenance.
Materials & finishes
Tile materials comparison
| Material | Typical tile cost (m²) | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $25–$60 | Budget-friendly, wide styles, light-weight | Softer than porcelain; not ideal for heavy wear | Walls, low-traffic floors |
| Porcelain | $40–$120 | Durable, dense, low-porosity, great for floors | Harder to cut; can increase labour cost | Floors, wet zones, family bathrooms |
| Natural stone (e.g., marble) | $90–$250+ | Premium look, unique veining | Needs sealing; more maintenance | Feature walls, luxury ensuites |
| Mosaic sheets | $40–$200+ | Fine detail, great on curves, slip-resistant | Labour-intensive; more grout lines | Niches, features, shower floors |
| Large-format/Slab | $70–$200+ | Minimal grout lines, contemporary feel | Requires expert handling and flat substrate | Modern, seamless bathrooms |
Grout and trims
- Cement grout: cost-effective, seal to reduce staining.
- Epoxy grout: premium, low-maintenance, ideal for showers and light-coloured tiles.
- Edge trims: aluminium (cost-effective), stainless (durable), or mitred tiled edges for a seamless finish.
Layouts & styles for Australian bathrooms
From coastal to contemporary, your tile choice should align with the overall home aesthetic and any future kitchen renovations Perth you’re planning. Popular directions include:
- Hamptons/coastal: soft whites, subway tiles, shaker-style vanity fronts, brushed nickel tapware.
- Modern minimal: large-format porcelain, wall-hung vanity, matte black fixtures, frameless shower.
- Warm contemporary: terrazzo-look floors, timber-look tiles, soft brass accents.
Joyce Kitchens coordinates tiles with custom cabinetry WA, engineered stone benchtops (great for vanities and powder rooms), and storage solutions so your bathroom harmonises with your galley kitchen, island bench and even a future butler’s pantry. Expect durable hardware like soft-close drawers and considered lighting for shaving and makeup.
Detailed costs and WA case examples
Line-item guide (typical ranges)
- Demolition/strip-out and disposal: $600–$2,000
- Substrate levelling/screed: $40–$80/m²
- Waterproofing to AS 3740: $30–$60/m²
- Tiling labour:
- Straight lay: $55–$95/m²
- Pattern/large-format/stone: $90–$150/m²
- Tile adhesive, primers, sundries: $8–$15/m²
- Grout (cement): included in labour; Epoxy add: $15–$35/m²
- Edge trims/capping: $10–$25/linear m; mitred edges: $35–$65/linear m
- Built niches: $180–$450 each
- Sealing (stone): $10–$20/m²
- Underfloor heating (optional): $80–$120/m² supply, plus install
- Regional travel/complex access: allow contingency 5–12%
WA case-style examples
Cottesloe ensuite (compact, premium finish)
6 m² floor + 18 m² wall coverage; porcelain floor, ceramic walls, one niche, mitred edges, epoxy grout, full waterproofing.
Estimated total: $5,900–$7,400 supplied and installed (tiles mid-range).
Joondalup family bathroom (mid-size, feature wall)
8 m² floor + 24 m² wall coverage; herringbone feature wall, two niches, standard cement grout on walls, epoxy in shower, hobless shower with new screed.
Estimated total: $7,800–$10,500 depending on tile selection and access.
These examples are indicative only. For a fixed, itemised quote on the cost to tile a bathroom or the cost of retiling in your Perth home, book a design consultation.
Where to save vs where to splurge
Save
- Keep the same layout to avoid moving plumbing and electrical.
- Use quality ceramic on walls and porcelain on floors for value and durability.
- Choose standard sizes (e.g., 300×600 mm) to minimise cuts and wastage.
Splurge
- Waterproofing and substrate prep—these protect your home.
- Slip resistance (aim P3–P4 floors) and epoxy grout in showers.
- Feature wall or niche detailing that defines the look.
Compliance & Australian standards
Bathrooms must be waterproofed to AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas) and meet relevant NCC and plumbing codes (AS/NZS 3500). For guidance and consumer info, see the Housing Industry Association, Master Builders WA, and WA’s Building and Energy page. Joyce Kitchens coordinates licensed trades to ensure compliance and warranties.
Why Joyce Kitchens for bathroom tiling and renovations in Perth
- Integrated design across bathroom, kitchen, laundry and wardrobes for a cohesive home.
- Custom cabinetry WA built for local lifestyles and appliance sizes.
- Trusted trades for waterproofing, screed, tiling, glazing and fit-off.
- Selection support for tiles, engineered stone benchtops, tapware and lighting.
- Local showrooms and project management—on time and on budget.
Whether it’s a fresh ensuite or a full-home renovation, our team can advise on how much to tile a bathroom and deliver a finish that lifts your everyday. Book your consultation today.
Practical pre-tiling checklist
- Measure floor and wall areas to estimate m² accurately.
- Decide on full-height or half-height wall tiling.
- Confirm tile slip rating (aim P3–P4 for floors) and finish (matte vs gloss).
- Choose grout colour and type (cement vs epoxy).
- Select trims (aluminium/stainless) or mitred edges.
- Plan niches, shelf heights, and towel rail placements.
- Confirm shower drain type (point vs linear) and falls.
- Allow for curing times: membrane and adhesives need adequate dry time.
- Set a contingency of 8–12% for unforeseen substrate issues.
FAQ
What is the average price to tile a bathroom in Australia?
The average price to tile a bathroom ranges from $3,800–$8,800 for a standard family bathroom, with small ensuites from $1,800–$4,000 and premium/complex bathrooms from $7,000–$15,000+. The exact cost depends on tile choice, area to cover, detailing, and site access.
How much does it cost to retile a bathroom compared to a full renovation?
The cost to tile a bathroom (retiling only) typically ranges $3,800–$8,800, while a full renovation including new fixtures, vanity, shower screen and plumbing can range from $15,000–$35,000+ depending on selections and layout changes.
How much should it cost to tile a small bathroom in Perth?
For a small Perth bathroom or ensuite, expect $1,800–$4,000 for retiling using mid-range ceramic/porcelain, standard set-out and one niche. Stone, large-format tiles or complex patterns can push this to $5,000–$7,000.
What adds the most to the cost of re tiling a bathroom?
The biggest drivers are tile type (stone or large-format), complex patterns, mitred edges, additional niches, substrate preparation, and full waterproofing. Access constraints and regional travel can also increase the overall cost of retiling.
Can I tile over existing tiles to save cost, and is it compliant in WA?
You can sometimes tile over tiles if the existing substrate is sound, clean, and level, and primers/adhesives are suitable. However, waterproofing must still comply with AS 3740. Joyce Kitchens will assess site conditions and advise the best compliant approach.
Refreshing storage to match your new tiles? Compare finishes and steps in our renovating kitchen cupboards guide.
Maximising storage along tiled feature walls? Explore layouts and costs for floor to ceiling kitchen cabinets.
