Quick Answer
Bathroom tiling in Melbourne costs between $45–$120 per square metre for materials, plus $60–$100 per hour for a tiler’s labour. A standard full bathroom tile job runs $2,500–$6,500 all up, depending on tile choice, surface prep, and room complexity. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most cost-effective options; natural stone and large-format tiles add significantly to both material and labour costs.
Bathroom tiling is one of those jobs where the gap between a budget result and a premium result comes down to material selection and who you hire. In Melbourne’s older housing stock — particularly in Dandenong, Berwick, and Frankston — many bathrooms have 1970s–90s tiles over surfaces that need careful assessment before retiling. Getting the substrate right is what separates a 20-year job from a 5-year one.
Complete Bathroom Tiling Cost Breakdown
Wall Tiles
| Tile Type | Material Cost | Labour (per m²) | Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic (standard) | $20–$45/m² | $55–$75/m² | $75–$120/m² |
| Porcelain | $35–$80/m² | $60–$85/m² | $95–$165/m² |
| Large-format (600×600+) | $60–$150/m² | $85–$120/m² | $145–$270/m² |
| Natural stone (travertine/marble) | $80–$250/m² | $90–$130/m² | $170–$380/m² |
| Subway tile (75×150mm) | $25–$60/m² | $65–$90/m² | $90–$150/m² |
Floor Tiles
| Tile Type | Material Cost | Labour (per m²) | Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic floor tile | $25–$55/m² | $65–$90/m² | $90–$145/m² |
| Porcelain floor (R11 rated) | $40–$90/m² | $70–$100/m² | $110–$190/m² |
| Mosaic/feature tile | $50–$180/m² | $100–$150/m² | $150–$330/m² |
| Encaustic cement tile | $70–$200/m² | $90–$130/m² | $160–$330/m² |
Full Bathroom Tiling Job Estimates
| Job Scope | Typical Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ensuite (walls + floor, mid-range tile) | 6–8 m² | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Main bathroom (full re-tile, standard tile) | 10–14 m² | $3,500–$6,500 |
| Main bathroom (premium tile, feature wall) | 10–14 m² | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Shower recess only | 3–5 m² | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Floor tile replacement (no wall work) | 5–8 m² | $900–$2,200 |
What Affects Bathroom Tiling Costs in Melbourne?
1. Tile Size and Format
Large-format tiles (600×600mm or bigger) are more labour-intensive — they require a perfectly flat substrate, back-buttering every tile, and precise levelling to prevent lippage. Tilers charge $15–$30/m² more for large-format work. Mosaics on mesh backing take even longer to grout. Standard 300×300mm or 200×400mm tiles offer the best value for labour.
2. Surface Preparation
Many Melbourne bathrooms — especially homes built before 1990 in suburbs like Dandenong, Narre Warren, and Cranbourne — have tiles over old render, fibrous cement sheeting, or compromised waterproofing membranes. Strip-out and substrate repair adds $500–$2,000 to the job before a single tile goes up. Skipping this is the number-one reason for future waterproofing failures.
3. Waterproofing
In Victoria, waterproofing wet areas is mandatory under the Building Code of Australia. A tiler who is also a licensed waterproofer will apply the membrane before tiling; if they’re not licensed for waterproofing, you’ll need a separate tradesperson. Waterproofing adds $300–$800 for a standard shower and floor area. Never tile over an existing membrane without assessing its integrity.
4. Tile Removal
If tiles are being replaced rather than tiled over, removal costs $15–$35/m² depending on what they’re fixed to. Tiles bonded directly to compressed fibre cement sheet (common in 1980s–90s homes) often damage the substrate during removal and require sheet replacement, adding cost.
5. Grouting and Finishing
Epoxy grout is more durable and stain-resistant than standard cement grout but adds $5–$15/m² to labour. It’s worth it in floor joints and shower recesses. Rectified tiles (precision-cut edges) allow for tighter grout lines, which look cleaner but cost more to lay correctly.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional Tiler
| Factor | DIY | Licensed Tiler |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost | Same as pro | Same (may have trade discounts) |
| Labour cost | $0 (your time) | $60–$100/hr |
| Waterproofing | Cannot do legally without licence | Included if licensed |
| Time to complete | 2–4 weekends for average bathroom | 2–5 days |
| Result quality | Highly variable | Consistent, warranty-backed |
| Resale value | Risk of poor finish impacting value | Professional finish adds value |
Signs You Need to Retile Your Bathroom
| Problem | Symptom | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow tiles | Tap produces a dull thud rather than solid ring | Investigate substrate — re-bed or full retile |
| Grout cracking | Hairline cracks in grout lines, especially at corners | Regrout or apply flexible sealant at movement joints |
| Rising damp or efflorescence | White powder deposits, tiles popping off wall | Strip and address moisture source before retiling |
| Mould behind tiles | Dark staining, grout that won’t clean, musty smell | Full strip-out and substrate treatment required |
| Cracked tiles | Visible cracks, especially in floor joints | Replace individual tiles if matching available; retile if not |
Top 10 Tips and Gotchas for Bathroom Tiling
- Check for hollow tiles before you start. Tap every tile. Hollow sections mean the adhesive has failed — re-bedding or a full strip is the only real fix.
- Match your grout colour to your tile tone. Light grout on a dark tile, or vice versa, emphasises every imperfection. Mid-tone grout is more forgiving in high-use bathrooms.
- Use rectified tiles for floor-to-ceiling feature walls. Non-rectified tiles have size variation that makes perfectly aligned floor-to-ceiling runs almost impossible.
- Specify R10 or R11 slip rating for floor tiles. This is the Australian standard for wet area floors. Many attractive tiles fail this test — confirm the rating before purchasing.
- Budget separately for waterproofing. Some quotes bundle it in; many don’t. Ask explicitly whether waterproofing is included and who holds the licence.
- Avoid tiling over existing tiles. It sounds cheaper but adds height to the floor, can stress plumbing fixtures, and hides substrate problems that will re-emerge.
- Get at least three quotes. Tiling quotes in Melbourne vary by 30–50% for the same job. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value.
- Ask about silicone movement joints. Internal corners and junctions between floor and wall should have flexible silicone, not grout — grout cracks here every time.
- Check your tiler’s licence on the VBA register. All tilers working in Victoria for payment must hold a domestic building work licence. Search at vba.vic.gov.au.
- Allow tiles to acclimatise. Store tiles in the room for 24–48 hours before laying — temperature and humidity variation in Melbourne’s climate can cause dimensional changes that affect adhesion.
Local Resources — Melbourne Tile Suppliers and Tilers
- Bunnings — ceramic and porcelain tiles from $18/m², plus adhesive, grout and waterproofing supplies
- Beaumont Tiles — wide range including large-format and rectified tiles; showrooms across SE Melbourne
- Tile Space — specialist tile retailer with outlets in Dandenong and Moorabbin
- Total Tools — angle grinders, tile cutters, and wet saws for DIY tile cutting
- Victorian Building Authority (VBA) — verify your tiler’s licence before engaging them
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to tile a small bathroom in Melbourne?
A small bathroom or ensuite (6–8 m²) with standard ceramic tiles typically costs $2,500–$4,000 all in, including waterproofing. Premium tiles, large-format options, or significant surface preparation work push this to $4,000–$7,000. Always get three quotes before committing.
Can I tile over existing bathroom tiles to save money?
It’s possible but generally not recommended. Tiling over old tiles adds height (affecting vanity clearances and shower fittings), hides substrate problems, and often indicates the tiler is cutting corners on proper preparation. If the existing tiles are hollow, loose, or over a compromised waterproof membrane, the new tiles will fail too.
Do I need a licensed tiler in Victoria?
Any tiler working in Victoria for payment on domestic building work must hold a licence issued by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Waterproofing is a separate licensed activity. Always verify both on the VBA register before signing a contract. Using an unlicensed tradesperson can void your home insurance claim if something goes wrong.
How long does it take to retile a bathroom?
A professional tiler typically takes 3–5 days to retile a full bathroom, including time for adhesive and waterproofing to cure between stages. Add 1–2 days for strip-out if existing tiles are being removed. The bathroom is generally out of use for 5–7 days total when you factor in all curing times.
What’s the cheapest way to update a bathroom without retiling?
Re-grouting, cleaning grout with an oxalic acid solution, reapplying silicone at corners, and polishing tiles can dramatically improve a bathroom’s appearance for $200–$600 DIY. Painting tiles is also an option but rarely lasts more than 3–5 years in a wet area. A full retile is ultimately the most durable upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Bathroom tiling is one of the most impactful renovations you can do in a Melbourne home, but it’s also one where cutting corners has long-lasting consequences. Waterproofing failures are expensive to fix and can cause structural damage. Here’s the bottom line:
- Budget $3,500–$6,500 for a professional retile of an average bathroom with mid-range tiles
- Always insist on a licensed waterproofer — it’s not optional under Victorian building law
- Standard ceramic and porcelain tiles offer the best value; natural stone adds beauty but also maintenance
- Get the substrate right before tiling — it determines how long your tiles last
- Verify your tiler’s VBA licence before signing any contract
