Find Verified Tilers Across Australia
Use this TradeRefer tiling hub to compare floor and wall tiling costs per square metre, understand mandatory waterproofing requirements, and connect with verified local tilers across Australia.
Tiling Cost Guide Australia
Tiling costs depend on tile size, pattern complexity, substrate preparation, and wet area requirements. Use these benchmarks across Australian cities to evaluate quotes.
Labour Rate
$45–$120
/m² (labour only)
Supply & Install
$80–$200
per m² inc. tiles
Waterproofing (mandatory)
$300–$600
per shower (AS 3740)
| City | Labour (per m²) | Supply & Install | Shower Retile | Full Bathroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $55–$120/m² | $90–$200/m² | $800–$2,500 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Melbourne | $50–$110/m² | $85–$190/m² | $750–$2,200 | $2,800–$7,500 |
| Brisbane | $45–$105/m² | $80–$180/m² | $700–$2,000 | $2,500–$7,000 |
| Perth | $55–$120/m² | $90–$200/m² | $800–$2,500 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Adelaide | $45–$100/m² | $80–$175/m² | $700–$2,000 | $2,500–$6,500 |
| Canberra | $55–$115/m² | $90–$195/m² | $800–$2,500 | $3,000–$7,500 |
| Hobart | $50–$110/m² | $85–$185/m² | $750–$2,200 | $2,800–$7,000 |
| Darwin | $60–$130/m² | $95–$210/m² | $900–$2,800 | $3,500–$9,000 |
Common Tiling Job Costs
Tiling Services We Cover
TradeRefer's tiling hub covers bathroom, kitchen, outdoor, and commercial tiling across floor, wall, and feature applications.
Before You Hire a Tiler
Use these checks to avoid compliance failures, hollow tiles, and costly shower rectification.
Waterproofing must come before tiling
Under Australian Standard AS 3740, all wet areas (showers, baths, laundries) must be waterproofed before tiling begins. If a tiler doesn't mention waterproofing or tries to skip it, walk away. Failure to waterproof is the number one cause of expensive shower rectification.
Check their experience with your tile type
Large format tiles (600×600mm+), natural stone, mosaic, and rectified porcelain all require different techniques and substrate preparation. Ask to see examples of the specific tile type in your quote. Not all tilers have experience with large format or natural stone.
Confirm the slip rating for outdoor tiles
Outdoor tiles must have a minimum R11 slip rating (P4 or P5 for slopes). Using polished or low-slip-rated tiles outdoors is a safety risk and may not comply with Australian Standards. Your tiler should be able to confirm the slip rating of any tile they recommend.
Ask about substrate preparation
Poor substrate preparation is the primary cause of cracked, hollow, and failed tiles. A quality tiler will check for and correct substrate deflection, moisture issues, and unevenness before tiling. Any quote that doesn't mention substrate prep is a red flag.
Find Tilers by City
Browse the major Australian cities where TradeRefer has tiling businesses listed, then drill into suburb-level pages from there.
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Tiling Licensing Requirements by State
Tiling is largely unlicensed across most states, but mandatory wet area waterproofing to AS 3740 applies nationally regardless of licence status.
VIC
In Victoria, tiling is generally not a licensed trade, however wall and floor tiling associated with wet areas must comply with AS 3740 waterproofing standards, which requires a licensed waterproofer.
NSW
In NSW, tiling itself does not require a licence, but wet area tiling must be done in conjunction with a licensed waterproofer. Home building work over $20,000 requires a contractor licence.
QLD
In Queensland, wall and floor tiling over $3,300 requires a QBCC licence under the Tiling trade category.
WA
In WA, tiling does not require a specific trade licence, but work over the home improvement threshold requires building services registration.
SA
In SA, tiling is not a separately licensed trade. Wet area compliance must meet AS 3740 requirements.
TAS
In Tasmania, tiling is not separately licensed. Wet area work must comply with NCC waterproofing requirements.
ACT
In the ACT, tiling does not require a separate licence but wet area waterproofing compliance is mandatory.
NT
In the NT, tiling does not require a specific licence. All wet area work must meet Australian Standards.
Verified tiling businesses
TradeRefer helps homeowners find ABN-verified tilers instead of relying on unchecked listings — particularly important for wet area work where compliance is mandatory.
Compare costs before you call
Use this hub to understand typical tiling rates per square metre across Australian cities so you can benchmark any quote you receive before committing to a contractor.
Australia-wide local discovery
Move from this national tiling guide into city and suburb-level pages to find verified tilers in the specific area where your project is located.
Tiling: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tiling cost per square metre in Australia?
Tiling labour typically costs $45–$120/m² depending on tile size, pattern complexity, and location. Large format tiles (600x600+) cost more due to difficulty of installation. Supply and install packages including tiles range from $80–$200/m².
Do I need to waterproof before tiling a shower?
Yes — wet area waterproofing before tiling is mandatory under Australian Standard AS 3740 and the National Construction Code. This must be performed by a qualified installer and must cure fully before tiling begins. Failure to waterproof is the leading cause of shower leaks.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous, and more durable than ceramic — making them better for floors and wet areas. Ceramic tiles are lighter, easier to cut, and typically cheaper, making them suitable for wall applications and lower-traffic areas.
How long does tiling take to dry before use?
Standard tile adhesive takes 24–48 hours to set before grouting. Grout cures in 24 hours for foot traffic, but allow 72 hours before full use of showers. Epoxy grout cures faster but is harder to work with.
What size grout joint should I use?
Rectified tiles can use joints as small as 1.5–2mm. Non-rectified tiles need 3–5mm joints to accommodate size variation. Large format tiles typically use 3mm joints minimum. Your tiler will recommend the right joint for your tile type.
How do I prevent grout from cracking?
Use flexible grout in corners and movement joints rather than standard rigid grout. Ensure the substrate is solid and level. Avoid walking on tiles before adhesive fully cures. Sealing grout annually helps prevent moisture ingress and staining.
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