TILER COSTS IN WA

Floor tiling (labour only)

$45–$85/m²

Standard format, good substrate

Floor tiling (supply & lay)

$80–$160/m²

Includes mid-range tile

Wall tiling (labour only)

$55–$100/m²

Bathroom walls

Large format tiles (>600mm)

+$20–$40/m²

Premium on standard rates

Waterproofing (bathroom)

$400–$900

Wet area membrane

Tile removal

$15–$30/m²

Before re-tiling

Outdoor/alfresco tiling

$60–$120/m²

Slip rating and substrate prep

Pool surrounds

$80–$150/m²

Wet area, non-slip, drainage

Substrate condition

The single biggest variable in a tiling quote is what is under the existing tiles or floor. In Perth bathrooms — particularly homes built in the 1970s–1990s in areas like Karrinyup, Dianella and Belmont — the substrate beneath old tiles is often degraded compressed fibre cement (called "compressed sheet" or "Hardiflex"). Tiling over a poor substrate results in cracked tiles within months. A good tiler will insist on replacement, which adds $15–$30/m² but is unavoidable. Beware of anyone who does not mention it.

Waterproofing in wet areas

Since 2004, the WA Building Code requires proper waterproofing membranes in all wet areas. Any bathroom retile should include a waterproofing membrane applied and cured before tiling begins. This costs $400–$900 for a standard bathroom and is non-negotiable. Tilers who quote without including waterproofing are either excluding it deliberately (and leaving you exposed to water damage) or not aware of the requirement — neither is acceptable.

Large format tile premium

Tiles over 600mm — a popular choice in modern Perth homes — require more skill to lay flat (lippage is unforgiving at scale), heavier adhesive beds and more waste allowance at cuts. Expect to add $20–$40/m² on top of standard rates. In Perth's new build suburbs — Ellenbrook, Baldivis, Byford — large format is now standard, so most tilers are experienced with it.

Perth's outdoor lifestyle premium

Alfresco areas, pool surrounds and outdoor kitchens are extremely common in WA, and outdoor tiling is more demanding than indoor work. Tiles must be rated for slip resistance (P4 or P5 for pool areas under AS 4586), drainage must be planned into the layout, and the substrate must handle temperature expansion. Budget separately for outdoor work — it is not the same job as indoor tiling.

What is the condition of the substrate — does it need replacing before tiling?

Will waterproofing be included and which membrane product will be used?

What is the minimum cure time before tiling begins?

How do you handle large format tiles — what is your lippage tolerance?

What is your waste allowance for cuts and how is this reflected in the tile quantity?

Do you supply the tiles or do I purchase separately?

How do you handle the transition between tiled and non-tiled areas?

What slip rating are the outdoor/pool tiles and do they meet AS 4586?