TilersUpdated March 2026 · 2 min read

How to Quote a Tiling Job in Australia

Guide for tilers on how to quote floor and wall tiling jobs. Covers per-sqm pricing, material calculations, waste factors, and waterproofing requirements.

What to Include in a Tiling Quote

A tiling quote should cover: tile supply (or note if supplied by client), tile adhesive (flexible for wet areas), grout (colour-matched), waterproofing (if wet area), tile trim and edge strips, silicone, substrate preparation, and labour. Always specify tile size and layout pattern, as large-format tiles require more skilled labour.

Tiling Costs Per Square Metre in 2026

Labour only (tiles supplied by client): $50–$90/sqm for standard tiles, $70–$120/sqm for large-format (600x600+). Supply and install: $100–$250/sqm depending on tile quality. Waterproofing: $30–$50/sqm additional. Common adhesive: $25–$40/20kg bag (covers 4–5sqm). Grout: $15–$25/5kg bag.

Calculating Tile Quantities

Always add a waste factor: 10% for standard grid layouts, 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, and 15–20% for rooms with many cuts (small bathrooms). For a 6sqm bathroom floor with 10% waste: 6 x 1.1 = 6.6sqm of tiles needed. Use the same formula for adhesive coverage calculations.

Waterproofing Requirements

All wet areas (showers, bathroom floors, laundries) require waterproofing to AS3740 before tiling. Include: liquid membrane (2 coats), reinforcing tape for internal corners and joints, bond breaker tape, and a waterproofing certificate. Some tilers do their own waterproofing, others sub it out — either way, include it in the quote.

Tiling Quote Mistakes

1. Not accounting for waste in tile quantities. 2. Forgetting waterproofing costs in wet areas. 3. Underquoting large-format tile labour. 4. Not specifying who supplies the tiles (if customer-supplied, note they need to order extra). 5. Not including substrate prep — uneven surfaces need levelling.