What affects the cost of a tiling job?
“ If you’re planning a renovation or new tiling project, you’ve probably asked: “How much will it cost?”
The answer is: it depends—on more than you might think.”
Thinking about Tiling? Let’s break down the costs
At Cozy Tiling, we believe that clients deserve honest, upfront information—especially when it comes to cost. If you're planning a renovation or new tiling project, you've probably asked: “How much will it cost?”
The answer is: it depends—on more than you might think.
From the type of tile to the preparation work required, several key factors affect the final cost of your tiling job. In this article, we explain these factors clearly so you can make an informed decision and understand exactly what you’re paying for.
1. Tile Type and Size
Not all tiles are created equal—and some are much more time-consuming to work with.
🔹 Ceramic tiles – Affordable and easy to install
🔹 Porcelain tiles – Denser and harder, requiring more cutting effort and stronger adhesive
🔹 Natural stone (marble, travertine, granite) – Requires sealing and careful handling
🔹 Mosaic tiles – Small, intricate, and labour-intensive
🔹 Large-format tiles – Heavy, harder to lift and level perfectly, and often need back-buttering
💡 Larger or premium tiles may require more skill, time, and specialised tools, which can increase labour costs.
2. Surface Preparation
Before any tile goes down, the surface underneath needs to be clean, flat, and sound. The condition of your subfloor or wall plays a big role in cost.
Common prep tasks include:
Removing old tiles or vinyl
Screeding or using self-leveling compound
Priming or sealing surfaces
Fixing cracks or substrate damage
Waterproofing (required for wet areas like bathrooms and laundries)
🛠️ A flat surface = a better finish. But if the substrate is uneven or damaged, it will cost more to prepare properly.
3. Job Size and Layout Complexity
Naturally, larger areas cost more overall—but you may get a lower per-square-metre rate if the job is big and straightforward.
Factors that increase cost:
Small, fiddly spaces (e.g. toilet rooms, laundry cupboards)
Lots of cutting around fixtures (pipes, angles, cabinetry)
Patterned layouts (e.g. herringbone, diagonal, brick bond)
Multiple levels or split floors
📐 A large open floor with square tiles is faster (and cheaper) to tile than a small bathroom with 45-degree patterns and niches.
4. Waterproofing and Membranes
In wet areas like bathrooms and laundries, waterproofing is not optional—it’s required by law (NZ Building Code Clause E3).
We use high-quality membranes (like Ardex WPM or Mapei AquaDefense) and apply them properly with banding in all corners and junctions.
🚿 Waterproofing adds cost—but skipping it can lead to costly damage and failed warranties down the line.
5. Adhesives, Grout, and Materials
Quality materials affect both the performance and price of a tiling job. We use premium adhesives and grouts suitable for each job—not budget mixes loaded with filler.
Materials we supply may include:
Adhesive (flexible, non-slip, waterproof, white for stone)
Grout (sand-free, polymer-modified, coloured)
Trim or edging profiles
Expansion joints or silicone
Primer, screed, or self-leveling compound
🔍 Cheap adhesives can cause tile failure. At Cozy Tiling, we don’t compromise on materials just to offer a lower quote.
6. Labour and Skill Level
Tiling is a craft—and the cost reflects the skill, care, and time it takes to get it right.
Factors affecting labour cost:
Experience of the tiler
Level of detail required (mitred edges, mitred niches, tile skirting, recessed drains)
Time required for multi-day processes (e.g. prep → waterproof → tile → grout)
🤝 A cheaper quote may mean rushed work. We take the time to do it right—and back it up with workmanship you can trust.
7. Access, Parking, and Site Conditions
Logistics matter. Jobs that require:
Carrying heavy tiles up multiple flights of stairs
No nearby parking
Limited work hours (e.g. apartment rules)
Working around other trades
...will naturally cost more than easy-access projects.
🚚 Heavy tiles + difficult access = more time and labour to complete the same job.
💬 Contact Cozy Tiling today for a personalised, obligation-free quote—because when it comes to tiling, it’s not just about the price. It’s about the finish, the longevity, and the peace of mind.
