Tiling transforms bathrooms, kitchens, and floors — but it's skilled work that's worth getting right. Here's what tiling costs in NZ in 2026, what drives the price, and how to find a good tiler.
Tiling Cost NZ 2026
| Work type | Typical cost per m² (labour + supply) |
|---|---|
| Standard ceramic / porcelain wall tile (supply + lay) | $80–$150/m² |
| Large format tile (600×600mm+, supply + lay) | $100–$200/m² |
| Natural stone (marble, slate, travertine) | $150–$350/m² |
| Mosaic tile (glass or stone) | $150–$300/m² |
| Floor tile — standard (supply + lay) | $80–$140/m² |
| Floor tile — large format (supply + lay) | $100–$180/m² |
| Feature tiles / decorative inserts | $200–$500/m² |
| Tiler labour only (you supply tiles) | $60–$100/m² |
Typical project costs:
| Project | Approximate area | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom wall tiling (full room) | 20–30m² | $1,800–$5,000 |
| Shower recess (walls + floor) | 10–15m² | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Kitchen splashback | 2–5m² | $400–$1,500 |
| Laundry floor (12m²) | 12m² | $960–$1,700 |
| Living room floor (30m²) | 30m² | $2,400–$5,400 |
All prices GST inclusive. Auckland 15–20% above. Labour-only rates assume you supply tiles and adhesive.
What's Included in a Tiling Quote
A complete tiling quote typically includes: - Waterproofing — for wet areas (shower, bathroom floor) — may be quoted separately - Tile adhesive — appropriate adhesive for the substrate and tile type - Tile supply — the tiles themselves (often available through the tiler at trade price) - Laying — cutting, setting, and levelling tiles - Grout — grout supply and application - Silicone — at junctions (floor/wall, internal corners) and around penetrations - Clean-down — removing adhesive haze and polishing
What's often NOT included: - Waterproofing (check — sometimes a separate quote from the tiler or a specialist) - Floor preparation (screeding, levelling compound) - Removal of old tiles (add $15–$30/m² for breaking out and disposing) - Tile selection and delivery costs
Tile Types and What They Cost
Ceramic
Fired clay body with a glazed surface. Most affordable tile type. Suitable for walls and light to medium floor traffic. Not suitable for outdoor or heavy commercial floors.
Supply cost: $20–$60/m² for standard ceramic.
Porcelain
Denser than ceramic, fired at higher temperature. Less porous, harder, more resistant to moisture and scratching. Suitable for all walls and floors including high traffic and outdoor areas. The standard choice for NZ bathrooms and kitchens.
Supply cost: $30–$120/m² for standard to premium porcelain.
Large Format Porcelain (600×600mm+)
More expensive to lay than small tiles — requires a perfectly flat substrate (any unevenness causes "lippage"), more complex cutting, and heavier tiles. Looks contemporary and has fewer grout lines (easier to clean). Adding $15–$40/m² in labour over standard format.
Natural Stone (Marble, Slate, Travertine)
Beautiful and unique. Variable natural material — each tile slightly different. Requires sealing before and after grouting. More maintenance than porcelain. Not suitable for high-acid environments (marble can etch from lemon juice or cleaning products).
Supply cost: $60–$250/m² depending on stone type and source.
Glass Mosaic
Small tiles on mesh backing. Slow to lay (labour-intensive cutting and placement). Used as feature elements in showers, splashbacks, and swimming pools.
Supply cost: $50–$200/m². Labour adds 50–100% more than standard tile laying.
What Affects Tiling Cost
Tile size: Larger tiles are faster to lay per m² of coverage but require perfect substrate preparation. Very small tiles (mosaics) are slowest. Standard 200×400mm or 300×600mm tiles are the "sweet spot" for labour efficiency.
Tile pattern: Straight lay (tiles aligned in rows) is fastest. 45° angle or brick (offset) pattern uses more material (up to 15% more tiles for wastage) and takes longer. Herringbone is the most labour-intensive pattern.
Substrate condition: New gib or cement board ready for tiling: minimal prep. Old tiles being tiled over: possible but adds risk (weight, possible delamination). Floor with height variation: requires levelling compound before tiling — adds $20–$40/m².
Wall height: Standard bathroom tiling to 2.1–2.4m is included in a standard rate. Full-height tiling to ceiling on a 2.7m ceiling adds height and time.
Wet area waterproofing: Legally required under NZ Building Code (E3) in showers and bathroom floors. A tiler who doesn't waterproof properly exposes you to water damage claims and compliance issues. Cost: $800–$2,000 for a typical bathroom. Never skip it.
Removal of existing tiles: Breaking out old tiles, disposing of them, and preparing the surface for retiling adds $15–$30/m² to any retiling job.
How to Choose a Good Tiler
What to look for: - Examples of previous work (ask for photos or references) - Knowledge of waterproofing requirements (ask how they handle wet areas) - Appropriate adhesive for your substrate (not all adhesives suit all substrates — cement board, gib, and concrete each require different products) - Current availability — good tilers are often booked 4–8 weeks ahead
Questions to ask: 1. Do you supply tiles or do I? (Tilers often get trade pricing) 2. What waterproofing system do you use in wet areas? 3. What adhesive product for this substrate? 4. Is grouting and silicone included? 5. Is tile removal included if I have existing tiles? 6. How do you handle lippage on large format tiles?
Red flags: - Vague about waterproofing ("I'll use some membrane") - Won't tell you the adhesive brand or product - Dramatically underquotes on labour (usually means rushing or cutting corners) - Can't provide examples of recent bathroom or wet area work
Find tilers near you: Tilers NZ | Post Your Tiling Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tiling cost per m² in NZ? Standard porcelain tiles, supply and lay, in a bathroom: $80–$150/m². Large format tiles: $100–$200/m². Labour only (if you supply tiles): $60–$100/m². A full bathroom wall and floor tiling job (25–35m²): $2,000–$5,500 total.
How long does tiling take for a bathroom in NZ? A standard bathroom (walls + floor, ~25m²): 3–5 days for an experienced tiler, including adhesive drying time before grouting. Complex tile patterns, large format tiles, or difficult substrates take longer.
Do tilers do waterproofing in NZ? Many tilers include or offer waterproofing as part of their service — but it's essential to confirm this explicitly. Waterproofing is a separate skill and process from tiling, and must comply with NZ Building Code E3. Always confirm the waterproofing system and check it's covered in the quote.
Can I tile over existing tiles in NZ? Sometimes — if existing tiles are firmly bonded, flat, and the additional tile weight won't exceed the substrate's capacity. It avoids the cost and mess of tile removal but risks adhesion failure if any existing tiles are loose. Most tilers will assess and advise. For shower floors and wet areas, removing existing tiles is generally recommended to allow proper waterproofing.
What grout should I use for a NZ bathroom? Epoxy grout is the most durable and stain-resistant — ideal for shower floors and kitchen splashbacks. Standard cement-based grout is fine for most wall applications but needs sealing in wet areas. Confirm with your tiler — grout colour and type should be specified before work starts.
Related: Bathroom Renovation Cost NZ | Tilers NZ | Post a Job Free