The figures below are rough, indicative ranges to help with early budgeting only — not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific bathroom, tile choice and tiler. Visit our Strathpine showroom or get in touch for an accurate figure based on your plans.
The short answer
A typical Brisbane bathroom retile — tiles plus labour, floor and wall, for an average-sized bathroom — commonly lands somewhere in the low-to-mid thousands for a budget-to-mid-range tile choice, rising well beyond that for large format, full porcelain slabs, or a full waterproofing and floor-levelling job. The tile itself is usually a smaller share of the total than most people expect — labour, prep and waterproofing typically make up the bulk of the cost.
Tile cost by tier (per m²)
- Budget ceramic: generally the most affordable option per square metre, suited to smaller, simpler layouts.
- Mid-range porcelain: a step up in durability and finish, and where most Brisbane bathroom renovations land.
- Premium Italian/Spanish large format or slabs: a noticeably higher per-m² cost, reflecting the format size and manufacturing — see our porcelain benchtops guide for slab-specific detail.
An average bathroom uses somewhere around 10–15m² of combined floor and wall tile once you account for a shower recess and splashback, though this varies a lot with layout and how high up the walls you tile.
What actually drives the total price
- Labour rates. Tiling labour is typically priced per square metre and varies with tiler experience and demand — get at least two quotes.
- Waterproofing. A compliant waterproofing membrane is required by Australian Standards in wet areas and adds to the job — it is not optional, regardless of what tile you choose.
- Substrate preparation. An older Brisbane home with an uneven or non-level floor may need levelling compound before tiling begins, adding both cost and time.
- Tile size. Large format tiles (see our large format guide) take more skill and time to lay well, which is usually reflected in the labour rate.
- Feature elements. Mosaic niches, feature walls, and intricate layouts add both material and labour time.
Ways to manage the budget without compromising the result
Choosing a mid-range porcelain in a standard size, keeping the layout simple, and confirming your floor doesn’t need extensive levelling are the three biggest ways to keep a bathroom retile on budget. Our showroom team can help you find a tile that gives a premium look without the premium large-format labour cost, if budget is the priority.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to retile a small bathroom in Brisbane?
It depends heavily on tile choice and the condition of the existing floor, but a small, straightforward bathroom with a budget-to-mid-range tile is generally the most affordable retiling job you can do. Ask us for a rough estimate once you know your tile preference.
Is porcelain more expensive to lay than ceramic?
The tiles themselves are usually a modest step up in price, but porcelain — especially in large formats — can cost more to lay well, since it requires more careful handling and full-coverage adhesive. See our porcelain vs ceramic guide for the full comparison.
Does waterproofing cost extra on top of tiling?
Yes — compliant waterproofing is a separate, required step under Australian Standards for wet areas, and it’s priced separately from the tiling labour. Never let a quote skip it.
How do I get an accurate quote instead of a rough estimate?
Bring your bathroom’s rough dimensions and your preferred tile (or visit our Strathpine showroom to choose one) and we can help connect the dots on quantities — try our Build My Space tool to visualise the room and estimate box quantities before you get a tiler’s quote.