Tiles are more than just a flooring or wall covering—they define the style, functionality, and durability of your laundry. With so many styles, materials, and finishes, costs can vary widely depending on quality, size, installation complexity, and location. From luxury terraces in Mosman and Vaucluse, to family homes in Castle Hill, Ryde, and North Shore, and compact apartments in Ultimo, Zetland, or Waterloo, understanding tile costs is essential for realistic renovation budgeting.

1. Why Modern Tiles Are Important in Laundry Design

Laundry tiles aren’t just decorative—they’re functional and long-lasting. Choosing the right tiles affects:

• Durability: Laundry floors and splashbacks are exposed to water, detergents, and frequent foot traffic. High-quality tiles resist cracking, staining, and moisture damage.

• Maintenance: Smooth, glazed, or large-format tiles are easier to clean than textured or patterned tiles.

• Aesthetics: Modern tiles can elevate the look of your laundry, complement cabinetry, benchtops, and appliances, and even increase resale value.

• Safety: Non-slip or textured tiles prevent accidents in wet areas.

For example, families in Ryde or Castle Hill need durable, high-traffic floor tiles, while apartment renovations in Surry Hills or Zetland often focus on wall tiles and small-format floors for style and water resistance.

2. Common Modern Laundry Tile Materials and Costs

The cost of modern laundry tiles depends on material, size, finish, and installation complexity. Here’s a breakdown:

2.1. Ceramic Tiles

• Cost: $35 – $120 per m²

• Pros: Affordable, wide range of colours and patterns, easy to maintain

• Cons: Less durable than porcelain in high-traffic areas

• Best For: Floor and wall tiles in apartment laundries like Ultimo or Waterloo

• Notes: Perfect for small spaces where budget-friendly style matters

2.2. Porcelain Tiles

• Cost: $80 – $250 per m²

• Pros: Dense, water-resistant, highly durable, low maintenance

• Cons: Slightly more expensive and heavier than ceramic

• Best For: High-traffic family laundries in Castle Hill, Ryde, and North Shore

• Notes: Large-format porcelain tiles create a modern, seamless look and reduce grout lines

2.3. Natural Stone Tiles (Marble, Granite, Travertine)

• Cost: $150 – $600 per m²

• Pros: Luxurious, unique veining and textures, long-lasting

• Cons: Porous, requires sealing and maintenance, expensive

• Best For: Luxury homes in Mosman, Vaucluse, or Double Bay

• Notes: Ideal for statement floors or feature splashbacks; adds resale value

2.4. Glass Tiles

• Cost: $100 – $350 per m²

• Pros: Reflective, visually enlarges small spaces, moisture-resistant

• Cons: Slippery if used on floors, higher cost, requires precise installation

• Best For: Accent splashbacks in compact apartments in Surry Hills, Newtown, or Marrickville

• Notes: Often combined with ceramic or porcelain to create custom designs

2.5. Mosaic Tiles

• Cost: $80 – $400 per m²

• Pros: Decorative, versatile for walls, backsplashes, or feature areas

• Cons: More grout to maintain, higher labour cost for installation

• Best For: Feature walls in boutique laundries in Bondi, Coogee, or Maroubra

• Notes: Ideal for creative designs, patterns, and colour accents

3. Factors Affecting Laundry Tile Costs in Sydney

3.1. Tile Size

• Large-format tiles (600x600mm or bigger) reduce grout lines but increase installation complexity.

• Smaller tiles like mosaics require more labour and precise alignment, increasing cost.

3.2. Tile Finish

• Matte, polished, or textured finishes affect price.

• Non-slip finishes may cost slightly more but are safer in wet laundry areas.

3.3. Installation Complexity

• Standard floor or wall tiles: straightforward, included in base price

• Diagonal patterns, herringbone, or chevron layouts: 20–50% higher labour cost

• High walls or confined apartment spaces may require scaffolding or extra labour

3.4. Additional Costs

• Grout, adhesives, and waterproofing membranes: $20–$50 per m²

• Removal of old tiles: $30–$80 per m²

• Tile trimming or cutouts for sinks, plumbing, or cabinetry adds $50–$100 per m²

4. Average Cost by Suburb and Home Type

Here’s a rough guide for Sydney homeowners:

Suburb Tile Type Estimated Cost per m² (Materials + Installation) Notes Ultimo / Zetland / Waterloo Ceramic / Porcelain $80 – $200 Compact apartments, focus on wall and splashback tiles Marrickville / Newtown / Surry Hills Mosaic / Glass $120 – $300 Accent splashbacks, boutique-style interiors Ryde / North Shore / Castle Hill Porcelain / Large-format $150 – $250 Family homes, high-traffic floors Bondi / Coogee / Maroubra Mosaic / Glass $150 – $350 Coastal luxury finishes, decorative splashbacks Mosman / Vaucluse / Double Bay Natural Stone $300 – $600 High-end laundries, statement floors, and feature walls

5. Budgeting Tips for Sydney Laundry Tiles

1. Plan for total coverage: Include walls, floors, and splashbacks in your calculations.

2. Choose durable materials for high-use areas: Family homes in Castle Hill or Ryde need resilient porcelain or stone tiles.

3. Factor in labour and installation: Professional installation ensures longevity, particularly in wet areas.

4. Consider style and resale value: Modern tiles add visual appeal and can increase your home’s market value.

5. Coordinate with cabinetry and benchtops: Matching tiles with cabinetry, handles, and benchtops creates a cohesive look, especially in luxury apartments or family homes.

6. Examples of Renovation Costs in Sydney

Scenario 1: Small Apartment in Zetland

• Floor: Ceramic tiles, 10 m² @ $120/m² = $1,200

• Wall splashback: Glass tiles, 5 m² @ $200/m² = $1,000

• Installation & adhesive: $600
  Total: ~$2,800

Scenario 2: Family Laundry in Castle Hill

• Floor: Large-format porcelain tiles, 15 m² @ $180/m² = $2,700

• Wall: Porcelain splashback, 8 m² @ $150/m² = $1,200

• Labour & waterproofing: $1,000
  Total: ~$4,900

Scenario 3: Luxury Laundry in Mosman

• Floor: Natural stone, 12 m² @ $500/m² = $6,000

• Wall feature: Mosaic, 6 m² @ $350/m² = $2,100

• Labour & sealing: $1,500
  Total: ~$9,600

These examples show how style, material, and installation complexity affect total costs.

7. Final Thoughts

Modern laundry tiles are a balance of style, durability, and functionality. They enhance aesthetics, simplify maintenance, and improve safety in wet environments. Sydney homeowners should consider:

• The household size and laundry frequency

• Flooring durability for high-traffic areas in Ryde, Castle Hill, or North Shore

• Space-saving wall tiles for apartments in Ultimo, Zetland, or Waterloo

• Luxury finishes for statement homes in Mosman, Vaucluse, or Bondi

Investing in quality tiles ensures your laundry is stylish, functional, and long-lasting. A well-planned tile selection can dramatically transform a mundane space into a beautiful, practical, and modern laundry.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.