How much does it cost to add decorative features like tiles or benchtops? (Laundry Room | Costs, Budgeting & Planning)

When renovating a laundry in Sydney, many homeowners want more than just functional space—they want a laundry that looks stylish, cohesive, and inviting. Adding decorative features like high-quality tiles, benchtops, or splashbacks not only enhances aesthetics but also increases functionality and long-term durability.

A frequent question we hear at MB9 Australia Pty Ltd is: “How much does it cost to add decorative features like tiles or benchtops in a Sydney laundry?” This guide will break down costs, materials, and Sydney-specific factors, along with tips for budgeting and planning your laundry makeover.

Why Decorative Features Matter in Laundry Renovations

A laundry may be the least glamorous room in the house, but it can significantly impact your home’s overall look, functionality, and value. Decorative features offer multiple benefits:

• Enhanced Aesthetics – Tiles, patterned splashbacks, and stylish benchtops create a visually appealing space.

• Improved Durability – Quality tiles and benchtop materials resist water, stains, and heavy usage.

• Easier Maintenance – Smooth surfaces, backsplash tiles, and benchtops simplify cleaning.

• Design Cohesion – Coordinating laundry finishes with kitchen or bathroom materials creates a unified home design.

In areas like Mosman, Neutral Bay, and the Eastern Suburbs, homeowners often choose designer tiles and stone benchtops to maintain a high-end feel, while more practical or budget-conscious designs are common in Redfern, Marrickville, and Surry Hills.

Cost Factors for Tiles and Benchtops in Sydney Laundries

The total cost of decorative features depends on several factors including material choice, size, installation complexity, and Sydney location.

1. Tiles: Walls, Splashbacks, and Flooring

Tiles can dramatically transform a laundry, adding color, pattern, and texture. Costs vary depending on material, size, and installation complexity:

• Ceramic Wall Tiles: $40–$120 per m²

• Porcelain Floor Tiles: $60–$200 per m²

• Mosaic Feature Tiles: $120–$350 per m²

• Natural Stone (e.g., marble, granite): $200–$500 per m²

Installation Costs: $50–$120 per m² for standard wall/floor tiling, more for intricate patterns or small mosaics.

Sydney Neighbourhood Insight:

• In Balmain and Mosman, patterned or natural stone tiles are popular for high-end laundry aesthetics.

• In Surry Hills or Redfern, contemporary, practical tiles in neutral tones are preferred for compact apartment spaces.

• Coastal homes in Bondi and Coogee often use moisture-resistant tiles to withstand humidity and salt air exposure.

2. Benchtops: Function Meets Style

Laundry benchtops provide workspace for folding, sorting, and cleaning while complementing cabinetry. Costs vary based on material:

• Laminate Benchtops: $250–$700 per linear metre

• Engineered Stone (Quartz): $600–$1,200 per linear metre

• Solid Timber Benchtops: $500–$1,500 per linear metre

• Stainless Steel Benchtops: $700–$1,500 per linear metre

Additional factors influencing benchtop costs:

• Edge Profiling and Finishes: $50–$300 per linear metre

• Integrated Laundry Troughs: $300–$800 depending on size and material

• Cut-outs for Appliances: $100–$300

Local Consideration: In Castle Hill or Hornsby, larger family laundries allow for longer benchtops with integrated sinks and storage, while compact apartments in Surry Hills or Redfern may use shorter, multifunctional surfaces to maximise space.

3. Labour and Installation Costs

Professional installation ensures accuracy, durability, and aesthetic appeal:

• Tile installation: $50–$120 per m²

• Benchtop installation: $200–$800 depending on size and complexity

• Custom edge profiles, sink cut-outs, and splashbacks increase labour costs slightly.

DIY installation is possible for small projects, but in most Sydney homes, hiring professionals ensures a long-lasting finish, especially in older properties where walls or floors may not be perfectly level.

4. Design Complexity and Customisation

Custom or decorative features can raise costs but enhance both function and style:

• Patterned or feature tiles: +$50–$200 per m²

• Custom splashbacks or niche tiling: +$150–$400 per project

• Integrated benchtop with foldable ironing board or pull-out storage: +$300–$1,000

Even a small feature wall behind a laundry trough can make a huge visual impact, particularly in compact apartment laundries.

5. Sydney Suburb-Specific Cost Insights

Area Typical Decorative Feature Cost Notes Mosman / Neutral Bay $5,000–$12,000 Designer tiles and stone benchtops; professional installation standard Balmain / Leichhardt $4,000–$10,000 Heritage terraces often require precise, moisture-resistant finishes Surry Hills / Redfern $3,000–$7,500 Compact apartment laundries; practical, modern tiles and benchtops Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Coogee) $4,500–$11,000 Coastal climate requires moisture-resistant materials and finishes Castle Hill / Hornsby $5,000–$13,000 Larger family laundries allow for full-length benchtops, tiled splashbacks, and integrated troughs

Pro Tip: Engaging a Sydney-based renovation company like MB9 Australia ensures access to local suppliers, reliable trades, and designs tailored to your neighbourhood’s style trends and building conditions.

Budgeting Tips for Decorative Features

1. Include All Costs in Planning – Materials, labour, custom features, delivery, and small adjustments.

2. Prioritise Moisture Resistance – Tiles, benchtops, and splashbacks should withstand constant water exposure.

3. Coordinate with Existing Design – Match colors and finishes with cabinetry, flooring, or kitchen materials for cohesion.

4. Maximise Functionality – Consider splashbacks behind sinks, durable benchtops for folding, and tiles for easy cleaning.

5. Future-Proof Materials – Durable, high-quality tiles and benchtops extend lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are decorative features worth the investment?

Yes. They elevate the visual appeal, improve durability, and make the laundry more functional, which adds value to your property in high-demand Sydney areas.

Q2: Can small laundries benefit from decorative features?

Absolutely. Even a feature tile wall or a stylish laminate benchtop can make a compact space feel modern and organized.

Q3: How long does installation take?

For a medium-sized laundry, expect 1–2 weeks for tiling and benchtop installation. Custom edge profiling, splashbacks, or intricate patterns may extend the timeline.

Q4: Can I mix materials for effect?

Yes. Mixing tiles, benchtops, and splashback materials creates visual interest and enhances functionality, as long as finishes are moisture-resistant and easy to clean.

Q5: Do I need council approval?

Generally, internal decorative work does not require approval. Structural changes, plumbing, or electrical modifications may need permits in older Sydney homes.

Summary: Decorative Feature Costs in Sydney Laundries

Adding decorative features like tiles or benchtops in a Sydney laundry typically costs $3,000 to $13,000, depending on size, materials, complexity, and suburb. Even small improvements significantly enhance functionality, aesthetics, and property appeal.

From compact apartment laundries in Surry Hills and Redfern to family homes in Castle Hill and heritage terraces in Balmain, investing in high-quality tiles, benchtops, and splashbacks transforms your laundry into a stylish, efficient, and durable space.

For professional kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services in Sydney—including custom tiles, benchtops, cabinetry, and full laundry redesigns—visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.