Decorative splashbacks aren’t just pretty tiles slapped on the wall—they’re basically the laundry’s “armour”. They protect against moisture, soap splashes, bleach, laundry detergents, puppy baths (if you’re in Hornsby), muddy footy gear (if you live in Blacktown), or the never-ending school uniforms from families in Epping, Pymble and Ryde.

And because the laundry has now evolved from a dark cupboard into a mini–utility hub, more Sydney homeowners are opting for stylish splashbacks that match the modern kitchen and bathroom trends.

So the big question we hear over and over:

“How much does it cost to install decorative laundry splashbacks?”

Let’s break this down in detail—Sydney-style, with suburb examples, real-life budgeting guidance and renovation insights.

1. The Short Answer: Typical Sydney Costs

Installing decorative splashbacks in a laundry room generally costs:

👉 $480 – $2,400+

(Including supply & installation)

The wide range depends heavily on:

• material (tile, glass, stone, acrylic, marble-look, etc.)

• labour

• existing wall condition

• area size

• complexity (cut-outs, custom patterns, niches)

2. Price Breakdown by Splashback Material

Sydney homeowners have very different aesthetic preferences depending on the neighbourhood—and the material you choose will make the biggest impact on cost.

Let’s go material-by-material.

A. Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles

Supply: $30–$80/m²
Installation: $250–$450/m²
Typical total: $480–$980

This is the most common option in suburbs like Carlingford, Ryde, Parramatta, Baulkham Hills and many newer apartments across Zetland and Waterloo.

Why homeowners love it:

• timeless

• affordable

• easy to clean

• huge design options

Can go from basic white subway tiles to textured designer tiles for premium homes.

B. Subway Tiles (Gloss or Matte)

Supply: $25–$50/m²
Installation: $250–$450/m²
Typical total: $450–$950

A Sydney favourite—especially in Inner West homes in Marrickville, Leichhardt, Ashfield and Drummoyne, where heritage vibes meet modern style.

C. Glass Splashbacks

Supply: $350–$550/m²
Installation: $250–$450/m²
Typical total: $900–$1,600

Glass splashbacks are sleek, reflective and durable.
They appear often in contemporary apartments in Rhodes, Homebush, Olympic Park, Macquarie Park and upscale homes in North Sydney and Lane Cove.

Benefits:

• super easy to clean

• brightens small laundries

• seamless look

Downside: Higher cost + requires exact measurements.

D. Acrylic Splashbacks

Supply: $120–$250/m²
Installation: $200–$380/m²
Typical total: $450–$1,000

A cost-effective option for laundry rooms in suburbs like Hills District, Blacktown, Campbelltown and Penrith.

Looks similar to glass but more budget-friendly.
Good choice for low-moisture laundry spaces.

E. Stone Splashbacks (Caesarstone/Engineered Stone)

Supply: $450–$850/m²
Installation: $300–$550/m²
Typical total: $950–$1,900

Often chosen in high-end North Shore, Northern Beaches, Vaucluse, and Hunters Hill homes.

Great for laundries adjacent to open-plan kitchens where homeowners want consistency.

F. Marble / Natural Stone

Supply: $700–$1,500/m²
Installation: $350–$650/m²
Typical total: $1,400–$2,400+

Premium, luxurious, but requires sealing.
Perfect in heritage homes in Paddington, Newtown, and Glebe, or architect-designed homes in Turramurra (like your MB9 projects!).

3. What Determines the Final Cost? (Sydney Factors)

Every laundry is different, and several factors influence the final splashback installation cost.

1. Total Metres to Tile

Laundry splashbacks typically measure between 1.2 – 2.4 square metres.
Bigger laundries = higher cost.

2. Wall Condition

Older homes in suburbs like Haberfield, Hunters Hill, Ashfield and Canterbury often have uneven walls that require:

• re-rendering

• patching

• waterproofing

• removal of old tiles

Adds $120–$350 depending on severity.

3. Custom Cut-outs

Powerpoints, mixer locations, wall niches, and dryer brackets add cutting labour.
Each cut-out can add $20–$60.

4. Pattern Complexity

Simple stacked tiles = cheap
Herringbone = labour heaven (and labour cost heaven)

Herringbone patterns can add 25–40% extra labour.

5. Existing Cabinetry Setup

If the laundry has:

• tight spaces

• benchtops already installed

• wall-hung cabinets

• oddly located plumbing

Then it adds time, which adds cost.

Typical add-on: $80–$180.

6. Renovation Timing

If you’re renovating kitchen + laundry + bathroom together, trade scheduling becomes more efficient.

This typically reduces splashback installation costs by 8–15% compared to one-off labour call-outs.

4. Labour Cost Estimates (Sydney Plasterers, Tilers & Installers)

Labour makes up the biggest chunk of splashback installation.

General labour cost:

$200–$450 per m²

Based on:

• height

• pattern

• material

• job access

Inner-city homes in Newtown, Surry Hills, Redfern or Glebe often incur slightly higher costs due to parking + access issues for trades.

Suburbs with newer developments (Ryde, Kellyville, Oran Park, Schofields) tend to be easier and quicker.

5. Cost Comparison Examples (Realistic Sydney Scenarios)

Here are simplified examples to help homeowners visualise typical spend:

Example 1: Basic Ceramic Tile Splashback

Suburb: Carlingford
Area: 1.6 m²
Labour + tiles = $650–$850

Popular for family homes wanting a clean, simple upgrade.

Example 2: Glass Splashback

Suburb: Zetland apartment
Area: 1.8 m²
Labour + supply = $1,200–$1,600

Chosen for a modern, reflective look and easy cleaning.

Example 3: Stone (Caesarstone) Splashback

Suburb: Pymble
Area: 2.1 m²
Total = $1,550–$2,100

Matches the kitchen benchtop for a cohesive home vibe.

Example 4: Marble Splashback

Suburb: Mosman
Area: 1.5 m²
Total = $1,800–$2,400

High-end project, carefully installed.

6. Should You DIY a Laundry Splashback?

Short answer: No — not recommended.

Why?

• precise waterproofing required

• tile edges must align with cabinets

• cut-outs require specialist tools

• wrong adhesive = long-term water damage

• installing glass or stone requires licensed professionals

MB9 frequently repairs DIY splashback disasters in suburbs like Blacktown, Liverpool, Hornsby, and many strata blocks in the Inner West.

Hiring a professional costs a bit more, but saves thousands later.

7. Tips to Reduce Splashback Installation Costs

1. Choose tiles that match the current benchtop.

Avoid the need for benchtop replacements.

2. Keep the tile height moderate.

Full-height stone splashbacks look great but cost more.

3. Use subway tiles (they look high-end but cost less).

4. Avoid complex patterns (herringbone = premium labour).

5. Renovate laundry + kitchen together to reduce trade call-outs.

6. Pick pre-finished walls to reduce prep labour.

8. Why Decorative Splashbacks Matter in Sydney Laundries

Laundry rooms in Sydney are no longer tucked away in dark corners.
Renovation trends show:

• more wall-mounted cabinets

• integrated appliances

• pet wash zones

• mudroom-style laundries

• open concept layouts connecting to kitchens

So the splashback becomes a visual anchor—a small cost for a big style impact.

Homeowners in suburbs like Wahroonga, Beecroft, Lane Cove, Concord, and Five Dock are increasingly investing in beautifully designed laundries because:

• it improves resale value

• it makes daily chores feel less… chore-y

• it turns a utility space into something enjoyable

A decorative splashback is the easiest way to achieve this transformation.

9. Final Budget Summary for Splashbacks in Sydney

Ceramic / Porcelain Tiles: $480–$980

Acrylic Panels: $450–$1,000

Glass Splashbacks: $900–$1,600

Stone: $950–$1,900

Marble / Premium Stone: $1,400–$2,400+

Most Sydney homeowners end up spending:

👉 Between $650 and $1,400 for a laundry splashback

depending on material and wall condition.

Final Takeaway

Decorative splashbacks add style, protection and long-term value to any Sydney laundry renovation. Costs vary mainly by material and installation complexity, but a professionally installed splashback ensures durability, compliance and visual impact.

To explore more options for kitchen, bathroom and home renovations in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au for expert guidance and renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.