If your laundry floor currently looks like it has survived 20 years of muddy football boots, rogue detergent spills, and the occasional “overflow disaster,” you’re not alone. Many Sydney homeowners reach a point where the laundry tiles simply have to go. But then comes the big question:

How much does it cost to install high-quality laundry tiles in Sydney?

Let’s break it all down clearly—with real-world numbers, Sydney-specific insights, and the kind of practical advice that makes planning your renovation way easier.

1. Typical Cost to Install Premium Laundry Tiles in Sydney

The cost of tiling your laundry room depends on two major components:

1. The tiles themselves

2. The labour and preparation work

Across most Sydney suburbs—whether you’re in a compact terrace laundry in Newtown, a larger family home in Castle Hill, or a modern apartment in Mascot—you’ll encounter similar cost ranges.

A. Cost of High-Quality Laundry Tiles

There is a huge price range depending on material and quality level:

Tile Type Price Range (per m²) Notes Ceramic tiles $25 – $60 Affordable, durable, easy to clean Porcelain tiles $45 – $120 Hard-wearing, moisture-resistant, best for laundries Natural stone tiles $90 – $250+ Premium aesthetic, requires sealing Designer tiles (e.g., encaustic) $120 – $300 Trendy look, ideal for feature floors Large-format tiles $70 – $150 Modern, minimal grout lines

Most high-quality laundry renovations use porcelain tiles, especially in suburbs where moisture resistance is key—think Inner West terraces, Surry Hills conversions, and older homes in Ashfield or Epping.

B. Labour Costs for Tilers in Sydney

Tiling labour rates vary by experience and job complexity:

Labour Task Price Range Tiling labour (per m²) $50 – $120 Tile removal $25 – $55 per m² Floor levelling or screeding $30 – $100 per m² Waterproofing (if required) $350 – $800 total Waste disposal $80 – $180

Tiles cannot be installed over uneven surfaces, so floor preparation can significantly impact the final cost.

2. Total Cost: How Much Will Your Laundry Tiling Really Cost?

Let’s combine materials and labour into real-world project totals.

Basic High-Quality Upgrade (5–7 m² laundry)

Suitable for apartments in Zetland, Wolli Creek, Parramatta

• Mid-range porcelain tiles

• Basic labour

• No major floor repairs
  ➡ $1,200 – $2,200

Mid-Range Premium Tiling (6–10 m² laundry)

Common for family homes in Ryde, Strathfield, Hornsby, Kellyville

• High-quality porcelain tiles

• Floor levelling

• Tile removal

• Waterproofing
  ➡ $2,500 – $4,500

Luxury Laundry Tiling Package (8–12 m²)

Often seen in homes in Mosman, Vaucluse, Turramurra

• Designer tiles or large-format tiles

• Skilled tiler

• Significant substrate preparation

• Full waterproofing

• Matching tile skirting
  ➡ $5,000 – $9,000+

3. Factors That Affect Tiling Costs in Sydney

Every home is different, and subtle details can change the price significantly.

A. The Condition of the Existing Floor

Older homes—especially in areas like Petersham, Balmain, Glebe—often need:

• removal of previous tiles

• screeding to fix uneven levels

• moisture treatment on slabs

B. Choice of Tile

Some tiles take much longer to cut, lay, and grout:

• natural stone must be sealed

• encaustic tiles need special adhesive

• large-format tiles require expert levelling systems

Naturally, the more labour-intensive the tile, the higher the installation cost.

C. Tile Layout or Pattern

Patterns like:

• herringbone

• vertical stack

• diagonal

• chevron

…add labour cost because they require more precision and more wastage.

D. Access to the Laundry

Apartments in CBD, Waterloo, or Chatswood often have:

• tight staircases

• restricted lift access

• strata rules

All of which may increase labour time.

E. Waterproofing Requirements

Not all laundries require full waterproofing, but it is strongly recommended—especially for homes with:

• washing machine overflow risks

• internal laundries with timber floors

• built-in cabinetry

Waterproofing protects your home from future water damage and is a must for quality renovations.

4. Why High-Quality Tiles Are Worth the Investment

Laundries deal with:

• moisture

• spills

• detergents

• heavy appliances

• constant foot traffic

So choosing premium tiles is not only a style upgrade—it is a practical one.

A. They Last Significantly Longer

Quality porcelain tiles can easily last 15–25+ years.

B. They Look Better

Modern laundries in suburbs like Pymble, Lane Cove, Beecroft use tiles to blend seamlessly with kitchen or bathroom design themes.

C. They Improve Resale Value

A fresh, modern laundry is a huge bonus when selling.

D. They're Easier to Clean

Glazed porcelain = wipe and done.
Stone tiles = premium but may need sealing.

E. They’re Safer

Anti-slip tiles reduce risk—especially in homes with kids or elderly family members.

5. Extra Costs That Homeowners Often Forget About

Let’s prevent surprises:

✔ Tile delivery fees

If the supplier needs to use a crane (common in dense suburbs), costs rise.

✔ Cutting tiles around pipes or cabinetry

Cabinet-heavy laundries take more installation time.

✔ Repairs to water-damaged subfloors

Seen in older suburbs like Haberfield, Leichhardt, Bondi.

✔ Upgraded drains or floor wastes

Highly recommended for modern laundries.

✔ Matching grout colour and silicone

Premium grouts cost more but last much longer.

6. Tips to Keep Costs Under Control

You don’t need to break the bank to achieve a beautiful tiled laundry.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Tile for Your Lifestyle

If you want durability, choose porcelain.
If you want luxury, consider stone—but budget for sealing.

Tip 2: Buy Tiles During Seasonal Sales

Sydney tile outlets run big promotions during:

• EOFY

• Boxing Day

• Black Friday

• January renovation season

Tip 3: Stick to Straight Layouts

Patterns are stunning, but simple layouts save hundreds.

Tip 4: Renovate Multiple Areas at Once

If you upgrade your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry together, tradies can combine tasks—reducing cost.

Tip 5: Use a Renovation Company Instead of Individual Trades

Coordinating tilers, waterproofers, plumbers and cabinet makers can be a headache.
A renovation company ensures everything is done in the correct sequence.

7. What’s a Realistic Budget for Most Sydney Homes?

For the majority of Sydney households, expect:

$2,500 to $5,000
for a high-quality laundry tiling installation.

This includes tiles, removal, prep work, and labour.

Luxury designer tiles or difficult layouts can take it above $7,000–$9,000.

Final Thoughts

Installing high-quality tiles in your laundry room is more than just an upgrade—it’s an investment in durability, practicality, and timeless style. Whether your laundry is the size of a broom closet in Surry Hills, a dedicated room in Epping, or a spacious utility area in Kellyville, a well-executed tiling job will transform the space for years to come.

Want Help With Your Laundry or Home Renovation in Sydney?

If you're planning a laundry, kitchen, bathroom or full home renovation and want expert guidance and quality craftsmanship, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.