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The Cost Of Tiling Your Bathroom
You visit the bathroom several times a day, but you don't give it much thought. The bathroom gets worn out over time due to excessive and consistent usage. That's why upgrading or remodelling the bathroom is essential, just like any other part of the home. As the floor and walls of the bathroom are the most exposed to moisture and water, chances are that the old tiles or flooring may have gotten damaged over time.
So, starting with the retile option is often easier to give your bathroom a durable and fresh look. If you are confused about the bathroom retiling process and don't know its cost, this article is here to help. On average, the cost to tile your bathroom in Australia is around $17,000. It can also reach as high as $25,000 and as low as $5,000. Read on to learn more about the details of bathroom tiling and its costs.
Cost Factors Affecting Bathroom Tiling
The cost of bathroom renovations or tiling varies with different factors. Let's have a detailed look at those factors:
DIY or hiring a professional
The first factor to consider in terms of bathroom tiling is whether you will do it yourself or hire a professional. You may be able to efficiently perform simple tiling tasks, and it'll cut labour costs.
However, if the job is lengthy and tricky, it is suggested to get a professional to help. Otherwise, you may make a mistake that would result in more expenses. The prices of professional bathroom tilers or contractors depend on the tile material and installation area.
So, the more space to be covered, the higher the charges will be. You can expect tiler rates to be anywhere from $60 to $120 per square metre, but it's worth it. A professional may charge you a little higher, but they will ensure that no tiles get separated after some time and your bathroom stays new. Remember, this is apart from the tile price.
Bathroom size and type of tile
The overall cost of the tiling process depends on the type of tile you need and how many square metres of the area is to be covered. If your bathroom is small, the labour and tiling costs will be less. However, the overall cost will be doubled if your bathroom is big.
There are multiple tile options available in the market with varying prices. On average, tiles cost you around $24 to $55. But remember, this is the average cost; the prices can vary depending on the type. The rates also vary with the difference in floor and wall tiles. Wall tiles are a bit costly compared to floor ones.
Material of tiles
As mentioned above, tiles come in various sizes and finishes. However, you should go with the one that not only suits your budget but also blends perfectly with your bathroom design. Also, consider where you want to place the tiles (whether you are looking for a tile for both the floor and walls or only the floor). Let's have a quick look at different tile materials:
Ceramic tiles
If you want to add a beauty factor to your bathroom at an affordable price, ceramic tiles are a great choice. They have a water absorption rate of lower than 0.5 per cent, which makes them durable and sturdy. Their average cost lies between $20 to $30. These tiles are not porous and can easily bear high traffic and moisture exposure.
Marble tiles
If you have a luxury bathroom that needs retiling, marble tiles are the perfect match. These tiles are delicate and require a high level of care and attention. Besides being fragile, marble tiles can be a little expensive too. On average, marble tiles cost around $50 to $80 per square metre. Also, don't forget that marble tiles need professional instalment, so don't do it on your own.
Travertine tiles
People who love having a natural look in their bathroom often go with travertine tiles. These tiles are made of stone material and help in bathroom design. Travertine will cost you $30 to $40 per square metre.
Mosaic tiles
Choose mosaic tiles when you want to grab the attention of your visitors or need an eye-catching finish. These tiles are available in multiple designs and colour options. They add a unique personality to your bathroom. Usually, mosaic tiles cost between $30 to $50. However, the prices can go up and down.
Glass tiles
Glass looks beautiful in every form; the same applies to glass tiles. These tiles are non-absorbent, so the water quickly goes away without damaging the material. Plus, you don't have to clean or maintain them much. A standard glass tile costs about $40 per square metre. But if you go for a unique design and a large size, the price will go up.
Now you should have some idea of bathroom tiling costs, so you can decide whether you want to go for this process or not. Let's move forward to applying new tiles on your bathroom floor and wall.
Cost Experts Charge To Retile A Bathroom In AUS
Professional renovators have hourly charges. So, to estimate the overall fee, you should measure the total square metre of your bathroom and the average time it will take to complete the bathroom tiling. This will save you from paying more than expected.
Furthermore, remember that no two tilers charge the same. That's why you should consult multiple tilers before handing over your project. Go with the one that best suits your project and save yourself from surprises in terms of payment. Always keep a difference of $30 to $60 because labour costs or finish requirements vary with time and location.
Almost all the areas in Australia have the same rates. But tilers cost a little higher in places like New South Wales. Also, ensure the professional you've hired follows all the legal standards.
Process Of Retiling A Bathroom
If you're doing a simple retiling and have the skills for a DIY project, let's walk through the process of retiling your bathroom. Before starting with the step-to-step guide, ensure you have all the right tools needed for the procedure. These tools include:
- Measuring tape
- Gloves and protective glasses
- New tiles
- Grout
- Utility knife and hammer
- Mortar mix
- Sponge
- Notched trowel
- Sponge
- Tile spacers
- Tile cutter
- Caulk
Step One: Determine the number of tiles needed
The first step of the retiling process is the area measurements. Carefully calculate the length and width, and multiply both to find out the square footage of your bathroom. Once you get the footage, buy the tiles. It is best to buy at least 15% more than your average estimation, so you don't run out of tiles in the middle of the process.
Step Two: Remove the old or worn-out tiles
The next step involves removing your old and worn-out bathroom tiles. If you are going to cover the whole area, then you should remove the shower head and taps before taking out the shower wall tiles.
Otherwise, the shower taps and shower head can get damaged in the process. For this purpose, pick the utility knife and hammer. Gently insert the knife or prying tool into the sides of the tile and push it out. Also, ensure you don't dig a hole in the wall or floor during the tile removal procedure. Follow the same pattern until you get all the tiles out.
Step Three: Prepare the surface
Preparing the surface means cleaning and removing the leftovers of the previous tiles. If you don't remove every inch of mortar, there is a high chance that the new tiles may not stick correctly. So, it is suggested to spend your maximum time on this step because addressing any mistake later can add up to your expenses.
Step Four: Attach the cement board and create underlayment
Use a backed board, also known as cement board, so your tiles can attach perfectly and the floor stays sturdy. When you apply the backed board on the shower wall, it fights against moisture and enhances the lifetime of your tiles. You can use a circular saw to make places for bathroom fixtures. Lastly, take the drill to connect the subfloor and backing board. Don't forget to install screws every 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
Step Five: Determine the layout of the tiles
If you are done with the underlayment process, it's time to check out the layout of your tiles. For this purpose, try to align the tiles and examine what layout suits the most. Then make necessary arrangements before starting with the actual tile installation.
Step Six: Install new tiles
Now, as you are done with all the preparation steps, it's time to move towards the primary step, the installation of tiles. For your walls and floor, spill the mortar all over them and spread it evenly using a notched trowel. Then one by one, place tiles all over the surface.
However, don't forget to leave enough space between tiles using spacers so that the grouts settle in between the tiles quickly. After placing the tiles, let the whole surface rest for 24 hours as the mortar will settle entirely within this period.
Step Seven: Add grout and caulk between the tiles
The next day needs less hustle from your side because you are almost done. Just remove the spacers from the mortars. Carefully spread the grout over these spaces and press it between the wall and floor tiles using a trowel with full force. You can remove the excess grout from the tiles using a sponge.
Don't forget to apply caulk horizontally on the floor and vertically on the walls. Now you can celebrate because you are done with retiling your bathroom! However, letting the grout set for 24 hours before using your shower is suggested. After that time, you can use the bathroom with less usage but avoid heavy traffic for at least 72 hours.
Here are some essential things you shouldn't forget while performing this task. These include:
- Always use gloves and protective glasses during this process, especially when cutting and removing old tiles.
- As mentioned earlier, cleanly remove the mortar. The neater you remove the previous mortar, the quicker and firmer the new mortar will stick.
- Before placing the new tiles, take measurements and mark them with chalk. Add the mortar below the newly drawn chalk lines.
- Grout should be applied evenly and adequately as improper application results in eroding from water. That means all your hard work will go to waste.
Why Should You Retile Your Bathroom?
When selecting the suitable material for your bathroom floor and walls, you can't go wrong with tiles. Consider the retiling option if your old tiles have worn out and do not offer the same benefits. Here's why fresh and new tiles are a great addition to your bathroom:
Moisture and chemical resistance
Our bathrooms today face a lot of high traffic. The consistent water exposure and the chemicals present in modern-day cleansers or shampoos negatively impact the floor and walls of your bathroom. That's where new tiles, specifically ceramic tiles, help you. These tiles are non-porous, so they can withstand all the harsh treatments without getting damaged. However, it is necessary to keep the tiles clean and well maintained.
Easy to maintain
Although there are multiple flooring options available, nothing works like tiles. Water isn't the main problem, but the threats of moulds and mildew make tiling materials hard to maintain. Especially if you switch your flooring to laminate, the water will settle in it, removing all the glues.
This allows moulds to grow in hidden places, making your bathroom look dirty. Old tiles also cause similar issues. That's why you should go for retiling to get rid of such unpleasant sights. Not only will your bathroom look clean, but it gets easy for you to maintain it.
Provides radiant heating
Do you know that no flooring material conducts heat better than tiles? Especially stone tiles when you upgrade their temperature. For example, the tiles radiate heat in winters while in summers it turns cool. Moreover, when you retile a bathroom, you can add heating sheets beneath the tiles that keep the bathroom floor warm in the chilly weather.
Enhanced durability
Tiles are a very tough material and can face moisture and chemicals for years. When you retile your bathroom, you add an extra 70 to 100 years in the lifetime of your bathroom.
Economical option
Tiles are a very economical upgrade to your bathroom. While retiling, you don't have to go for costly tiles. Instead, you can use ceramic tiles that cost you less and offer high functionality. Besides ceramic, other tiles options also don't cost much. That means you can enjoy the beauty and sturdiness of your bathroom at the right prices.
Quick and easy installation
Judging from the retiling process as discussed above, you can observe that it's not a difficult task. However, in most cases, you will need professional help. Whether you install new tiles yourself or get assistance, it'll not take more than a few days for the bathroom to dry and settle. This makes retiling a quick and easy process.
New designs
New tiles mean you are getting the chance to renew your bathroom design. Tiles have multiple colours, sizes, shapes, and design options. You can choose between eye-catching flooring and natural tiles. Also, you can select hexagon, mosaic, or subway tiles to give your bathroom a completely new look.
Retiling Your Bathroom
Retiling your bathroom is a great idea as it's a budget-friendly option to update your overall bathroom look. Just select the tile material that blends perfectly with your bathroom accessories and get your bathroom retiled. To get more detailed cost breakdowns based on your bathroom size and tile choice, contact a professional bathroom renovator to help.
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