How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Bathroom in NZ? 

Tiling is one of the biggest style-defining elements in any bathroom renovation — and also one of the most significant costs. Whether you’re creating a modern walk-in shower, upgrading a dated bathroom, or installing tiles for the first time, understanding the real cost of tiling in New Zealand is essential for budgeting your renovation properly.

But how much does it actually cost to tile a bathroom in NZ?

Depending on tile type, size, layout, preparation work, and labour, the cost to tile a bathroom in New Zealand typically ranges from:

$90 – $250+ per square metre for labour

$35 – $250+ per square metre for tiles

Total cost: $2,500 – $12,000+ for a full bathroom

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — including tile prices, labour rates, waterproofing costs, common extras, and how plumbing work can affect the total.

What Affects the Cost of Tiling a Bathroom in NZ?

Bathroom tiling costs vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding these helps you avoid budget blowouts and plan your renovation properly.

Here are the key cost drivers:

1. The Type of Tiles You Choose

The tile material is one of the biggest cost factors.

Ceramic Tiles (Most Affordable)

• Price: $35–$80 per m²

• Easy to cut and install

• Great variety

• Suitable for floors and walls

Porcelain Tiles (Most Popular)

• Price: $60–$150 per m²

• Highly durable

• Low maintenance

• Great for wet areas

• More labour-intensive to cut → higher installation cost

Natural Stone Tiles

• Price: $120–$250+ per m²

• Materials include marble, travertine, granite

• Luxurious look

• Require sealing & specialist installation

• Much higher labour cost

Large-Format Tiles

• Price: $80–$200 per m²

• Fewer grout lines → modern look

• Require two installers

• More complex to handle and cut

Mosaic Tiles (High Labour Cost)

• Price: $40–$150 per m²

• Intricate patterns

• Time-consuming installation

• Often the most expensive per m² for labour

2. Size of the Bathroom

The more surface area you tile, the higher the total cost.

Tileable areas include:

• Floors

• Shower walls

• Bathroom walls (full height or half-height)

• Niches

• Splashbacks

A standard NZ bathroom (5–7 m² floor area) typically requires:

• Floor tiles: 5–7 m²

• Wall tiles: 12–25 m² if tiling full height

• Shower area: 5–7 m²

Larger spaces increase tile cost and labour hours.

3. Labour Costs for Tilers in NZ

Labour is often the biggest contributor to the project cost.

Average NZ Tiling Labour Rates (2025):

• Floor tiling: $90–$150 per m²

• Wall tiling: $110–$180 per m²

• Feature walls or mosaics: $150–$250+ per m²

• Large-format tiles: +20–40% extra

Labour costs depend on:

• Tile hardness

• Tile size

• Complexity of cuts

• Room layout

• Preparation required

Walk-in showers, niches, and sloped floors all take more time and skill.

4. Waterproofing Costs

Before tiling any bathroom, you need proper waterproofing — especially in wet areas.

Waterproofing Costs in NZ:

• $800–$2,000 per bathroom
  (depending on size, complexity, and shower design)

Walk-in tiled showers usually require:

• Sloped flooring

• Drains repositioned or updated

• Extra waterproofing layers

Waterproofing is a building code requirement and must be done by a licensed professional.

5. Substrate Preparation

Preparation work varies depending on the condition of your bathroom.

Common prep tasks include:

• Removing old tiles

• Fixing damaged GIB or flooring

• Levelling floors

• Replacing water-damaged framing

• Installing tile underlay

• Adjusting plumbing positions

• Creating a shower recess

Typical prep cost:

• $500–$3,000 depending on condition

Old houses or bathrooms with past leaks often require more prep.

6. Plumbing Costs Related to Tiling

Plumbing plays a big role in tiling, especially if you are:

• Replacing old tapware

• Changing shower mixers or valves

• Installing a walk-in tiled shower

• Shifting the toilet or vanity

• Adding underfloor heating

• Updating drains

A licensed plumber must carry out this work.

NZ plumbing costs associated with tiling:

• Replace shower mixer: $300–$800

• Replace waste pipes: $150–$400

• Replace toilet: $300–$600

• Move plumbing: $800–$2,500+

• Install new drains: $500–$1,500+

Plumbing must comply with NZ Building Code and may require consent if relocating fixtures.

7. Tile Layout Complexity

More complex designs cost more to install.

Examples:

• Diagonal tile patterns

• Herringbone

• Vertical subway stacks

• Hexagons

• Multiple tile sizes

• Two-tone bathroom walls

• Shower niches

These layouts take more time and skill → higher labour cost.

8. Grout and Trim Choices

Premium grouts and trims cost more but are more durable and mould-resistant.

Type of grout matters:

• Standard grout: $10–$20 per m²

• Epoxy grout (premium): $40–$60 per m²

Epoxy grout is ideal for showers and high-moisture areas.

Bathroom Tiling Cost Examples in NZ

Below are realistic examples based on common bathroom types.

1. Budget Bathroom Tile Upgrade ($2,500 – $5,000)

Suitable for rentals or simple refreshes.

Includes:

• Basic ceramic floor tiles

• Partial wall tiling (around vanity or splashback)

• Standard shower base (not tiled)

• Simple white grout

• Minimal prep work

2. Standard Full Bathroom Tiling ($6,000 – $10,000)

Most NZ homeowners fall into this range.

Includes:

• Porcelain floor tiles

• Full-height tiling in shower

• Half-height wall tiling elsewhere

• Waterproofing

• New grout and trims

• Moderate prep

3. Walk-In Tiled Shower + Full Bathroom ($10,000 – $16,000+)

Common in modern renovations.

Includes:

• Tiled wet-area (walk-in) shower

• Sloped shower floor

• Premium tiles or larger tiles

• Waterproofing to entire room

• Niche installation

• Higher labour cost

• Plumbing upgrades

4. Luxury Bathroom Tiling ($16,000 – $30,000+)

High-end homes, architect-designed bathrooms.

Includes:

• Natural stone or large-format porcelain tiles

• Complex patterns

• Heated floors

• Premium epoxy grout

• Custom shower niches

• Full wall tiling

• Designer look

These bathrooms require experienced installers and often more plumbing changes.

How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Walk-In Shower in NZ?

This is one of the most common questions — and one of the most expensive parts of bathroom tiling.

Total cost for a tiled walk-in shower: $3,000 – $7,000+

Breakdown:

• Shower floor tiling: $500–$1,500

• Shower walls: $1,200–$3,000

• Waterproofing: $500–$1,500

• Plumbing adjustments: $300–$1,000+

• Niche installation: $200–$600

Walk-in showers also usually require building consent because waterproofing is considered a high-risk activity.

Do You Need a Plumber for Bathroom Tiling Work?

Yes — especially if your renovation includes:

• Replacing tapware behind the wall

• Installing a new shower mixer

• Updating waste pipes

• Repairing water damage

• Moving plumbing

• Adding a tiled shower

• Replacing a toilet, vanity, or bath

Plumbing mistakes behind newly tiled walls can cost thousands to fix — and often require re-tiling entirely.

Extreme Plumbing NZ ensures all plumbing is compliant, leak-free, and properly installed before tiling begins.

Does Tiling a Bathroom Add Value to Your Home?

Yes — a freshly tiled bathroom is one of the strongest value-adding upgrades in a NZ home.

Benefits include:

• Increased resale value

• Better buyer appeal

• Modern, clean appearance

• Improved waterproofing

• Lower long-term maintenance costs

Tiled bathrooms are considered durable and premium — especially compared to vinyl or acrylic alternatives.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Tiling Your Bathroom

If you want a beautiful bathroom without overspending, here are smart ways to save:

1. Choose standard-sized porcelain tiles

Large or small tiles = more labour.
Standard tiles = cheaper installation.

2. Keep the existing plumbing layout

Moving fixtures dramatically increases cost and may require consent.

3. Avoid overly complex patterns

Stick to simple layouts if budget matters.

4. Tile only high-usage areas

Full walls look stunning, but partial tiling saves thousands.

5. Prepare the space yourself

Removing old tiles or gibbing walls can reduce labour costs (if done safely).

How Extreme Plumbing NZ Helps With Bathroom Renovations

While tilers handle the tiles, plumbing is the backbone of any bathroom renovation. Extreme Plumbing NZ works alongside tilers, builders, and homeowners to ensure your bathroom is safe, compliant, and built to last.

Our services include:

• Shower, toilet, vanity installation

• Plumbing relocations

• Leak repairs

• Waste pipe upgrades

• Waterproofing coordination

• Hot and cold water pipework installation

• Bathroom renovation plumbing

• Compliance advice

• Consent guidance

We ensure all plumbing behind your tiles is secure, leak-free, and installed to New Zealand building code standards.

Final Thoughts: How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Bathroom in NZ?

Here’s a quick summary:

Tile costs:

$35–$250+ per m²

Labour:

$90–$250+ per m²

Average full bathroom tiling cost in NZ:

$2,500 – $12,000+
(Budget to premium)

Walk-in tiled showers:

$3,000 – $7,000+

The total cost depends on your tile choice, bathroom size, layout, waterproofing needs, and plumbing work.

Planning a Bathroom Renovation in Auckland or the North Shore?

Extreme Plumbing NZ can help ensure your plumbing, waterproofing, and fixture installations are done correctly before your tiler begins work.

From simple upgrades to full bathroom renovations, we provide high-quality, compliant plumbing that supports your new tiled bathroom for years to come.

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