Tiling Cost Wellington – Complete Price Guide for 2025
How Much Does Tiling Cost in Wellington? — A Realistic Look at Prices in 2025
Everything you need to know about tiling prices in Wellington, including what affects the final cost, average project budgets, and how to get an accurate quote.
Why Tiling Cost is one of the first questions Wellington homeowners ask
Many Wellington homeowners planning a renovation or building a new home start with the same big question: “How much will it all cost?” And one of the biggest line items in your interior budget is tiling - whether it’s for a bathroom, kitchen splashback, laundry walls, or flooring throughout the house.
Understanding tiling cost in Wellington - including bathroom tiling cost, floor tiling cost, wall tiling cost, and kitchen tiling prices - helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected expenses. In this guide, we’ll break down how much tiling costs per m², what factors increase the price, and how to get a free quote online using our Tiling Cost Calculator.
Average Tiling Prices per Square Metre in Wellingtons
When planning your bathroom, kitchen, or floor tiling project in Wellington, one of the key questions is: How much does tiling cost per m²? Here's a realistic look at the average rates, based on current market trends in 2025.
Standard Tiling Projects (basic layout, ceramic or porcelain tiles of medium size)
Wall tiling - up to 5 m²:
$300-400 / m²
Wall tiling - over 5 m²:
$150-200 / m²
Floor tiling - up to10 m²:
$150-250 / m²
Floor tiling - over 10 m²:
$120-140 / m²
This includes labour and adhesive materials, suitable for most residential jobs like bathroom or laundry tiling with minimal cuts and standard grout.
Premium Tiling Projects (extra large tiles, mosaic tiles, marble tiles)
Ceramic mosaic tiling:
$500-600 / m²
Glass/metal mosaic tiling:
$600-700 / m²
Marble, travertine tiling:
$250-350 / m²
Tiling with extra large tiles:
$280-320 / m²
This is for modern renovations using high-end tiles, mosaic tiles, or larger formats (e.g. 200×1200 or 600×1200), requiring precise leveling and extra clean finishes.
Projects with Waterproofing (e.g. shower tiled tray and walls, bathroom floors)
Waterproofing*:
$100-150 / m²
Custom shower tray screeding+waterproofing**:
$550-650 / m²
Shower niche (waterproofing + tiling):
$300-350 / each
Epoxy grouting***:
$60-70 / m²
* This includes certified waterproofing membrane application (PS3 provided), which is mandatory for wet areas in Wellington Council regulations. Includes a one-component, highly elastic, Class 3, water-based polyurethane waterproofing membrane.
** This applies when the shower base is built from scratch (not pre-formed), requiring precise screeding, slope for drainage, and full membrane system. Essential for tiled walk-in showers.
*** Durable, water-, mold-, and stain-resistant, ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and showers. Includes high-performance epoxy grout and all required materials.
Labour Cost of tiling in Wellington – What You’re Really Paying For
If you’re supplying your own tiles and materials, you might be wondering: how much do tilers charge in Wellington? The short answer - most local tilers charge between $100–120 per m² for labour only, ddepending on factors like tile type, surface preparation, layout complexity, and overall job size.
This labour-only rate generally covers tile cutting, laying, grouting, and basic site clean-up. However, materials like grout, adhesive, waterproofing membranes, or underfloor heating components are not usually included unless agreed in advance. Specialised finishes like epoxy grouting as add-ons.
So, how much cost to hire professional tiler in Wellington?
If you're working on a more complex renovation or high-end finish, hourly rates can apply. In Wellington, hiring a professional tiler typically costs between $80 and $200 per hour, depending on experience and project difficulty. Detailed tile cutting, working around vanities, plumbing, or fitting intricate layouts will naturally increase labour costs - but you’re also paying for expertise, efficiency, and top-quality workmanship.
Average Cost of Tiling Projects in Wellington
While per-square-metre rates give a helpful baseline, most Wellington homeowners want to understand the total cost of a full tiling job - whether it's a bathroom, kitchen, or floor area. Below are average price ranges for popular tiling projects across the Wellington region, based on 2025 market data.
These estimates include labour, materials (except tiles), and are based on standard ceramic or porcelain tiles unless stated otherwise.
🔸 Bathroom Floor + Tile Skirting Cost
💰 From $1,200 to $1,800
Tiling of bathroom floor (up to 5 m²) including tile skirting and grout. Ideal for small upgrades or laundry rooms.
🔸 Bathroom Floor + Half-Height Wall Tiling Cost
💰 From $2,500 to $3,500
Includes floor tiling, waterproofing of wet areas, and wall tiling up to 1200mm height.
🔸 Bathroom Floor + Full Wall Tiling (Up to Ceiling) Cost
💰 From $4,500 to $5,500
Includes floor waterproofing and tiling, and wall tiling up to ceiling.
🔸 Complex Bathroom Tiling Project Cost
💰 From $6,500 to $10,000+
Includes screeded and waterproofed walk-in shower, full wall tiling, tiled niche, tiled thresholds, underfloor heating, and epoxy grouting. Final cost depends on tile type and size, materials, layout.
🔸 Kitchen Floor Tiling Cost (10–15 m²)
💰 From $1,800 to $2,500
Includes surface prep, adhesive, and standard grouting.
🔸 Kitchen Splashback Cost (2–4 m²)
💰 From $900 to $1,500
Price depends on splashback height, cuttings around cabinets, rangehood, windows, and number of power outlets.
💡 Tip: For a precise estimate, try our Tiling Cost Calculator or request a Free Quote.
Factors That Affect the Tiling Cost in Wellington
Tiling costs in Wellington can vary widely depending on the specifics of your project. Whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, splashback, or outdoor area - understanding the key cost drivers will help you plan your budget more accurately.
Here are the most common factors that affect the final tiling price:
- Tile type and material – Laying standard ceramic or porcelain tiles is generally the most cost-effective option. More premium materials like marble, travertine, glass, natural stone, or mosaics often cost more due to difficult cutting, extra labour time, and the precision required during installation.
- Tile size and layout – Intricate patterns like herringbone, hexagon, or chevron require extra time, precision, and cutting - which increases labour cost. Very small or very large tiles also involve more effort and installation time. (💡 Tip: To reduce tiling costs, choose medium-sized tiles - for example, 300×600 mm for walls and 400×400 to 600×600 mm for floors.)
- Room shape and corners – More internal and external corners and cutouts around installed bathroomware (toilets, vanities, shower trays, bathtubs) or furniture (like kitchen cabinets) require extra time and precision - increasing labour costs.
- Surface condition – Old or uneven floors and walls may need preparation like levelling or screeding, which increases labour and material costs.
- Number of cuts and obstacles – The more tiles need to be cut, the longer the job takes. This includes number of walls, cutting around doors, windows, niches, built-in cabinets, sockets, plumbing pipes, and tap fittings. Every cut adds time - and more time means higher cost.
- Waterproofing and underfloor heating – These are essential in wet areas like bathrooms and add both labour time and materials.
- Site access – Limited vehicle access, steep driveways, stairs, or tight spaces (common in Wellington properties) can slow down work and add to the total price.
- Additional services – Adding shower tray screeding, recessed niches, tiled steps, trims, epoxy grouting, or decorative details - all increase both labour time and precision required.
Tiling costs in Wellington can vary widely depending on the specifics of your project. Whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, splashback, or outdoor area - understanding the key cost drivers will help you plan your budget more accurately.
How to Save Money on a Tiling Project in Wellington
Looking to reduce tiling costs without compromising on quality? Here are some smart tips for homeowners across Wellington:
- Stick to simple layouts
Straightforward patterns like grid or brick-bond require less labour than complex designs like herringbone or hexagon - saving both time and money. - Tile only what’s needed
Instead of tiling every wall, consider tiling just the wet zones — like inside the shower or behind the vanity. The rest can be finished with waterproof paint to cut costs. - Choose budget-friendly tiles
Standard ceramic and porcelain tiles are durable, stylish, and far more affordable than natural stone, marble, or mosaics. - Order wisely
You’ll need 15–20% extra tiles for cuts and breakages — but avoid significantly overordering to keep waste and expenses down. - Hire experienced tilers
A skilled Wellington tiler might cost a little more upfront but can save you from future headaches and expensive corrections due to poor workmanship.
Why Choose Direct Tiling for Your Next Tiling Project in Wellington?
At Direct Tiling, we specialise in high-quality tiling, waterproofing (PS3 certified), and underfloor heating across Wellington, Lower Hutt, Porirua, and surrounding areas.
- Precision installation with attention to detail
- Only premium adhesives and waterproofing systems (NZS 4858-compliant)
- Transparent pricing – no hidden fees, no surprises
- Free quote or instant estimate using our online Tiling Cost Calculator
- Trusted by local homeowners – read our Tiler Reviews