How much does tiling cost per square metre in NZ?

Labour-only tiling rates range from $50 to $90 per square metre for standard floor tiles. Bathroom wall tiling costs $60 to $120 per square metre due to waterproofing and cutting complexity. Large-format, mosaic, and natural stone tiles cost more. Supply-and-install costs depend heavily on the tile chosen.

How long does a tiling job take?

A standard bathroom floor and wall tiling takes 3 to 5 days including waterproofing, tiling, and grouting, plus 24 to 48 hours curing time before use. A kitchen splashback takes 1 to 2 days. A full bathroom renovation with tiling may take 1 to 2 weeks in total.

Hiring a Tiler Checklist — What to Check Before You Hire | Call A Tradie NZ

A skilled tiler can make your bathroom or kitchen look stunning for decades. A bad tiling job — crooked lines, hollow tiles, or failed waterproofing — is expensive to fix and can cause water damage behind the scenes. This checklist helps you find a tiler who delivers quality work that lasts.

Qualifications & Experience

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Ask about their tiling qualifications

A National Certificate in Tiling (Level 4) shows formal training. While tiling is not a licensed trade, this qualification demonstrates knowledge of waterproofing, substrate preparation, and tile laying techniques.

Check if they are a member of the NZ Tile Association

The NZ Certified Tile Association (NZCTA) members agree to industry best practice standards. Membership indicates commitment to quality and ongoing professional development.

Ask about their experience with your tile type and layout

Large-format tiles, mosaics, natural stone, and patterned layouts all require different skills. Ensure they have experience with your chosen tiles and design.

Request photos of their recent tiling work

Look at grout lines, cuts around fittings, pattern alignment, and overall finish. Quality tiling has consistent spacing, neat cuts, and level surfaces.

Waterproofing & Preparation

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Ask about their waterproofing approach for wet areas

Waterproofing is critical in bathrooms and showers. Ask what waterproofing membrane system they use and whether it meets NZ Building Code clause E3 requirements.

Confirm they will prepare the substrate properly

Tiles need a flat, clean, structurally sound substrate. Ask about their approach to levelling, priming, and addressing cracks or movement joints in the substrate.

Discuss tile adhesive selection

Different situations require different adhesives — flexible adhesive for timber floors, rapid-set for quick turnarounds, two-part epoxy for commercial areas. Ask what they recommend for your job.

Ask about movement joints and expansion gaps

Tiles expand and contract with temperature changes. Movement joints (silicone-filled gaps at changes in plane and at regular intervals) prevent cracking. A professional tiler plans these into the layout.

Confirm they test for substrate moisture before tiling

Excess moisture in concrete or plywood substrates can cause adhesive failure and tile lifting. A professional tiler tests moisture levels before starting work.

Quotes & Scope

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Get at least three detailed quotes

Tiling quotes should specify: tile supply (or labour-only), substrate preparation, waterproofing, adhesive and grout products, and waste disposal. Compare the full scope.

Clarify whether tiles are supplied by you or the tiler

Some tilers offer a supply-and-install service at trade prices, others prefer you to purchase tiles directly. Clarify who is responsible for ordering, delivery, and extras.

Ask about wastage allowance

A standard wastage allowance is 10% for square layouts and 15% for diagonal or pattern layouts. Ensure enough tiles are ordered to account for cuts and breakage.

Confirm the workmanship guarantee

Professional tilers should offer a workmanship guarantee of at least 2 to 5 years covering issues like tile debonding, grout cracking, and waterproofing failure.

Insurance & Clean-up

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Request proof of public liability insurance

Tiling involves cutting, dust, and the risk of water damage if waterproofing fails. Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong during or after the job.

Ask about their dust management during tile cutting

Tile cutting generates significant dust. Professional tilers use wet cutting or dust extraction systems and protect surrounding areas from dust contamination.

Confirm they will clean up grout haze and debris

After grouting, a film (grout haze) remains on tile surfaces. Professional tilers clean this off as part of the job and leave the area tidy.

Ask about the curing time before the area can be used

Tile adhesive and grout need time to cure properly. Ask how long before you can walk on floor tiles or use a shower. Rushing this can compromise the installation.

Red Flags to Watch For

No waterproofing or uses inadequate waterproofing in wet areas
Does not check substrate moisture or levelness
Cannot show photos or examples of past work
No public liability insurance
Uses cheap adhesive or grout unsuitable for the application
Does not plan movement joints in large tiled areas
Wants full payment before starting work
Cuts tiles dry without dust management
No workmanship warranty or guarantee

Tilers Hiring FAQ

Tiling is not a licensed trade in NZ. However, if the tiling involves waterproofing in a bathroom or shower (which it usually does), the waterproofing work may form part of restricted building work under the Building Act 2004, requiring an LBP to sign off. Choose a tiler with formal qualifications and industry membership.