How to Quote Tile and Slate Work in Australia
Tile and slate jobs lose money in the same place — the costs that never made it onto the quote. Here's how to price laying, prep, waterproofing and the extra handling slate demands so your margin's locked in from the start.
Tile and slate work isn't where tradies lose money because the job's hard — it's because the quote missed a cost. Whether it's a bathroom, a splashback or a slate floor, the difference between profit and loss is usually the prep, the waterproofing and, with slate, the extra time the material demands. This guide covers how to price it all so every quote holds its margin.
Per square metre or hourly?
Most tiling is quoted per square metre for the laying, and that's the easiest way for a customer to compare. But some work is better on an hourly rate or as separate line items:
- Standard floor tiling — per m² works well and is easy to compare.
- Intricate patterns, hard access or heavy levelling — switch to hourly or add specific line items so the tricky work is paid for.
- Small jobs — carry a higher per-m² rate to cover setup; a repair under 5m² usually warrants a minimum charge of around $350 plus materials.
- Large jobs over 50m² — you can offer a slightly lower per-m² rate on the volume.
Materials, waste and consumables
Never guess quantities — start from the exact area and add a waste factor for cuts and breakages:
- 10% waste for standard square or rectangular tiles.
- 15–20% for intricate patterns, large-format tiles or odd-shaped rooms.
- Adhesive pricing varies by type — standard cement-based, flexible, fast-setting or large-format all differ, so check current rates.
- Grout depends on tile size and joint width — a 20kg bag might cover 15–20m² of 300x300mm tiles at a 3mm joint, but always use the manufacturer's coverage figure.
Don't forget the small lines — trims, sealants and levelling compounds. They're easy to leave off and they add up quickly across a job.
Estimating labour by stage
Labour is usually the biggest cost, so break it into stages and time each one rather than guessing a single number:
| Stage | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition (bathroom) | 4–8 hours | Strip-out of old tiles |
| Subfloor prep | 2–6 hours per room | Levelling or grinding |
| Laying standard ceramic | 1.5–3 hours / m² | Varies with tile size and layout |
| Grouting | 0.5–1 hour / 10m² | Plus cleanup |
Aim for $80–$120/hour for an experienced tiler, and more for specialist work. That rate has to cover wages, super, insurance, vehicle costs and a profit margin — not just the hours on the tools. Add travel, loading and site setup on top.
Special considerations for slate
Slate — for floors, walls or roofing — brings its own costs. It's heavier and more brittle than ceramic or porcelain, so it needs careful handling, precise cuts and more time on the tools:
| Factor | Standard tile | Natural slate |
|---|---|---|
| Material / m² | $25–$90 | $60–$150 |
| Labour | Base rate | 20–30% higher |
| Handling | Straightforward | Heavier and brittle — slower, more careful cutting |
Slate roofing needs specialised fixing systems and highly skilled labour, so price it as specialist work. Always specify the type — Brazilian, Indian or Australian — and the thickness on the quote, and confirm supplier availability and lead times before you commit to a date.
Don't forget the extras: prep, waterproofing and trims
Jobs blow out when the essential extras get left off. Give each of these its own line:
- Demolition and tile removal — including skip hire, roughly $300–$600 for a small skip.
- Waterproofing — non-negotiable in wet areas and to AS 3740. A typical bathroom runs $400–$800 in materials and labour.
- Levelling compound — around $70 per 20kg bag for a product like Ardex K 15.
- Movement joints, silicones and trims — aluminium or PVC trims run $15–$30 per lineal metre.
On older properties, carry a 5–10% contingency for what you can't see — rotten subfloor, or asbestos that needs licensed removal. It's a small buffer that stops one surprise turning a good job into a loss.
Common mistakes that eat your margin
- Ignoring access. Carrying heavy tile or slate boxes up three flights adds real labour time. Check the access and price it in.
- Not saying who supplies what. Spell out whether the customer supplies the tiles or you're sourcing everything, so nothing falls through the gap.
- Bundling the extras into labour. Demolition, waterproofing and rubbish removal are their own costs. Itemise them so they're visible and paid for.
- Treating slate like ceramic. Slate is heavier, more brittle and slower to lay. Add 20–30% to the labour and allow extra for cutting and handling.
- No contingency. Older homes hide subfloor rot and asbestos. Without a 5–10% buffer, one discovery wipes out the job's profit.
Frequently asked questions
Should I quote tiling per square metre or by the hour?
Per square metre works for standard floor laying and is easy for the customer to compare. Switch to hourly or add line items for intricate patterns, hard access or heavy prep, and charge a minimum of around $350–$500 on small jobs under 5m².
Why does slate cost more than ceramic?
The material is dearer — $60–$150/m² against $25–$90 for tile — and it's heavier and more brittle, so it's slower to cut and lay. Expect labour to run 20–30% higher, and specialist skill and fixings for slate roofing.
How much should I allow for waterproofing?
In a wet area, budget around $400–$800 in materials and labour for a typical bathroom, done to AS 3740. Always quote it as a separate line — it's a legal requirement, not part of the tiling rate.