Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Tiler
Perfect tiles? Tick. Next up is finding an experienced tiler to lay them – here's everything you need to know
If a bathroom or kitchen renovation is on the cards, chances are you’ll soon be on the lookout for a tiler. But if you were planning to book in the first name that came your way, you’d be wise to think again. As our four experts reveal, a skilled tiler can make all the difference to the look – and performance – of your new kitchen or bathroom surfaces. Here’s where to look and what to ask.
“A good tiler is worth their weight in gold,” says Drew Mansur, director at TileCloud. “Cheap tiles can look amazing or expensive tiles can look terrible and it all comes down to how well they are laid – which essentially comes down to the skill of the tiler.”
But it’s not just about looks, says Andrew Zunica, director at Zunica Interior Architecture and Design – the quality of a tiling job can also affect how long tiles last. “An experienced tiler will ensure that the job is completed to a high quality, which ultimately extends the lifespan of the product,” he says.
“An experienced tiler will get the details right. They will have the experience to determine the best possible tile set-out and junction details. They will also ensure there is a proper distance between each tile, which will keep grout in place and reduce water penetration.”
But it’s not just about looks, says Andrew Zunica, director at Zunica Interior Architecture and Design – the quality of a tiling job can also affect how long tiles last. “An experienced tiler will ensure that the job is completed to a high quality, which ultimately extends the lifespan of the product,” he says.
“An experienced tiler will get the details right. They will have the experience to determine the best possible tile set-out and junction details. They will also ensure there is a proper distance between each tile, which will keep grout in place and reduce water penetration.”
Do your homework
“Tiling can be quite a technical process, especially in wet areas. Doing your research to find a skilled tiler can save you a lot of headaches down the track,” says Naomi Findlay, Rapid Renovation Expert and creator of the Rapid Reno Mate app.
And what do you risk if you don’t? “Everything from your floors not being watertight and drainage issues in wet areas through to cracked, uneven and lifting tiles. Tiles that are installed incorrectly can be very expensive to repair or replace,” she says.
“Tiling can be quite a technical process, especially in wet areas. Doing your research to find a skilled tiler can save you a lot of headaches down the track,” says Naomi Findlay, Rapid Renovation Expert and creator of the Rapid Reno Mate app.
And what do you risk if you don’t? “Everything from your floors not being watertight and drainage issues in wet areas through to cracked, uneven and lifting tiles. Tiles that are installed incorrectly can be very expensive to repair or replace,” she says.
Where to look for a tiler
Mansur says:
Mansur says:
- Ask your builder if they have someone they work well with.
- Get recommendations from friends and family who have recently built or renovated.
- Once you’ve got a recommendation, see if you can speak to some of the tiler’s previous clients and perhaps request a visit where you can view their work.
What to ask the tiler
According to Peter Carter, president of the Australian Tile Council, you should request:
According to Peter Carter, president of the Australian Tile Council, you should request:
- A written quotation. The more detail in the quote the better, as this assists in avoiding disputes down the track. Agree on a price prior to the work starting.
- References from the tiler.
- Check whether the tiler is qualified and ask about their trade experience.
Things to ask yourself
Before booking a tiler, Carter says you should consider the following:
Before booking a tiler, Carter says you should consider the following:
- Was the tile layer easy to contact and do they return my calls?
- Did they arrive on time?
- Do they seem happy to do the job?
- Do they seem to have the time to do it?
- Was the quotation delivered on time, fairly priced and did it cover all work required?
Get a couple of quotes
Getting two or three quotations will give you a realistic idea of how much the installation should cost, says Carter.
When choosing who to go with, remember that price is not the only criteria to consider. “Lowest prices could mean poor workmanship, but the most expensive prices do not necessarily guarantee the best workmanship,” he says. “Workmanship also includes presentation, minimum amount of inconvenience, cleanliness and overall professionalism.”
Getting two or three quotations will give you a realistic idea of how much the installation should cost, says Carter.
When choosing who to go with, remember that price is not the only criteria to consider. “Lowest prices could mean poor workmanship, but the most expensive prices do not necessarily guarantee the best workmanship,” he says. “Workmanship also includes presentation, minimum amount of inconvenience, cleanliness and overall professionalism.”
What you should expect to pay
“Prices will vary often between walls and floors, the tiles you are using and how you want them laid,” says Findlay. “Different tile materials can also make cutting, shaping and laying more difficult than others, and affect the price per square metre or hour.”
“Prices vary around the country, but often range between about $40 and $66 per hour, and more for bespoke or specialised work,” she says.
See more striking bathrooms
“Prices will vary often between walls and floors, the tiles you are using and how you want them laid,” says Findlay. “Different tile materials can also make cutting, shaping and laying more difficult than others, and affect the price per square metre or hour.”
“Prices vary around the country, but often range between about $40 and $66 per hour, and more for bespoke or specialised work,” she says.
See more striking bathrooms
Some tiles require more time and skill to lay
“Large-format tiles and mosaics without a mesh backing can be complicated and time-consuming to lay,” says Findlay. Tiling a curved or sharp-angled area can also take more time.
“You also need to consider what the tile is made from. Glass and thin tiles can be more prone to cracking and chipping while being cut,” she adds. “This is especially true when they need to be fitted around power outlets and window trims. Having an experienced tiler in these instances will help smooth the process.”
“Large-format tiles and mosaics without a mesh backing can be complicated and time-consuming to lay,” says Findlay. Tiling a curved or sharp-angled area can also take more time.
“You also need to consider what the tile is made from. Glass and thin tiles can be more prone to cracking and chipping while being cut,” she adds. “This is especially true when they need to be fitted around power outlets and window trims. Having an experienced tiler in these instances will help smooth the process.”
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