Homeowners should consider purchasing floor or wall tiles from a supplier instead of a retail store since it could be cheaper for those who plan to buy in bulk.
Even if you just need a few square meters of material, a supplier often has a wider range of options — from a floor tile leveling system to sealers and spacers. Plus, there’s a higher chance of determining the product’s quality when you buy from suppliers.
However, there are some nuances that you need to consider before looking for a tile supplier for floor or wall renovation.
What to Know Before Buying
First-time home renovators should know that there are different kinds of tiles for each room, and for a good reason. For instance, floor and wall tiles in a bathroom need to be sealed and waterproofed. The same applies to kitchens, except that you probably don’t have to do both on the walls.
If you don’t have the time to look for a supplier, the next best thing to do involves hiring a contractor that has business relations with certain companies. Some suppliers even offer discounts to well-established contractors, which means that you could save money by sourcing the materials from them.
Even if there aren’t any special discounts, it can be confusing to pick the right kind of tiles without the help of a professional tiler.
Different Types of Tiles
Homeowners need more than one kind of tiles particularly in the bathroom and kitchen’s flooring and walls. The cheapest wall tiles cost from $20 per square meter to $28 per square meter for standard white ceramic ones.
Steel grey polished wall tiles range cost at least $68 per square meter, while some handmade ceramic variants are worth $86 per square meter. Artisan wall tiles are the most expensive at $159 per square meter.
You should expect to spend between $35 per square meter and $50 per square meter for ceramic or porcelain floor tiles, while high-quality porcelain and stone cost at least $50 per square meter and $80 per square meter, respectively.
Cost of Professional Service
As soon as you find a professional tiler, negotiate a fair rate especially when you plan to renovate a large area of the house. Most contractors charge a labor fee of $35 per square meter to $150 per square meter, while others may quote a fee based on an hour’s work.
The actual cost of labor depends on a contractor’s experience and qualifications, the complexity of work and your location. In New South Wales, professional tiles must have a license before accepting clients.
This may cause you to pay a higher rate, but it’s a worthwhile expense if you want a higher quality of workmanship. Always ask for an itemized quote to avoid any problems after starting the project.
Ask around from tile suppliers in your area if they provide discounts for bulk purchases, whether or not you plan to hire a professional for installation. It’s likely easier to negotiate a smaller price with some small enterprises like family-owned companies.
