Quick answer (for planning)
Kitchen tiling cost in Ryde varies based on:
- Job type: Splashback, floor, or feature wall
- Tile format: Subway tiles vs large-format vs mosaics
- Cut complexity: Outlets, windows, corners, and edge finishing
- Substrate condition: Wall flatness and floor preparation
- Coordination: Timing with cabinet makers and benchtop installers
A simple splashback is one of the more straightforward tiling jobs. Floor tiling and complex layouts cost more.
If you want a realistic assessment, call Nicolai on 0416 260 086 and describe your kitchen layout and tile choice.
Kitchen splashback cost factors
Size and coverage
Most splashbacks cover the area between benchtop and overhead cabinets - typically 600mm high and the full length of the kitchen run.
Typical ranges for Ryde:
- Small splashback (under 2m²): $800-$1,200
- Medium splashback (2-4m²): $1,200-$1,800
- Large/wrap-around splashback (4m²+): $1,800-$2,500+
These are labour + materials estimates. Tile cost is additional if you’re supplying your own.
Tile type and format
Subway tiles (standard)
- Labour impact: Lowest
- Easy to handle, efficient installation
Large-format tiles
- Labour impact: Medium
- Requires flatter walls, more careful handling
Mosaics/small format
- Labour impact: Higher
- More grout lines, more time per m²
Patterned/decorative
- Labour impact: Higher
- Layout planning critical, more waste
Natural stone
- Labour impact: Higher
- Sealing, careful handling, matching
Cut complexity
Cuts around power outlets, light switches, and window reveals add time. The more outlets in the splashback area, the more cuts required.
What increases cut complexity:
- Multiple power points in the splashback zone
- Window reveals requiring L-cuts or returns
- Corners and end caps
- Rangehood cut-outs
A splashback with 4+ outlets takes significantly longer than one with 1-2.
Edge finishing
How the splashback terminates affects both look and cost:
- Exposed edges (minimal): Cheapest, but requires straight-edged tiles
- Metal trim profiles: Mid-range, clean finish
- Mitred edges: Higher cost, seamless look
- Silicone only: Standard at benchtop junction
Kitchen floor tiling cost factors
Kitchen floor tiling is more involved than splashbacks because:
- Larger area = more materials and labour
- Substrate preparation is more critical (flatness, stability)
- Grout needs to handle foot traffic and cleaning
- Often needs coordination with cabinetry timing
Substrate preparation
Kitchen floors may require:
- Grinding high spots
- Levelling compounds for low areas
- Crack treatment if slab has movement
- Primer application
Prep cost impact: Can add $200-$600 to a floor job depending on condition.
Tile selection for floors
Kitchen floors need durable, cleanable tiles:
- Porcelain tiles: Most common, durable, good value
- Ceramic tiles: Lower cost but less durable for high-traffic
- Natural stone: Higher cost, requires sealing
- Large-format (600x600+): Cleaner look but needs flatter substrate
Grout considerations
Kitchen floors benefit from:
- Epoxy grout: More expensive but stain-resistant, easier to clean
- Sealed cement grout: Standard option, needs periodic resealing
- Colour choice: Darker grouts hide staining better in kitchens
What makes Ryde kitchen tiling different
Older homes
Many Ryde homes have kitchens renovated in the 1990s-2000s with:
- Walls that aren’t perfectly flat
- Existing tiles that need removal
- Plaster that may need repair
Older substrate = more prep time.
Apartments
Ryde’s apartment density means many kitchen jobs involve:
- Lift bookings and material staging
- Noise restrictions during cutting
- Coordination with strata if significant work
Trade coordination
Kitchen tiling usually happens after cabinetry and benchtops. This means:
- Timing needs to align with cabinet maker
- Benchtop must be installed before splashback
- Appliances may need temporary removal
Poor coordination adds cost and delays.
How to compare kitchen tiling quotes
Questions to ask
- What substrate prep is included? (levelling, repairs, priming)
- How are outlets and cuts handled? (included or extra)
- What grout is included? (cement vs epoxy)
- What edge finishing is included? (trims, mitres, silicone)
- What’s the timing requirement? (coordination with other trades)
- What happens if walls aren’t flat enough?
Red flags
- No mention of substrate condition
- Vague “prep as required” without detail
- No discussion of outlet cut-outs
- Unrealistic timeline without seeing the site
Harbour Tiling provides kitchen tiling in Ryde
Harbour Tiling provides professional kitchen tiling services throughout Ryde and nearby suburbs, including splashbacks, floor tiling, and feature walls. We coordinate with cabinet makers and benchtop installers to ensure timing works, assess substrate condition before quoting, and plan layouts so cuts fall in sensible places. For kitchen projects in Ryde, West Ryde, Eastwood, Gladesville, and surrounding areas, we focus on clean junctions, proper edge finishing, and grout that holds up to daily kitchen use.
Related guides
- Kitchen tiling in Ryde (scope + what’s involved)
- Bathroom tiling cost in Ryde
- Ryde areas hub (suburb guides)
Want a realistic estimate?
If you tell me:
- Kitchen layout (L-shape, galley, island, etc.)
- Tile size and type you’re considering
- Number of outlets in splashback area
- Whether floor tiling is included
…I can explain what will drive scope and cost before you commit.