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How much does a kitchen renovation cost?
TL’DR: How much do kitchen tiles cost?
Kitchen renovations in Australia typically cost $3k–$60k+. Cabinets and labour take the biggest share, while tiles are a high-impact, budget-friendly upgrade. Keep layouts the same, choose ceramic or porcelain tiles, and avoid over-customising to save without sacrificing style.
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, a kitchen reno is open-heart surgery on your wallet. Between cabinetry, plumbing, electrics and appliances, kitchen renos add up fast.
And just like a dodgy recipe, one small mistake can ruin the finished product. But the good news is that with the right planning, smart material choices and a bit of Cheapestiles know-how, you can create a stylish kitchen without pouring your budget down the kitchen sink.
So here’s our clear, straight talking guide to kitchen reno costs in Australia…and our best tips to keep costs low without cutting back on style.
What goes into a kitchen renovation budget:
Every kitchen reno varies, but most rely on the same main 7 components:
- Cabinetry and benchtops are often the highest cost.
- Custom joinery quickly becomes pricey, while flatpacks or semi-custom options offer a budget-friendly alternative.
- Benchtops range from laminate at the affordable end to engineered stone and natural stone at the premium end.
- Plumbing and electrical work also play a major part. Moving sinks or rewiring for new lighting layouts can increase costs, so keeping things in their original location often saves money.
- Fortunately, tiling and splashbacks are one of the most impactful but affordable upgrades.
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in stone-look tiles, terrazzo tiles, matte or textured finishes, and they boost both style and durability.
- Labour wraps up the picture, and tradie rates differ by state.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Australia
Kitchen reno costs can stretch a long way depending on layout, materials and size. The right tile choices can help you cut costs while still achieving a polished result.
Here are the common price brackets:
- Cosmetic makeover: splashback replacement, painting, new handles or basic flooring. $3,000 to $8,000
- Standard renovation: tiles, cabinets, benchtops, appliances and minor plumbing changes. $15,000 to $35,000 (MOST AUSSIE RENOS FIT INTO THIS CATEGORY)
- High-end renovation: custom joinery, stone benchtops and layout changes. $40,000 to $60,000 plus.
Where the money really goes
Cabinetry usually takes up 30% to 40 % of the budget. Flatpack options can save thousands without compromising on style. Benchtops vary based on the material. Laminate is affordable and durable, engineered stone sits mid-range, and natural stone lands at the luxury end.
Tradie labour adds up quickly. Plumbers, electricians and tilers all work to different rates, but careful planning helps prevent cost blowouts. Meanwhile, Tiles and flooring cover a lot of visual ground for a relatively small spend.
Ceramic tiles are the most budget-friendly, while porcelain tiles offer durability and a higher-end look without the extra cost of natural stone.
How tile choice affects kitchen renovation cost:
Tile choice can impact both your material and labour costs.
Small format tiles and intricate patterns like mosaics or herringbone take longer to install, meaning higher labour costs.
Large-format tiles generally install quickly with fewer grout lines.
If you love the look of marble but not the upkeep or cost, stone-look porcelain tiles are a wise choice. They deliver a similar look without sealing or maintenance.
Tile types usually cost more:
- Handmade tiles
- Mosaics and Kit Kat tiles
- Detailed feature patterns
- Full-height splashback installations
Tile types that work well for tight budgets include:
- Ceramic subway tiles
- Basic porcelain tiles
- Large-format matte finishes
Smart ways to save on your kitchen reno
Saving money on your kitchen reno doesn’t mean cutting corners; it means choosing smarter.
Keeping the layout the same is one of the easiest ways to reduce your labour bill because moving plumbing and electrical fixtures adds up fast. Using tiles for a fresh kitchen splashback or new flooring is another high-impact, low-cost upgrade.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer a huge range of styles without stretching your budget. Choosing a mix of materials helps too. You could pair a laminate benchtop with a tiled splashback and mid-range cabinet fronts.
Cheapestiles tip: Skip over-customising cabinetry. Semi-custom or flatpack options with upgraded handles can look just as polished as expensive bespoke joinery.
Design ideas for different kitchen styles
Tiles can completely transform your kitchen style.
For modern spaces, concrete look tiles, integrated handles and matte black tapware create a sleek atmosphere. Coastal or Hamptons kitchens come to life with white or pastel subway tiles, timber-look floor tiles and light stone-look splashbacks that keep the space airy.
While vintage suits, mosaic or hex tiles, paired with brushed brass fixtures. If you’re chasing a contemporary luxe vibe, stone-look porcelain tiles, full-height tiled splashbacks and soft LED lighting are simple but effective upgrades.
Mistakes that can blow out your kitchen budget
Even the most organised renovator can run into surprises along the way. A clear plan and prep will keep you safe from most of these mistakes.
These are the most common budget blowouts often catch people off guard:
- Old plumbing that needs upgrades
- Uneven floors discovered during tiling
- Ordering too few tiles
- Buying appliances before measuring cabinetry
- Poor lighting plans that require rewiring later
Extra tips to keep your reno on track
A kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the home, so think about lifespan and long-term ease. Matte porcelain tiles hide smudges well and clean easily. Stone look tiles can elevate the space without the maintenance of natural stone.
You can also stretch your budget by reusing existing appliances, replacing only the splashback, or updating your kitchen in stages.
Cheapestiles tip: something small like a tiled splashback, new tapware or LED strips can lift a space dramatically.
Why choose Cheapestiles
At Cheapestiles, we know every kitchen can look great without a huge price tag. From ceramic subway tiles to terrazzo-look splashbacks and stone-look porcelain tiles, we help renovators create kitchens that feel modern, warm and functional.
Our team will help you measure, plan and choose the right tiles for your space. And if you need help calculating how much tile you’ll need, try our free online tile calculator to avoid running short.
So, if you’re after friendly advice and budget-friendly tile options… we’re here to help you tile smarter, not harder.
Call 02 9790 4273 or email info@cheapestiles.com.au
Still not sure how many tiles you need?
Use our free tile calculator to get an instant estimate in square metres and then add a 10% buffer for offcuts, layout changes or sneaky mistakes. Got an oddly shaped room or complex layout? Give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through it. Call 02 9790 4273 or email info@cheapestiles.com.au and let’s get your Kitchen tile project squared away.