How much does tiling cost in Sydney?

Tiling costs in Sydney typically range depending on tile type, surface preparation, and project size. Bathroom and kitchen tiling may vary based on complexity and materials used.

Do I need waterproofing before tiling?

Yes, waterproofing is essential for wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries, and balconies. Proper waterproofing prevents water damage and ensures compliance with Australian standards.

How long does a tiling project take?

Most residential tiling projects take between one to five days depending on the size, preparation work, and tile type.

What tiles are best for bathrooms?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular choices for bathrooms due to their durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance.

Do you provide tile repair services in Sydney?

Yes, tile repair services include replacing cracked tiles, regrouting, resealing, and fixing loose tiles.

Pool Tiling Sydney

Specialist Pool Tilers for New Pools, Retiles and Repairs

Pool tiling is one of the most demanding jobs in tiling. Tiles sit under water all year, take constant exposure to chlorine and salt, and expand and contract with every change in season. Use the wrong adhesive or grout and tiles start dropping off within a few years.

Decore Tiling has tiled Sydney pools since 2004. We tile new concrete pools, retile tired ones, replace waterline tiles and fix loose or missing tiles, using products rated for full water immersion on every job.

New pool tiling for builders and homeowners
Full pool retiling, including pebblecrete to tile
Waterline tiles, mosaics, steps, spas and coping
Pool tile repairs and regrouting
Licensed, insured, with a workmanship warranty

Pool Tiling Done Wrong Is Expensive to Fix

Most pool calls we get aren’t for new pools. They come from owners whose tiles are already coming loose.

It usually starts with one waterline tile lifting. Then another. Then a patch of mosaic on the steps. Within a season the problem has spread, and fixing it properly costs more than doing it right the first time would have.

The cause is almost always the same. Pool tiles face conditions no other tiles do:

Pool chemicals: chlorine, salt and pH-adjusted water attack grout and adhesive joints every day
Temperature swings: cold winter water and hot summer sun make the pool shell expand and contract
The waterline: tiles go from wet to dry and into direct sun daily, making it the highest-stress point in the pool

A standard outdoor adhesive won’t survive this. We choose every adhesive, membrane and grout for the pool’s chemistry, exposure and use before a single tile goes on.

Our Pool Tiling Services

New Pool Tiling

A new build is the best chance to get pool tiling right. We work with pool builders and homeowners across Sydney to tile floors, walls, steps and waterline bands in glass mosaic, porcelain, ceramic and natural stone. We check the render and waterproofing before tiling and time our work around the builder’s program.

Full Pool Retiling

When tiles are failing in several areas, a full retile is the right fix. We strip the old tiles, check the shell and render underneath, repair what’s needed and retile the whole pool. A full retile restores the finish and gives you a pool that performs properly for the next 15 to 25 years. We also convert pebblecrete pools to fully tiled finishes.

Waterline Tile Replacement

The waterline band is the most visible part of any pool and the first to fail. We remove lifting, stained or cracked waterline tiles, prepare the surface and reinstall with adhesive and grout rated for the waterline. Glass mosaic is the most popular choice for its look and its resistance to staining.

Pool Tile Repairs and Regrouting

Loose tiles, missing tiles and crumbling grout can often be fixed without a full retile. We find out why the tiles failed, rebed them properly and regrout with pool-rated epoxy. Learn more about our pool tile repairs in Sydney.

Mosaic Features

Floor mosaics, feature walls and step details turn a standard pool into a designed space. We install custom mosaic designs as part of new builds and full retiles. See our mosaic tile installation work.

Spa and Plunge Pool Tiling

Spas and plunge pools use the same specification as full-size pools, but every tile is up close and on show. We tile them with the precision small, high-visibility spaces need.

Pool Coping and Surrounds

Coping and paving tie the pool into the rest of your outdoor area. We install natural stone, porcelain and travertine coping and pavers, with non-slip finishes on all surfaces around the pool. For full makeovers, see our pool renovations service.

Choosing the Right Pool Tiles

Not every tile belongs in a pool. Here’s how the main options compare.

Glass Mosaic

Non-porous, so pool chemicals can’t soak in. Gives the classic shimmer in sunlight. The top choice for waterlines, feature walls and premium fully tiled pools.

Ceramic Pool Tiles

The most cost-effective way to fully tile a pool. Pool-rated ceramics are tested for water absorption and chemical resistance, and they come in a wide range of colours. Reliable in chlorine and saltwater pools.

Porcelain

Lower water absorption than ceramic and a more refined finish. Large-format, stone-look porcelain is popular in contemporary Sydney pools.

Natural Stone

Travertine and sandstone connect the pool to the garden. Stone needs sealing and more upkeep, so it’s mostly used for coping and surrounds rather than underwater surfaces.

Tile vs Pebblecrete

Pebblecrete isn’t a tile, but many owners ask how it compares. A tiled pool is smoother underfoot, easier to clean, more design-flexible and holds up better under heavy chemical use. We regularly convert pebblecrete pools to tile.

Every pool we tile is finished with pool-rated epoxy grout, which resists chemicals, staining and wash-out far better than standard cement grout.

How We Tile a Pool

1. On-Site Assessment

We inspect the pool, check for drummy or missing tiles, test the render and talk through the look you want. You get a clear written quote.

2. Drain and Prepare

The pool is drained safely. Old tiles and failed adhesive are removed and the shell is cleaned back to a sound surface.

3. Repair the Render

Cracks, hollow render and damaged areas are repaired so the new tiles have a solid base.

4. Waterproof

A pool-rated waterproofing system goes on where needed to protect the shell.

5. Tile

Tiles are set with adhesive rated for full water immersion, with full coverage behind every tile and clean, straight lines at the waterline.

6. Grout and Seal

Joints are filled with pool-rated epoxy grout. Coping and stone surrounds are sealed.

7. Cure and Refill

The adhesive and grout are left to cure for the full recommended time before the pool is refilled and balanced.

How Much Does Pool Tiling Cost in Sydney?

Every pool is different, but these are typical starting ranges for Sydney:

Job	Typical cost
Pool tile repairs (small areas)	From $500
Waterline tile replacement	$3,000 to $8,000
Full retile, ceramic or porcelain	$15,000 to $30,000
Full retile, glass mosaic	$25,000 to $50,000+

Price depends on pool size, tile choice, the condition of the render and access. See our full pool tiling cost guide for a detailed breakdown.

Who We Tile Pools For

Homeowners with older pools. Pools tiled 10 to 15 years ago with older adhesives are often near the end of their life. A retile restores the finish and updates the look.
Builders and developers. We tile new pools in prestige suburbs including Double Bay, Vaucluse, Mosman and Bellevue Hill, where glass mosaic and custom features need to be flawless.
Sellers and investors. A tired pool puts buyers off. A retile before sale can lift buyer perception and sale price.
Strata and commercial pools. Apartment buildings, hotels and gyms need durable tiling that stands up to heavy use and meets compliance requirements.

Pool Tiling Across Sydney

We tile pools across greater Sydney, including:

Eastern Suburbs: Bondi Junction, Coogee, Vaucluse, Double Bay, Bellevue Hill, Randwick
North Shore: Mosman, Willoughby, Chatswood
Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Freshwater
Hills District: Castle Hill, Kellyville
Western Sydney: Parramatta, Penrith
Inner West: Newtown, Marrickville
South West: Campbelltown
Sutherland Shire: Cronulla
Wollongong and the Illawarra

Not on the list? Call us. We take on larger pool projects outside Sydney too.

Planning more than the pool? We also handle outdoor tiling and floor tiling, so your alfresco area and indoor spaces can be done by one team. As experienced Sydney tiling contractors, we bring the same standard to every surface.

Talk to Sydney's Pool Tiling Specialists

Whether you need a full retile, new waterline tiles, a new pool tiled or a few loose tiles fixed, Decore Tiling has done it since 2004. Licensed team, pool-rated materials and a workmanship warranty on every job.

FAQs

Pool Tiling FAQs

How long does pool tiling take?

A full retile usually takes 1 to 2 weeks on site, plus curing time before refilling. Large pools, detailed mosaics or major render repairs take longer. Your quote includes a clear timeline.

How often does a pool need retiling?

A well-tiled pool should last 15 to 25 years. Waterline tiles often need attention sooner, and replacing just the waterline is much less disruptive than a full retile. We’ll tell you honestly which one your pool needs.

Can you tile over pebblecrete?

Yes, in many cases. The pebblecrete surface is ground back and prepared, then rendered if needed, so the tiles bond properly. We check the shell first to make sure it’s sound.

Do you need to drain the pool?

For full retiles and most waterline work, yes. Small repairs can sometimes be done by lowering the water level. We’ll advise after the assessment.

What's the difference between glass mosaic and ceramic pool tiles?

Glass mosaic is non-porous, reflective and resists staining, which makes it the premium choice for waterlines and features. Ceramic is more affordable, durable and comes in more colours. Both perform well with the right adhesive and grout.

Do you service western Sydney and the Northern Beaches?

Yes. We cover all of greater Sydney, including Parramatta, Penrith, the Hills District, Manly and Dee Why.

How do I get a quote?