Premium Tiling
0484 257 666 Rosalie, Brisbane · Mon–Fri 7am–5pm
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Frequently asked questions

Tiling questions, answered.

Everything homeowners in inner-west Brisbane ask us about tiling, waterproofing, quotes and how we work — in one place.

General

Do you offer free quotes?
Yes. Premium Tiling Services provides free, no-obligation quotes for tiling work across inner-west Brisbane. We visit your property, measure the space in person, talk through tile and layout options, and then give you a clear written quote. Measuring on site rather than estimating over the phone means the price you receive reflects the real job, with no vague figures and no pressure to proceed.
What areas of Brisbane do you service?
We are based in Rosalie and tile homes and commercial spaces right across Brisbane’s inner west — including Paddington, Milton, Auchenflower, Toowong, Bardon, Red Hill, Taringa, Indooroopilly and Ashgrove. If your suburb is nearby and not on that list, just ask. We are happy to travel a little further for the right job, and we will always be upfront about whether your location suits us.
How does pricing for tiling work?
Tiling is priced on the specifics of the job — the size of the area, the tile format, how much preparation and waterproofing is involved, and the access on site. That is why we measure and quote in person rather than quoting a flat rate. You receive a clear written quote that sets out what is included, so you can make a decision with the full picture in front of you and no hidden extras.
What can I expect from working with you?
We treat every job as professional tradespeople should and are happy to discuss how we work, what is covered and what to expect before you commit. If you have specific questions about insurance or the way a job will be handled, raise them when we come to quote — we would rather answer everything clearly up front so you feel completely comfortable having us in your home.
What hours do you work?
Our standard hours are Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm, with Saturdays available by appointment. We are closed on Sundays. If you need to discuss timing around your own schedule or a renovation, let us know when we quote — we will do our best to plan the work around you and give you a realistic start date and timeline.
Do I need to supply my own tiles?
You are welcome to supply your own tiles, and many clients enjoy choosing them. If you would like help, we can talk through formats, finishes and slip ratings that suit your space, and give you the measurements and quantities you need to order with confidence — including an allowance for cuts and breakages. Either way, the choice of tile stays yours.
How do I get started?
The easiest way is to call us on 0484 257 666 or send an enquiry through the contact form on this site with a few details about your space. We will arrange a time to visit, measure and talk through what you have in mind, then send you a clear written quote. From there it is your decision — there is no obligation and no pressure.
What kinds of tiling do you do?
We cover the full range of domestic and commercial tiling — bathroom tiling, kitchen and splashback tiling, floor tiling, outdoor and pool-surround tiling, wet-area waterproofing, and tile repairs and regrouting. Whether it is a single splashback, a full bathroom renovation or refreshing a tired wet area, we approach it with the same care and finish it to the same standard.

Bathroom Tiling

Do you tile both the floor and the walls in a bathroom?
Yes. We handle the complete bathroom — floor, walls, shower recess, niches, hobs and any feature panels — as one coordinated job. Doing it all together means the setting-out is consistent, grout lines align between surfaces, and there is one trade responsible for the finished result. If you only need part of the room tiled, that is fine too; we will quote exactly what you ask for and talk through anything we think is worth including.
Do you waterproof the bathroom before tiling?
Yes. Wet-area waterproofing is carried out before any tiling begins, in line with the relevant Australian Standards for the shower, floor and splash zones. Waterproofing is the layer that protects your home from hidden water damage, so it is never skipped or rushed. We are happy to walk you through what gets waterproofed and why during the quote so you understand exactly what is included.
How long does a bathroom tiling job usually take?
It depends on the size of the room, the tile format and how much preparation is needed, but most standard bathrooms take several days once tiling starts — allowing for waterproofing to cure, tiles to set, and grouting and sealing to finish properly. We give you a realistic timeline in writing before we begin and let you know if anything on site changes it, so you are never left guessing.
Can you work with large-format tiles and mosaics?
Yes. We regularly lay large-format tiles, standard ceramics and porcelain, and intricate mosaic feature panels. Each format has its own demands — large tiles need a flat, well-prepared substrate, while mosaics need careful setting-out so the sheets line up cleanly. We will talk through what suits your bathroom and your budget, and flag anything about your chosen tile that affects the prep or the timeline.
Do I need to supply the tiles, or can you help me choose?
You are welcome to supply your own tiles, and many clients enjoy choosing them. If you would like guidance, we are happy to talk through formats, finishes and slip ratings that suit a bathroom, and how different choices affect the layout and the work involved. We will give you the measurements and quantities you need so you can order with confidence and allow for cuts and breakages.
How do you handle cuts around the vanity, drains and mixers?
Carefully — this is where good tiling shows. We measure and cut around vanities, wall mixers, floor wastes, shower outlets and other penetrations so the tile sits neatly against each fixture with clean, even margins. Where possible we plan the setting-out so awkward cuts are minimised and full tiles land in the most visible positions. The aim is a finish that looks considered from every angle.
Will you protect the rest of my home while you work?
Yes. We protect floors and surfaces on the way in and out, contain dust and mess to the work area, and clean down at the end of each stage. A bathroom renovation is disruptive enough without the rest of the house suffering for it, so we treat your home with care while we are in it and leave the space tidy when we hand it back.

Kitchen & Splashback Tiling

How much disruption is a splashback tiling job?
Less than most people expect. A splashback is a contained area, so the work is usually quick and tidy compared with a full renovation. We protect your benchtop and appliances, contain dust, and clean down when we finish. Most splashbacks are completed in a short window once the wall is ready, and we will give you a clear timeline up front so you can plan around it.
Can you tile around powerpoints and the rangehood?
Yes. Powerpoints, switches, window returns and rangehood penetrations are all part of a normal splashback job. We measure and cut so the tile sits neatly around each one with even margins, and we plan the setting-out so cuts fall where they look best. Clean work around these details is exactly what separates a good splashback from an average one.
Do you tile kitchen floors as well as splashbacks?
Yes. We tile kitchen and dining floors as well as splashbacks and feature walls, and we are happy to do both in the one visit. Floor tiling needs a flat, sound substrate and the right tile for a high-traffic, occasionally wet area, and we will talk through suitable formats and finishes when we quote so the floor wears well for years.
What tile works best for a kitchen splashback?
That depends on your kitchen and your taste, but durability and ease of cleaning matter most behind a cooktop. Glazed ceramic, porcelain and glass all clean up well; mosaics add detail but have more grout to maintain. We are happy to talk through formats and finishes during the quote and explain how each choice affects the setting-out, the look and the upkeep.
Can you match tiling to an existing kitchen?
Often, yes. If you are updating part of a kitchen or repairing a damaged section, we will do our best to match the existing tile, layout and grout. Exact matches are not always possible if a tile has been discontinued, but we will be straight with you about what is achievable and suggest options — such as a deliberate feature section — if a seamless match cannot be found.
Do I need to remove the old splashback first?
Not yourself — we can handle removal of an old splashback as part of the job, then prepare the wall so the new tiling has a sound, flat surface to bond to. Removal and prep are quoted as part of the work, so there are no surprises. If the wall behind needs patching or repair before tiling, we will let you know before we start.
How do you keep grout lines straight on a splashback?
With careful setting-out before any tile goes on the wall. We measure the area, mark out reference lines, and plan the layout around the benchtop, windows and any features so the courses run level and the joints stay consistent. Spacers, levels and a steady approach do the rest. Straight, even grout lines are one of the clearest signs of a properly tiled splashback.

Floor Tiling

Do you prepare the floor before tiling?
Yes — preparation is half the job. Before any tile goes down we check the substrate is flat, sound and clean, and address dips, high spots or movement as needed. A well-prepared base is what keeps a tiled floor level, stops tiles drumming or cracking, and gives a finish that lasts. We will tell you during the quote if your floor needs extra preparation so there are no surprises later.
Can you lay large-format floor tiles?
Yes. Large-format tiles create a clean, open look with fewer grout lines, and we lay them regularly. They do demand a very flat substrate and careful technique to keep lippage — the slight height difference between tile edges — to a minimum. We will assess your floor and let you know what preparation it needs so a large-format finish sits flat and even.
Can you tile over an existing tiled floor?
Sometimes — it depends on the condition of the existing floor, the height build-up it would create, and how it meets doorways and adjoining rooms. In some cases tiling over is sound and sensible; in others, removing the old floor is the better long-term choice. We will inspect it, explain the options honestly, and recommend the approach that gives you the best result.
How long before I can walk on a newly tiled floor?
Tiles need time for the adhesive to set and the grout to cure before the floor takes full traffic. The exact wait depends on the products used and conditions on site, but we will give you clear guidance for your specific job and let you know when the floor is ready for light use and for normal use. Allowing that curing time is important for a hard-wearing result.
What floor tile suits a high-traffic area?
For hallways, living areas and commercial spaces, porcelain and quality ceramic tiles wear well and clean easily. Slip rating matters in entries, laundries and anywhere that can get wet. We are happy to talk through formats and finishes during the quote and recommend options that balance how the floor looks with how it will hold up to daily traffic.
Do you tile laundry and wet-area floors?
Yes. Laundry, bathroom and other wet-area floors are part of our regular work, and they need correct falls to the drain and proper waterproofing where required. We tile these floors so water runs where it should and the surface stays safe underfoot. We will explain what is involved for your specific space when we quote.
Can you tile commercial floors?
Yes. We tile commercial and high-traffic floors as well as residential. Commercial work often has its own requirements around durability, slip rating and working around a business’s hours, and we are happy to discuss scheduling and specification so the job is done with minimal disruption and a finish that stands up to constant use.

Outdoor & Pool Tiling

What makes outdoor tile different from indoor tile?
Outdoor tile has to cope with rain, sun, temperature change and bare wet feet, so slip rating, durability and the right finish matter more than indoors. The laying is different too — outdoor areas need correct falls so water drains away, and allowance for movement and weather. We will talk through tile options suited to your space and Queensland conditions when we quote.
Do you tile pool surrounds?
Yes. Pool surrounds are a regular part of our outdoor work. The priority is a slip-resistant finish that is comfortable underfoot and stands up to constant wet use, splash-out and sun. We tile the surround so water drains correctly away from the pool edge and the surface stays safe for everyone using the area. We are happy to discuss suitable tile during the quote.
Why is slip rating important for outdoor tiling?
Outdoor and pool-side areas get wet, and a tile that is fine indoors can be dangerously slippery outside. Slip rating measures how much grip a tile surface offers, and choosing an appropriate rating for patios, pool surrounds and entries is a real safety matter. We will recommend tile with a finish suited to where it is going so the area looks good and stays safe.
How do you stop water pooling on a tiled patio?
With correct falls. An outdoor area is tiled with a slight, deliberate slope so water runs towards drainage points or away from the building rather than sitting on the surface or tracking back towards the house. Getting the falls right is a core part of an outdoor tiling job, and we plan them before laying so the finished area drains the way it should.
Can you tile a balcony?
Yes. Balconies combine outdoor exposure with the need for proper waterproofing, since anything below the balcony has to stay protected. We tile balconies with the waterproofing, falls and drainage they need so water is managed correctly and the structure underneath stays sound. We will explain what your balcony needs when we inspect and quote it.
Will outdoor tiling fade or wear in the Queensland sun?
Quality outdoor tiles are made to handle sun and weather, and porcelain in particular holds its colour and finish well outdoors. The key is choosing tile suited to outdoor use rather than an indoor tile pressed into service. We will recommend options built for the conditions, and advise on any sealing that helps the area stay looking its best over time.
Do outdoor tiles need sealing?
Some do and some do not, depending on the tile. Natural stone generally benefits from sealing to resist staining and weather, while many porcelain tiles need little or no sealing. We will tell you what your chosen tile needs and carry out any sealing that is part of the job, so the finished outdoor area is protected and easy to maintain.

Waterproofing

Why is waterproofing so important?
Because water that escapes a wet area has nowhere good to go. Without sound waterproofing, moisture can reach wall framing, flooring and the structure of your home, causing damage that is hidden until it is serious — and expensive to repair. Waterproofing is the barrier that keeps water where it belongs. It is never a place to cut corners, which is why we treat it as a core part of every wet-area job.
Do you waterproof to Australian Standards?
Yes. Wet-area waterproofing is carried out in line with the relevant Australian Standards covering showers, floors and splash zones. Those standards exist because water damage is so costly and so preventable. We are happy to explain what gets waterproofed in your bathroom or laundry and why, so you understand exactly what the job includes and can have confidence in the result.
When is waterproofing done — before or after tiling?
Before. Waterproofing is applied to the prepared surfaces and allowed to cure before any tiling begins, because it is the membrane the tiling sits on top of. This is why waterproofing and tiling work best as one coordinated job with a single trade responsible — the sequence and timing matter, and doing both together keeps the whole wet area sound.
Which areas of a bathroom need waterproofing?
At a minimum, the shower recess and the areas most exposed to water, with the floor and lower walls treated according to the standards for the room. Hobs, step-downs, niches and the area around the floor waste all need particular attention. We will walk you through exactly what is being waterproofed in your bathroom during the quote so nothing important is left unclear.
Can you re-waterproof an existing bathroom?
Re-waterproofing an existing bathroom generally means removing the existing tiling and surfaces to reach the substrate, since the membrane sits beneath the tile. It is most often done as part of a renovation. If you are concerned about an existing wet area — for example, signs of damp or a failing shower — we can inspect it and talk through the options honestly.
Do laundries and balconies need waterproofing too?
Yes. Laundries are internal wet areas and balconies are exposed external areas, and both need proper waterproofing to protect the structure around and below them. Balconies in particular can cause significant damage if water gets through to the level beneath. We waterproof these areas as part of the tiling job, with the falls and drainage they need.
How long does waterproofing take to cure?
Waterproofing membranes need time to cure fully before tiling can begin on top of them, and the exact time depends on the product and the conditions on site. We build that curing time into the project schedule rather than rushing it, because tiling over a membrane before it is ready undermines the whole point. We will factor it into the timeline we give you up front.

Tile Repairs & Regrouting

Can you replace a single cracked tile?
Often, yes. A cracked or damaged tile can frequently be removed and replaced without disturbing the surrounding tiles, provided a matching tile is available. The challenge is usually the match rather than the work itself. If you have spare tiles from the original job, keep them — they make a repair straightforward. If not, we will do our best to source a close match and be honest about the result.
What is regrouting and when do I need it?
Regrouting means removing old, failed grout from between tiles and replacing it with fresh grout. It is worth doing when grout is cracked, crumbling, badly stained or has gaps that let water through. Regrouting restores both the look and the watertightness of a wet area, and it can make a tired bathroom or kitchen look dramatically fresher without touching the tiles themselves.
Will new grout match the rest of my tiling?
We do our best to match new grout to the existing colour, and a full regrout of an area gives the most consistent result because everything is done at once. Spot regrouting can leave a slight difference between old and new grout. We will talk through what to expect for your job and recommend whether a section or a full-area regrout will give you the better finish.
Can regrouting fix a leaking shower?
Sometimes. If water is escaping because the grout has failed, regrouting and resealing can resolve it. But if the problem is the waterproofing membrane beneath the tiles, regrouting alone will not fix it — that needs the wet area addressed properly. We will inspect the shower, give you an honest assessment of the likely cause, and recommend the right fix rather than the cheapest one.
Should I repair or replace my tiling?
It depends on the condition. If the tiles themselves are sound and only the grout or a few tiles have failed, repair and regrouting are sensible and cost-effective. If the tiling is widely cracked, drumming, or the waterproofing has failed, replacement may be the better long-term value. We will look at it, explain what we see, and give you a straight recommendation either way.
Do you reseal silicone joints?
Yes. The flexible silicone lines in corners, around baths and where tiling meets fixtures wear out faster than grout and are a common entry point for water and mould. We remove old, failed silicone and reseal these joints as part of repair and regrouting work, restoring a clean line and keeping water where it should be.
How long does a repair or regrout take?
Most tile repairs and regrouting jobs are quick compared with a renovation — often completed in a short window depending on the size of the area and how much grout needs removing. Newly grouted or sealed areas need a little time to cure before they get wet again. We will give you a clear timeline for your specific job and let you know when the area is ready to use.
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