Book Service

How Much Does Roof Tiling Cost in 2026?

On average, roof tiling in Australia costs somewhere between $85 and $155 per square metre. Labour typically runs $50 to $140 per hour, or roughly $40 to $80 per square metre on top of materials — though as you’ll see, the final number depends on a lot more than just size.

 

Roof tiling is one of those home improvement projects where the quote you get can surprise you — in either direction. Two roofs of identical size can come in at very different prices, and that’s not a mistake. The pitch of your roof, the complexity of the design, and the type of tile you choose all play a significant role in what you’ll end up paying. There’s no single “right” answer, but there is a way to get a clearer picture before you start calling around for quotes.

Whether you’re building from scratch, replacing a tired old roof, or simply exploring your options for an upgrade, understanding what goes into roof tiling costs puts you in a much stronger position when it comes to budgeting — and negotiating.

This guide covers everything you need to know, including:

  • What factors have the biggest impact on roof tiling costs
  • A general overview of roof tiling costs in Australia
  • Concrete roof tiling costs
  • Terracotta roofing tile costs
  • Slate roofing tile costs
  • Solar roofing tile costs
  • How to calculate the size of your roof
  • How to get accurate quotes from roof tilers
  • Roof tiles vs. metal roofing — which is right for you?
  • What to expect when it comes to full roof replacement costs

What Factors Affect Roof Tiling Costs?

The average roof tiling cost in Australia ranges from $85 – $155 per square metre, or $35 – $140 per hour. The overall cost depends on several factors, including:

  • The type of roof tiles you choose: Concrete tiles are the most affordable option, with other materials like terracotta, slate and solar coming in at higher pricepoints 

  • Roofer rates in your area: Metropolitan areas typically have higher labour rates than regional areas, but shipping costs of materials can be higher in rural areas

  • The size of your roof: Larger roofs naturally need more materials and labour

  • Complexity of installation: Roofs with multiple pitches, valleys, hips, and unusual angles need more more installation time and techniques, increasing costs

  • The pitch of your roof and any access issues: Steeper roofs are more challenging and dangerous to work on, requiring additional safety equipment that may come at extra costs. Poor access might also call for materials needing to be manually transported, adding time and money to your job

Roof tiling costs: An overview

In Australia, roof tiling typically costs somewhere between $85 and $155 per square metre. On top of that, you’ll need to factor in labour, which generally runs at $50 to $80 per hour — or around $40 to $80 per square metre depending on how your tradie charges. Keep in mind that your final quote can shift quite a bit based on the factors covered in this guide, particularly the type of tiles you choose.

To give you a rough sense of what different materials will set you back, here’s a general breakdown of roof tile costs by material:

  • Concrete tiles: $45 – $65 per square metre
  • Terracotta tiles: $80 – $110 per square metre
  • Slate tiles: $200 – $500 per square metre
  • Solar roof tiles: $230 – $320 per square metre

These figures are a useful starting point, but every roof is different. For a more tailored estimate based on your specific job, use our roof cost calculator to get a clearer picture of what you’re likely to spend.

How Much Do Concrete Roofing Tiles Cost?

Concrete roof tiles are the most affordable tile option on the market — and that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on looks or longevity. They remain a genuinely popular choice for Australian homeowners who want a practical, cost-effective roofing solution that still holds up over time. As a general guide, concrete roof tiles cost between $45 and $65 per square metre.

For a typical Aussie home with a 100 square metre footprint (which translates to roughly 112 square metres of actual roof area), you’re looking at a total material cost somewhere in the range of $5,100 to $7,300. Worth noting: if your roof has a steeper pitch or a more complex shape, you’ll need more tiles to cover it, so costs can creep up accordingly.

Despite sitting at the budget-friendly end of the spectrum, concrete tiles bring some solid advantages to the table. They’re known for their excellent durability, with a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, and they offer good insulation properties that can help with temperature regulation inside your home. They also come in a wide range of colours, so finding something that suits your home’s style is rarely a problem.

How Much Do Terracotta Roofing Tiles Cost?

Terracotta roof tiles sit a step above concrete in terms of price, but for many homeowners, the extra investment is well worth it. On average, terracotta roof tiles cost between $80 and $110 per square metre installed. Using the same 112 square metre roof as a benchmark, you’re looking at a total cost of roughly $9,000 to $12,500 — so yes, close to double what you’d pay for concrete tiles.

That said, the higher upfront cost comes with some compelling long-term advantages. Terracotta is renowned for its exceptional durability, with a lifespan that can comfortably exceed 50 years when properly maintained. Unlike concrete, terracotta holds its colour remarkably well over time, making it a great choice if you want your roof looking sharp decades down the track. It’s also a lower-maintenance option overall, meaning fewer touch-ups and less ongoing expenditure once it’s installed.

If you’re weighing up the cost difference between terracotta and concrete, it’s worth thinking about the bigger picture — a longer-lasting, fade-resistant roof could save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.

Terracotta roof tiles are more expensive than concrete roof tiles. On average, they cost $80 to $110 per square metre installed. Using the 112 square metre cost, the overall roof tiling cost should be between $9,000 and $12,500 or almost double the cost of concrete roofing tiles.

While more costly than concrete roof tiles, terracotta has benefits of being even longer lasting (typically can last 50+ years), and is resistant to fading. They also have lower maintenance requirements than concrete. 

How Much Do Solar Roof Tiles Cost?

Solar roof tiles are an increasingly popular option for Australian homeowners looking to combine a quality roof with the benefits of renewable energy. Available from manufacturers including Bristile, Monier, Tesla, and others, these innovative tiles typically cost between $230 and $320 per square metre, with total installation costs ranging from $8,000 to $18,000 depending on how many panels you want and which manufacturer or style you go with.

One of the more practical aspects of solar roof tiles is that you don’t need to cover your entire roof with them. They work best when installed in areas that receive direct sunlight, so a strategic partial installation is often all you need. In fact, around 375 tiles is generally enough to generate 5 kilowatts of power — and over time, the savings on your electricity bills mean your solar roof tiles could genuinely pay for themselves.

When it comes to longevity, solar tiles hold up well. Most come with warranties ranging from 25 years, with Tesla offering an unlimited warranty on their roof tiles. Many are constructed from toughened glass, making them highly resistant to breakage, and maintenance is refreshingly simple — an occasional wash-down is usually all it takes to keep them absorbing sunlight at full capacity.

How Do You Calculate the Size of a Roof?

One thing that catches a lot of homeowners off guard when estimating roof tiling costs is that your roof area and your home’s floor area are not the same thing. The difference comes down to roof pitch — a steeper pitch means more surface area to cover, and therefore more tiles. If your roof has multiple pitches or a more complex shape, that can push costs up further still.

To put it in practical terms, a home with a 100 square metre footprint will typically require around 112 square metres of roof tiles. And if the pitch is steeper than average, or the roofline has a few angles and valleys to navigate, you’ll need to account for even more.

The most reliable way to work out exactly how many square metres of tiles your roof needs is to refer to a architectural drawing of your home and measure the roof area directly from there. No drawings on hand? That’s not uncommon — and it’s not a problem. An experienced roofing contractor can give you an accurate estimate based on a site visit and their knowledge of similar jobs. It’s always worth getting that professional eye before committing to a quote.

Getting Quotes from Roof Tilers

When you’re reaching out to roof tilers or roofing installers in your area, it’s worth remembering that price is only part of the picture. A cheap quote means very little if the tradie isn’t properly licensed or doesn’t have the right experience for your job. Before accepting any quote, take the time to verify that each contractor can demonstrate the following:

  • A current roofing licence (keep in mind that requirements differ from state to state)
  • Adequate insurance coverage, including public liability and workers’ compensation
  • Hands-on experience installing your specific type of roof tile
  • Positive reviews from previous customers
  • The ability to provide a written quote

Once the quotes start coming in, don’t just look at the bottom line figure. A well-structured quote should clearly outline all the details that matter, including:

  • Material and labour costs itemised separately
  • An estimated timeframe for completing the work
  • Warranty information for both materials and workmanship
  • Clear payment terms

It’s an old saying in the trades, but it holds true — the lowest quote isn’t always the best value. The right roof tiler is one who combines competitive pricing with genuine professionalism and a solid track record of quality work.

The simplest way to find reliable local tradies is to post your roof tiling job on hipages. We’ll match you with up to 3 qualified roof tilers near you who are ready to provide quotes and get the job done.

Roof Tiles vs. Metal Roofing

It’s one of the most common debates among Aussie homeowners tackling a roofing project — do you go with traditional roof tiles or make the switch to metal roofing? Both have their merits, and the right choice really comes down to your home, your budget, and what you value most in a roof.

From a cost perspective, metal roofing is the more affordable option, typically coming in at $50 to $70 per square metre, compared to $85 to $155 per square metre for roof tiles. Metal roofing is also relatively low-maintenance and suits a wide range of home styles. That said, it does come in flat profiles only — so if you’re after the classic curved aesthetic that tiles can offer, metal simply can’t replicate that look.

When it comes to the advantages roof tiles bring to the table, there are a few worth highlighting:

  • Weather-resistant warranties of up to 50 years
  • Excellent acoustic insulation, keeping outside noise where it belongs
  • Superior thermal insulation compared to metal roofing
  • The ability to integrate solar roof tiles for added energy efficiency

On the flip side, metal roofing has its own set of strengths that make it the better fit in certain situations:

  • Lightweight construction that requires less structural support
  • Well-suited to low-pitch roof designs
  • Faster installation times, which can reduce labour costs
  • Natural resistance to moss and lichen growth

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Your decision should be guided by your home’s architectural style, the climate conditions in your area, your budget, and how much ongoing maintenance you’re prepared to take on. If you’re still unsure, a qualified roofing contractor can help you weigh up the options for your specific situation.

Roof Replacement Cost

Beyond the question of which tiles to choose, many homeowners also face the decision of whether to retile or fully replace their roof. It’s an important distinction — and one that has a significant impact on your overall budget.

Roof replacement costs are naturally higher than a straightforward retile, simply because the old roof needs to be removed before any new work can begin. If you’re switching from a metal roof to a tiled roof, costs can climb higher still, as the structure will likely need to be reinforced to handle the additional weight of tiles.

Several factors will influence your final roof replacement cost, including:

  • The overall size of the roof
  • The pitch of the roof
  • Any structural work required
  • The complexity of the roof design

As a general guide, here’s what you might expect to pay for a full roof replacement using different tile materials:

  • Concrete: $9,200 – $13,000
  • Terracotta: $18,400 – $38,000
  • Slate: $64,000 – $160,000

These figures account for the removal of the existing roof, with the price range reflecting the variation in job complexity. A quote at the lower end typically indicates a relatively straightforward replacement, while higher quotes usually involve structural work, a steep pitch, or a more intricate roofline.

When searching for a roof replacement specialist, apply the same due diligence you would with any roofing installer — check licences, insurance, reviews, and always insist on an itemised written quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for. It’s also worth asking upfront whether disposal of the old roofing materials is included, as some contractors charge separately for taking them to the tip. A reputable specialist will carry out a proper roof inspection before providing a firm quote.

Whether you’re roofing a new build or replacing an aging roof, roof tiling is a worthwhile investment. Done well, it can enhance your home’s appearance and add genuine value to the property. Concrete tiles remain the most budget-friendly starting point, but it’s worth exploring terracotta, slate, and solar roof tiles too. In fact, incorporating solar roof tiles into your design could deliver meaningful savings on energy bills over time — making it not just a roofing decision, but a smart long-term home improvement.

Costs and prices throughout this article are indicative and should be used as a guide only. Prices vary by location and are subject to change based on market conditions.

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to tile a roof in Australia?

Browse the local directory for Pergolas

  • Roof Repairs - Sydney
  • Roof Restoration - Sydney
  • Roof Cleaning - Sydney
  • Roof Replacement - Sydney
  • Painters - Sydney
  • Guttering - Sydney

You may also be interested in these...