Regrouting tile costs: How much to fix your bathroom grout

When grout on your bathroom walls and floors becomes cracked or damaged, moisture seeps under the tiles. This can cause water damage, dampness, and mould, which can ultimately affect the aesthetic of your bathroom. If you want to restore your bathroom tiles to their former glory, it’s time to regrout!

If your bathroom leaks, the first step is to find out where the leak comes from. Regrouting over mouldy or stained grouting can trap the moisture under new grouting. Once addressed, you can have your walls and floor tiles regrouted. 

So, how much does it cost to regrout tile flooring? The costs vary depending on the bathroom’s size, as this will determine the amount of grout needed and the labour cost. Keep reading to learn the typical costs of regrouting services.

Regrouting price list

To guide you in comparing costs, below is a helpful table to refer to when calculating costs for a regrouting project. Keep in mind that the price of each type of grout will also vary depending on manufacturer, brand, and suggested retail price. 

What are the factors that affect the cost of bathroom regrouting?

How much does it cost to regrout a shower or tiled surface? To calculate bathroom regrouting costs and adequately prepare your budget, take note of the following factors. They will determine precisely how much regrouting bathroom tiles cost.

Type of grout

The average cost to get a shower regrouted heavily depends on the grout type. Grouts with unique properties are more expensive than generic ones. If there is fungal growth in the bathroom, there is an antifungal grout option for you. 

There are also antibacterial grouts, epoxy grouts, pre-mixed grouts, unsanded grouts, and finely sanded grouts. Most grouts start at $1.50 per kg bag. Make sure to get the right grout to make the grouting last longer. Hire a Tasker to get the appropriate advice on what grout to pick for your bathroom needs.

Here's a price breakdown for different types of grout and their pros and cons. 

Size of area

Naturally, the cost to regrout tiles in a shower area will be higher if your bathroom takes up a bigger space. Larger bathrooms tend to have larger tiled areas that need regrouting. Hence it will require more materials, more time and will incur greater expenses.

Labour costs

Labour costs vary depending on which part of the bathroom needs regrouting, as well as your location. Tradespeople in different areas of Australia charge differently for labour costs. Grouting and regrouting are most affordable in New South Wales, where the cost starts at around $25 per square metre. In Victoria, on the other hand, $37 per square metre is the standard cost of the same service.

Current condition of the grout

If the current grouting of your bathroom is already degraded and mouldy, it most likely lets the moisture collect under the tiles. Due to water damage, regrouting may cost more as well.

Location

If you live in major cities, regrouting costs tend to get higher. Tradespeople in different areas charge differently for labour. Below is a table showing the estimated cost of hiring regrouting services in Australia.

Regrouting worn floor tiles to restore durability and appearance. (Source: iStock)

Regrouting tiles: The process at a glance

To give you an idea of what the job entails, here is an overview of the process. This will also allow you to evaluate if you can do the regrouting job by yourself or if you need to hire a professional to do it. 

Step 1: Finding and fixing leaks 

If there are brown moulds, this can mean that water is getting behind wall tiles, under the floor tiles, and soaking through the joints. Make sure to find where the leak is coming from and have it fixed first before regrouting. Otherwise, there is no point to regrout as you will still encounter the same issues.

Step 2: Removing the old grout 

An ideal tool to remove old grout is a drill, which will let you work through the surface of the grout and under without damaging the tiles. Don’t forget to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris! Once finished, go over the lines using a screwdriver, then vacuum the debris to make sure you have removed any last traces.

Be careful in removing old grout, as chipping or cracking bathroom tiles can cause increased work time, additional costs, and stress since it can be challenging to find the exact tiles to match.

Step 3: Preparing and applying the new grout

There are ready-mix grouts available in the market. However, if the grout on hand needs to be mixed first, you will need a tool called a grout float (which helps you mix the grout) and a scraper (to get rid of any excess). 

Step 4: Cleaning off excess grout while wet

Clean off any excess as you go, as it dries quickly and becomes harder to remove. Use a damp sponge to remove them, then leave the grout to dry.

Step 5: Replacing broken tiles when necessary

If a tile is damaged while removing old grout, use a chisel to remove the broken tile. Get the new tile and apply the adhesive on its back part. Position it using spacers to maintain proper grout gaps. Once dry, remove the spacers and grout the joints.

Regrouting light-colored tiles enhances cleanliness. (Source: iStock)

Should you regrout yourself or hire a professional?

Should you hire, or should you DIY? To help you compare the two options, here are the pros and cons of hiring a tradesperson vs doing the regrouting yourself. 

Regrouting may look simple, but getting it right takes years of experience. A professional knows how to remove old grout cleanly using the right tools and techniques. This reduces the risk of tile damage and ensures a longer-lasting, mould-resistant finish. It does come at a higher cost, but you're paying for peace of mind and quality workmanship.

Meanwhile, if you’re handy and confident with tools, DIY regrouting can be a cost-effective option since you’ll save on labour costs. However, it's not without risks. You'll need to invest in safety gear like goggles and specialised tools. More importantly, a lack of experience can result in uneven finishes—or worse, improper sealing that allows moisture to seep in and cause future damage.

Restore your bathroom with expert regrouting

Cracked or damaged grout can lead to moisture problems, mould growth, and costly repairs. Instead of dealing with the hassle, let an experienced professional handle the job. 

Airtasker makes it easy to find skilled Taskers who can regrout your bathroom efficiently and affordably. Simply post a task, compare quotes, and choose a Tasker who fits your budget and needs.

Restore your bathroom’s look and functionality today!