How much does roof tiling cost? [2025]

Roof tiling can be a major home improvement, but how much does roof tiling cost? There isn't a simple answer, as the costs of roof tiles vary and so do installation costs. One roof can cost far less than another roof of the same size, because the pitch and complexity of a roof design will affect the cost, as will the cost of roof tiles. 

Whether you're building a new home, replacing an aging roof, or thinking about an upgrade, understanding the costs involved with roof tiling is key for smart budgeting.

Read this guide to find out more about:

• What factors impact roof tiling costs?

• Roof tiling costs: An overview

• Concrete roof tiling cost

• Terracotta roofing tile costs

• Slate roofing tile costs

• Solar roofing tile costs

• Calculating the size of a roof 

• Getting quotes from roof tilers

• Roof tiles vs. metal roofing

• Roof replacement costs

What factors impact 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 costs between $85 - $155 per square metre, with hourly labour rates adding an extra $50 - $80 per hour, or $40 to $80 per square metre on top of this. However, these costs can change based on the factors mentioned above, including choice of materials.

In general, expect to pay the following amounts for different roof tile materials:

• Concrete tiles: $45 - $65 per square metre 

• Terracotta: $80 - $110 per square metre 

• Slate tiles: $200 - $500 per square metre

• Solar roof tiles: $230 - $320 per square metre 

To estimate costs for your unique roofing job, check out our roof cost calculator.

How much do concrete roofing tiles cost?

Concrete roof tiles are the least expensive type of roof tiles, while still being attractive and long lasting. In general, concrete roof tiles cost between $45 and $65 per square metre.

For a typical Aussie home with a 100-square-metre footprint (equating to approximately 112 square metres of roof area), expect total costs between $5,100 - $7,300. A roof with a steeper pitch or complex shape will require more tiles.

While it is the cheapest roof tiling option, concrete tiles have their benefits. They offer excellent durability with a 30 - 50 year lifespan, with good insulation properties. They also come in a range of colours so you can choose the best one for your aesthetic vision. 

How much do terracotta roofing tiles cost?

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 slate roofing tiles cost?

Slate is one of the most expensive roofing tiles you can buy, costing between $200 and $500 per square metre. A 112 square metre slate roof can cost between $22,400 and $56,000, with installation costs also being higher than other materials. 

On the positive side, slate roofing has the advantage of being longer lasting than concrete and terracotta, having been known to last for centuries. They have excellent resistance to fire, moisture, and extreme weather, making them perfect for the Aussie environment. Not to mention, they have minimal maintenance requirements. 

How much do solar roofing tiles cost?

Solar panel tiles are now available in Australia from manufacturers including Bristile, Monier, Tesla, and others. These innovative products cost from $230 - $320 per square metre, with total installation costs typically ranging from $8,000 - $18,000 depending on the amount of panels you want, as well as the panel manufacturer and style. 

Unlike other roof materials, you don't have to cover an entire roof with solar roof tiles. They are best used in areas where the sun strikes the roof and can produce electricity. Only about 375 tiles are needed to produce 5 kilowatts of power, so your solar roof tiles could pay for themselves over time because of the savings on electricity.

Solar roofing tiles come with long warranties, from 25 years to unlimited warranties in the case of Tesla roof tiles. Some are made from toughened glass and can be impervious to breakage. They only need to be washed down occasionally to retain their ability to absorb the sun's rays.

How do you calculate the size of a roof?

One important thing to keep in mind when estimating roof tiling cost is the area of your roof, which isn't the same as the area of your house. This is because the roof pitch can make a difference to the number of tiles needed to cover a roof. A steeper pitch takes up a larger area than a gentle pitch, and if there are several different pitches, it could cost more.

For example, a home of 100 square metres will need approximately 112 square metres of roof tiles. If it has a steeper pitch or a more complex shape, more tiles will be needed.

The best way to determine how many square metres of tiles you need is to look at a drawing of your house and measure the roof area from there. If you don't have drawings of your house, a roofing contractor can accurately tell you how many square metres of tiles you need based on their previous experience.

Getting quotes from roof tilers

When you're comparing quotes from roof tilers or roofing installers in your area, price should be just one consideration. When comparing tradies, you should also be verifying that they have: 

• Current roofing license (requirements vary by state)

• Insurance coverage, which could include public liability and workers' compensation

• Proven experience with installing your chosen roof tile type

• Good reviews from past customers 

• Be able to give you a written quote 

When you get quotes back, it’s important to check that it includes all the important details. These include: 

• Material and labour costs

• An estimated timeframe for completion

• Warranty details

• Payment terms 

Again, remember that the lowest quote isn't necessarily the best value. You should be choosing tradies that demonstrate professionalism and a proven track record with completing quality work. 

The easiest way to get quotes is by posting roof tiling job on hipages. We’ll connect you with up to 3 roof tilers near you who are ready to provide quotes and complete your job. 

Roof tiles vs. metal roofing

When choosing a roofing material, many Aussie homeowners debate between traditional tiles and metal roofing. 

Metal roofing is relatively easy to maintain, but it lacks some of the beauty of roof tiling because metal roofing comes in flat profiles, while roof tiles can be curved or flat. Metal roofing is also cheaper than roof tiling, coming in between $50 and $70 while tiles cost $85 and $155 per square metre. 

In saying this, roof tiles have several advantages over metal roofs, namely:

• Weather resistant warranties of up to 50 years

• Excellent acoustic insulation

• More thermal insulation than metal roofing

• Can be integrated with solar roofing tiles

There are also some features that metal roofing excels in: 

• Lightweight construction, which requires less structural support

• Suits low pitch designs

• Faster to install 

• Resistance to moss and lichen growth

At the end of the day, your final decision should be based on your home's architectural style, local climate conditions, budget constraints, and long-term maintenance preferences.

Roof replacement costs

Another decision you may be facing is whether to retile or replace a roof.

If you're replacing a roof, the costs will be higher because the roofers will have to remove the old roof first. If you're replacing a metal roof with a tile roof, the costs may be higher still, because they will have to reinforce the roof and make the roof able to be tiled.

The cost of roof replacement will depend on several factors:

• The size of the roof

• The pitch of the roof

• Structural work

• Complex roofs

Replacing the roof may cost between:

• Concrete: $9,200 and $13,000

• Terracotta: $18,400 and $38,000

• Slate: $64,000 and $160,000 

These costs will include replacing an old roof and the price differences reflect the complexity of the job. A lower price will be a relatively straightforward job, while a higher price may mean structural work is needed or a roof has a steep pitch or complex design.

When choosing a roofing replacement specialist, ask the same questions you would ask a roof installer and insist on an itemised quote so you know exactly what you'll be paying for. They may also charge for removing old roofing materials and taking them to the tip. Expect to get a firm quote after a roof replacement service inspects your roof.

Whether you're purchasing a new roof for a new home or replacing a roof, roof tiling is worth considering. It can be a beautiful addition to a home and can increase its value.

Concrete tiling is the least expensive option, but also consider terracotta, slate and solar roof tiles. A combination of tiles including solar roof tiles can save you money in the long run and may be a good home improvement investment.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.