Choosing the right tile for your space can be confusing. There are so many options, making the right choice overwhelming.
Tiling is an expensive finish, your choice needs to stand the test of time.
1.The Hidden World of Tile Ratings
Before we talk about aesthetics, let’s talk about what really matters – technical ratings.
PEI Ratings (Often Overlooked)
- PEI 1: Wall use only
- PEI 2: Light foot traffic
- PEI 3: Normal residential use
- PEI 4: Heavy residential/light commercial
- PEI 5: Heavy commercial
Pro Tip: Many budget tiles are PEI 2 but marketed for floor use. Always check the PEI rating, especially for high-traffic areas.
Water Absorption Ratings
- Non-vitreous (>7% absorption): Never use in wet areas
- Semi-vitreous (3-7% absorption): Interior walls only
- Vitreous (0.5-3% absorption): Most residential uses
- Impervious (<0.5% absorption): Ideal for wet areas
2. Consider the Room’s Functionality
Identify the Room Type
Different rooms in your home have different needs to accommodate when choosing a tile.
- Bathrooms: Prioritize water-resistant and slip-resistant tiles.
- Kitchen: Focus on easy-to-clean surfaces for backsplash and countertops .
- Living areas: Consider style and durability.
- Outdoor spaces: Look for weather-resistant
Durability and Wear Resistance
If you’re tiling high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms, opt for tiles that are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. Porcelain tiles, for instance, are known for their strength and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
3. Material Selections: Beyond the Basics
Ceramic and porcelain are two of the most popular tile materials, but they serve different purposes:
Porcelain: The Misunderstood Champion
Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain is denser and more durable than ceramic. It’s ideal for floors, high-traffic areas, and outdoor spaces.
Contrary to popular belief, not all porcelain tiles are created equal. Look for:
- “Through-body porcelain” where the color runs through the entire tile
- “Technical porcelain” for maximum durability
- Rectified edges for minimal grout lines
Pro tip: Many tiles labeled as porcelain aren’t true porcelain.
The tile’s water absorption tells the true story – genuine porcelain has less than 0.5% absorption.
Ceramic: The Budget-Friendly Option
Ceramic Tiles: These are affordable and versatile. They are perfect for walls and low-traffic areas.
- More forgiving during installation than porcelain
- Easier to cut, ideal for complex patterns
- Generally 30-50% cheaper than porcelain
Pro Tip: For wall applications, ceramic often outperforms porcelain due to its lighter weight and better adhesion.
Natural Stone: The High-Maintenance Beauty
Fast Facts:
- Marble continues to age and patina over time
- Travertine can be “filled” or “unfilled” – unfilled requires immediate sealing
- Limestone often contains fossils that can appear over time as the stone wears
4. Size Matters: The Economics of Tile Dimensions
Large vs.Small Tiles
The size of your tile can dramatically affect the look of your room.
Small, mosaic tiles create a more decorative look while large tiles give a clean, sleek look and can make smaller spaces appear larger.
The size of the tile can dramatically affect the cost of laying
The Tiny Terrors: Small Format Mosaics (<50mm)
While love the look of these decorative tiles , they do little for you budget.
- Labor costs typically 2-3x higher than standard tiles
- Sheets often have 3-5% less coverage than stated due to grout spacing
- 20-30% more adhesive required due to uneven backing mesh
- Minimum 10% extra order recommended (vs 5% for standard tiles) due to sheet
- Small tiles don’t always mean better slip resistance
- Penny rounds , My personal favourites often have more grout area than actual tile surface which means plenty of elbow grease required for cleaning
- Not all mosaic sheets can be cut with standard tile cutters
The 300x600mm Sweet Spot
This size has become the industry standard because:
- Optimal installation speed (covers more area quickly)
- Minimal waste during cutting
- Usually the most cost-effective price per square meter
- Fewer grout lines to maintain
Large Format Tiles (>600mm)
Hidden Challenges:
- Require perfectly level substrates
- Need specialized installation tools
- Higher breakage rates during transport and installation
- Often require two installers to place
5. Focus on Style and Aesthetic
Match the Design Theme
Your tile choice should complement the overall design and feel of your home. Whatever look you’re going for there’s a tile style that can enhance your design vision.
You might opt for the typical 300 x 600mm white tiles for you bathroom walls which is very classic however if you opt for matt finish, you will give the room a very modern look
Remember its not just the tiles themselves that establish the design , the way you lay them can make a big statement. Laying a wall tile vertically will make a room seem taller but laying them horizontally will make it look wider
Feature tiles can deliver the wow. Borders have definitely had their day but a wall or section of a wall done in a different shape, colour or texture can add interest.
Color Considerations
Tiles come in every color imaginable, so it’s important to choose one that fits the mood and tone you want to set in the room.
- Light-colored tiles: These make small spaces feel bigger and brighter.
- Darker tiles: Great for creating a cozy or dramatic effect.
- Neutral tones: Timeless and versatile, suitable for any design style.
- Bold colors and patterns: Use these sparingly as accents to add personality to a space.
Grout Colors
The color of your grout can either blend with your tile for a seamless look or contrast for a bolder design statement. Light-colored grout is subtle but harder to clean, while darker grout is more forgiving in high-use areas.
6.Think About Maintenance
Ease of Cleaning
Some tiles are easier to clean and maintain than others. If you’re looking for low-maintenance options, consider porcelain or ceramic tiles, which resist stains and moisture. Natural stone tiles like marble or limestone require more care, such as sealing and regular cleaning with specific products to avoid staining or damage.
Mosaic tiles have more grout making them a cleaning nightmare so select cautiously
Grout Maintenance
Grout can discolor or become dirty over time, especially in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. If your budget doesn’t extend to epoxy grout, consider sealing the tiles and grout to prevent water discolouration
7. Safety First
Assess Slip Resistance
In areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms or outdoor patios, slip resistance is key. Tiles come with a slip resistance rating (also known as the COF rating), so make sure to choose tiles with a higher COF for safer surfaces.
- Textured tiles: Provide better grip for wet areas.
- Glossy tiles: Though stylish, they tend to be more slippery, so avoid them in bathrooms or entryways.
8. Set a Budget
Factor in All Costs
Tiles range widely in price, so it’s important to determine your budget beforehand. While ceramic tiles are affordable, natural stone tiles can be pricey. Also, remember to factor in costs for installation, materials, and maintenance.
Balance Quality and Affordability
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, poor-quality tiles can end up costing you more in repairs and replacements. Investing in durable tiles that fit your style and function will save you time and money in the long run.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Mixing Price Points
Smart ways to blend expensive and budget tiles:
- Use premium tiles as feature blocks or walls
- Install luxury tiles at eye level, standard tiles below
- Create feature walls with designer tiles, basic tiles elsewhere
Timing Your Purchase
Consider buying at auction or, buying job lots
Many tile suppliers have end-of-financial-year sales in June, where premium tiles can be discounted by up to 60%.
6 Installation Secrets
Grout Selection
Industry Innovation: New epoxy grouts offer superior stain resistance but cost 4-5 times more than traditional grouts. However, they never need sealing and last significantly longer.
Pro Tips:
- Dark grouts fade in sunlight
- Light grouts darken with age
- Epoxy grout is nearly impossible to remove if smeared on textured tiles
- Minimum grout line width should be 3mm for floor tiles to prevent cracking
Layout Mathematics
The “Golden Ratio” for Tiling:
- Start with a full tile at doorways
- Center the room pattern on the most visible wall
- Avoid cuts less than 1/3 of a tile at edges
Be onsite to help your tiler lay out the tiles to ensure that you will be happy with the outcome.
Communicate your instructions clearly such as whether you want to tile to the ceiling or not and how external corners should be finished .
Maintenance Myths Debunked
Common misconceptions:
- Sealing natural stone once is not enough – it needs resealing every 12-24 months
- Steam cleaners can damage grout over time
- Bleach-based cleaners gradually erode cement-based grouts
- Vinegar solutions will etch natural stone and some porcelain finishes
Future-Proofing Your Selection
Consider these often-overlooked factors:
- Will the tile style date quickly?
- Is it part of a continuing line or a seasonal range?
- Are matching trim pieces available?
- What’s the expected lifespan of the manufacturer?
Always order 15% extra for future repairs – matching batch colors years later is nearly impossible.
Remember: The cheapest tile often ends up being the most expensive when you factor in maintenance, durability, and potential replacement costs. Invest in quality where it matters most – high-traffic areas and wet zones.
Tiling is like everything else in life, the quality of the outcome depends on how well you have prepared and the quality of your decisions. Read this post more than once if you need to so that selection and installation of your tiles in a seamless activity
