Floor Tiles

Matte tiles are trending strongly in Australian bathrooms for their contemporary look and practical ability to hide water spots and fingerprints. Gloss tiles reflect light and can make a bathroom feel brighter and larger, but show water marks and smudges more readily. For shower recesses and wet floors, matte or satin finishes with good slip resistance are generally preferred.

Measure your total wall and floor surface area in square metres, then add a 10–15% wastage allowance for cuts, breakages, and future repairs. For complex layouts with diagonal patterns or feature inserts, increase the wastage to 15–20%. Always order all tiles from the same batch (check the shade lot/batch number) as tiles from different batches can vary slightly in colour.

Floor tiles must have an adequate slip resistance rating (P3 minimum for domestic bathrooms) and be durable enough for foot traffic. Wall tiles can be glazed ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, they don't need to carry load but should be moisture-resistant. Many Australian renovators choose matching or coordinating floor and wall tiles from the same range for a cohesive look.

For small bathrooms, tiles between 300 x 300mm and 600 x 300mm often work well on both walls and floors. Smaller mosaic or subway tiles (75 x 150mm or 100 x 200mm) are a classic choice for shower walls. While large format tiles can also work in small spaces, they require a very level substrate and expert installation. Avoid tiles that are too small on floors (like 50 x 50mm mosaics) in large quantities, as the increased grout lines can make a space feel busier.

The most effective approach is to choose one feature zone and use your feature tile there, a full-height shower wall, the bath surround wall, or the vanity splashback area. Keep the remaining surfaces in a neutral or complementary field tile. This creates impact without visual clutter. Limit your palette to two or three complementary materials for a cohesive result.

Australian Standards (AS 4586) require bathroom floor tiles to have a minimum slip resistance rating of P3 for domestic bathrooms and P4 or P5 for wet areas like shower recesses. The Blue Space recommends checking the slip resistance rating of any tile you're considering for floor use, particularly in the shower. Matte and textured porcelain tiles generally offer better slip resistance than polished or gloss finishes.

Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures and are denser, less porous, and harder than ceramic tiles. This makes porcelain more water-resistant, more durable, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including high-traffic floors. Ceramic tiles are lighter and easier to cut, making them a practical choice for bathroom walls and splashbacks. For bathroom floors and wet areas, porcelain is generally the preferred option in Australia.

It depends on the room and the traffic it gets. Porcelain is the most versatile choice for floors generally, since it's dense, low in water absorption and durable enough for high-traffic areas, kitchens, hallways and wet areas alike. Natural stone floor tiles bring a genuine textured, organic look but need regular sealing to stay protected. For the full rundown on what separates the two materials, see our porcelain tiles page. The right pick usually comes down to how much upkeep you're willing to do versus how low-maintenance you want the floor to be.

Floor tiles are made to handle foot traffic and carry an appropriate slip resistance rating, while wall tiles are chosen mainly for moisture resistance and appearance since they don't bear weight. Many floor tiles can also go on walls, but the reverse isn't always true: a lightweight or glossy wall tile may not have the durability or slip rating needed underfoot. Always check the tile's stated application (floor, wall, or both) before ordering.

Cost comparisons between tiling and floorboards depend heavily on the material grade, room size, and labour rates in your area, so there's no single reliable figure that applies across the board. What's more useful is comparing what each material trades off: tiles are generally more water-resistant and easier to clean long-term, which matters in wet areas, while floorboards can be warmer underfoot and faster to install in dry living spaces. Get quotes on both for your specific room before deciding based on cost alone.

Budget generally comes down to size, material and finish rather than one specific product. Ceramic tiles are typically more affordable than porcelain, standard sizes cost less than oversized formats, and a plain colour or finish is usually cheaper than a textured stone-look or patterned tile. Our tiles under $40 per square metre and affordable style tiles ranges are a good starting point if cost is the main driver.

Some can, but not all. An outdoor floor tile needs a higher slip resistance rating to handle being wet from rain, and needs to be frost and UV stable if it's fully exposed. Porcelain is commonly used both indoors and out because its low water absorption suits both settings, but always confirm the specific tile is rated for outdoor use before laying it on a patio, alfresco area or pool surround.