The Ultimate Tile Guide: Choosing the Right Tiles for Your Next Project
Picking the right tile is the difference between “meh” and masterpiece! When refreshing a family home, styling a new build, or planning a commercial fit-out, every tile choice counts.
You need to consider durability and design, performance and purpose, material and mood.
Up Spec Suppliers will help you tick all the boxes with our extensive range of designer tiles.
This tile guide covers tile types and tips to help you choose the right Up Spec tile for any space and style.
Why Choosing the Right Tiles Matters
The right tiles can elevate a room’s look with colour, texture, and pattern. They can boost a space’s practicality by offering durability and easy maintenance. And when chosen well, quality tiles can increase a property’s appeal and resale value.
Different spaces call for different features. Wet areas need slip and water-resistant finishes, and high-traffic zones demand tougher materials. When you match your tile to the space’s needs, you get a finish that looks great and lasts.
Types of Tiles: Materials and Their Benefits
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are baked at higher temperatures than ceramic, giving them a harder, less porous surface.
They’re ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, outdoor areas, and busy commercial spaces.
Pro:
- Tough and long-lasting, resistant to stains, scratches, and fading
- Low water absorption
- Available in various finishes, including stone, timber, and concrete looks
Cons:
- Heavier than ceramic, which can make installation trickier
- Usually more expensive
- Harder to cut, especially for DIY projects
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are made from clay and baked at slightly lower temperatures, making them lighter and easier to work with.
They’re best for walls, splashbacks, and low-traffic indoor floors like bedrooms and living rooms.
Pro:
- Budget-friendly
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Great range of colours, textures, and styles
Cons:
- More porous than porcelain (less suited to very wet areas unless glazed)
- Not as strong or wear-resistant
- Can chip or crack under heavy impact
Natural Stone-Look
Natural stone-look tiles are made of porcelain or ceramic but mimic the colours, textures, and patterns of natural stones like marble, travertine, limestone, or bluestone.
They look fantastic in living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, hotel lobbies, office receptions, and restaurants.
Pro:
- More affordable than actual stone
- Easier to maintain (no sealing required)
- Available in a wide variety of sophisticated tones and finishes
Cons:
- May not add the same premium value to a property as genuine stone
- More expensive than standard ceramic or porcelain tiles
- Heavier and harder to cut, increasing installation time and cost
Glass and Mosaics
Glass and mosaic tiles are all about reflecting light and making an impact.
They’re perfect for kitchen splashbacks, shower walls, pools, and decorative borders in residential and commercial interiors.
Pro:
- Brighten up small or dark spaces
- Add colour, texture, and detail to spaces
- Resistant to stains and moisture
Cons:
- Can be slippery underfoot, so not ideal for floors
- More delicate, prone to chipping and cracking
- Installation can be fiddly and time-consuming
Concrete-Look
Concrete-look tiles are typically made from porcelain or ceramic and offer the raw, industrial aesthetic of poured concrete with less weight, cost, and maintenance.
They’re suitable for kitchens, living areas, warehouses, showrooms, cafes, and bars.
Pro:
- Low maintenance compared to real concrete
- Won’t crack over time
- Lighter and easier to install
Cons:
- Can lack the depth and texture of true concrete
- Premium styles can be more expensive than standard tiles
How to Choose Tiles for Different Spaces
- Bathrooms: Go for water-resistant, non-slip tiles with a matt or textured finish. Lighter tones can open up smaller spaces.
- Kitchens: Choose stain-resistant tiles that are easy to clean. Use bolder patterns or textures for splashbacks to add visual interest.
- Living Rooms and Bedrooms: Opt for larger-format tiles with a warmer tone or natural look. Prioritise comfort and a cohesive style with adjoining spaces.
- Outdoor Areas: Select UV and water-resistant tiles with a rougher texture for grip and a slip-resistance rating of at least P4 or R11.
- Lobbies and Entryways: Use high-durability tiles with low maintenance needs. Choose a design that makes a strong first impression and handles heavy foot traffic
Up Spec Suppliers: Your Partner in Tile Selection
We have tiles for any commercial or residential space of any scale.
- Modern tiles for clean, minimalist spaces
- Classic tiles for timeless character and elegance
- Large-format tiles for a spacious, inviting feel
- Intricate mosaics to add texture and detail
- Geometric patterns for striking symmetry and architectural flair
- Neutral and earthy tones for warmth and natural charm
- Bold colours to make a statement and energise a space
- Sustainably sourced and manufactured tiles for eco-conscious clients
Browse our many tile options on the “Explore The Range” page, then contact us for specialist advice.
FAQs About Tile Guide
Are Porcelain Tiles Better Than Ceramic Tiles?
Porcelain tiles are denser, more durable, and less porous than ceramic tiles, making them better for high-traffic and wet areas. Ceramic tiles are easier to cut and often more budget-friendly, which makes them a great choice for walls and low-traffic indoor spaces. The best option depends on where and how you plan to use the tiles.
How Do I Figure Out How Many Tiles I Need?
Measure the length and width of the area to find the total square metres. Then, check the tile size and calculate how many you'll need to cover that space. Always add 10% extra tiles to this calculation to allow for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
Are Textured Tiles Harder To Clean?
Textured tiles can be a little harder to clean because dirt and grime can settle into the textured surface. Regular sweeping and mopping usually keep them looking good, but occasional deep cleaning is needed, especially in high-traffic or outdoor areas.
From This Tile Guide to Reality: Transform Your Spaces With Up Spec Tiles
After reading this tile guide, you’re no doubt ready to get stuck into your project!
But are you wondering how to lay floor tiles on concrete, how to tile a bathroom wall with large tiles, or how many tiles you’ll need?
We have a strong track record in large-scale residential and commercial projects. For patio, kitchen, and bathroom tiling, office, hotel, and showroom tiling, we bring hands-on experience, trusted advice, and practical solutions.
Browse our premium commercial and residential tile range online now. Then, call 0401 546 621, submit this online form, or email sales@upspecsuppliers.com.au to connect with an Up Spec Supplier team member.
