Tile Finishes
Elevate Every Space with the Perfect Tile Finish
Polished and
Glossy
For a Sleek,
Modern Look
Matt Tile
Finishes
Subtle and
Sophisticated
Textured and Slip-
Resistant Tiles
Perfect for
Outdoor Spaces
The right tile finish transforms a space from standard to standout, shaping mood, dimension, and function.
Whether you’re seeking a sleek,
reflective surface that amplifies natural light or a textured finish that brings depth, Up Spec tiles offer the perfect finishing touch.
finishes
Understanding Tile Finishes: What Sets Them Apart
Tile finishes play with light and texture to bring a space to life.
They don’t just influence how a surface looks; tile finishes also affect how tiles feel underfoot and perform in different environments.
What tile finishes are available for your next architectural or building project?
splashbacks
splashbacks
Living rooms
Hotel
lobbies
Retail
stores
Reception areas
Showrooms
Polished and Glossy: For a Sleek, Modern Look
A polished or glossy tile finish is achieved through mechanical polishing, where the tile’s surface is ground down and buffed to a high shine. Some tiles have a glazed coating applied that adds a glossy layer.
This finish is smooth and reflective, enhancing light and creating a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Polished or glossy tiles are popular in high-end residential and commercial spaces, particularly in areas where a bright, open feel is desired or you want to make a statement:
- Kitchen and bathroom splashbacks
- Living rooms
- Hotel lobbies
- Retail stores
- Reception areas
- Showrooms
A word of caution: These tiles require thoughtful placement, as their smooth surface can be slippery in wet areas!
Matt Tile Finishes: Subtle and Sophisticated
For a matt tile finish, the final polishing stage is skipped, or a special glaze is applied that diffuses light rather than reflects it.
Matt tiles have a velvety, low-sheen appearance that exudes an understated elegance. Underfoot, they provide a slightly textured, slip-resistant surface that feels soft and comfortable.
We recommend this tile finish for areas prone to fingerprints, smudges, and moisture:
- Hallways
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundries
- Patios
- Alfresco areas
Hallways
Hallways
Kitchens
Patios
Bathrooms
Laundries
Alfresco areas
Patios
Patios
Outdoor kitchens
Pool surrounds
Alfresco areas
Driveways and walkways
Busy commercial spaces
Textured and Slip-Resistant Tiles: Perfect for Outdoor Spaces
Surface treatments like sandblasting, embossing, and structured glazing create a textured, slip-resistant tile finish. Alternatively, some tiles are manufactured with a rough or grooved surface. On pavers, a bush-hammered or flamed finish achieves a textured finish.
Textured tiles have a grippy, tactile surface that provides friction underfoot. Many textured tiles and pavers, like those at Up Spec, are rated P5 orR10 slip-resistant, meeting Australian safety standards for high-traffic and wet areas.
They’re ideal for:
- Patios
- Alfresco areas
- Outdoor kitchens
- Driveways and walkways
- Pool surrounds
- Busy commercial spaces
Visually, textured tiles can range from lightly dimpled to heavily structured, mimicking the raw, earthy look of natural stone.
Selecting the Best Tile
Finish for Your Project
Choosing the right tile finish is about balancing aesthetics, function, and durability.
Here’s how to match the finish to your project:
- Residential vs. Commercial: Polished finishes add a refined touch to luxury homes and boutique spaces, while textured or slip-resistant tiles are essential for high-traffic commercial areas.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Glossy tiles work well in dry, controlled environments like living rooms, while matt and textured finishes offer better grip and durability for outdoor areas and wet zones.
- Low vs. High Maintenance: Polished tiles easily show smudges, making matt tiles a better choice for low-maintenance areas. Textured tiles provide grip but may require more cleaning in high-exposure environments.
Would you like an expert opinion on which tile finish will best meet the demands of your project? The Up Spec team is ready to assist you!
FAQ #1
What Are the Most Common Tile Finishes?
Polished: High-gloss and reflective. Sleek and modern.
Matt: Low-sheen, soft texture. Subtle sophistication.
Honed: Satin-like with a slight sheen. Refined yet natural.
Textured: Grippy and non-slip. Raw and organic.
FAQ #2
Which Tile Finish Is Best for Outdoor Areas?
Textured and slip-resistant tile finishes—especially those rated P5 or R10+—are best for outdoor areas because they provide grip, withstand weather conditions, and reduce slip hazards.
FAQ #3
What Is the Difference Between Matt and Polished Tiles?
Polished tiles have a high-gloss, reflective surface that enhances light but can be slippery when wet. On the other hand, matt tiles have a low-sheen, softer texture that provides a better grip and hides smudges.
FAQ #4
How Do Slip-Resistant Tiles Work?
Slip-resistant tiles have a textured surface or special coating that increases friction underfoot. To indicate their grip level, they are rated using P (pendulum) or R (ramp) classifications (e.g., P5 or R10).