Whether you're ready to kick start a bathroom renovation or keen to update your kitchen backsplash, beautiful tiles work hard to transform even the most functional rooms into elevated interior spaces. And while aesthetics are important, selecting suitable tile materials, styles, and finishes will ensure your tiles stand the test of time. Here, we help you navigate the process.


 

How to pick the right tile material for your space?

It’s essential to consider different tile materials as each boasts unique characteristics that suit different applications. Porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles are most commonly used thanks to their longevity and versatility, though plenty more materials are available.

Porcelain: Porcelain tiles are renowned for their exceptional durability and water resistance. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces, they can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them a perfect choice for floors, including hallways and living areas. The sleek and smooth surface of porcelain tiles is easy to clean, which also makes them a practical option for busy households.

Ceramic: Highly resistant to impacts, cracking and scratching, ceramic tiles are a classic choice that will last a lifetime. Like porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are made from a clay mixture fired in a kiln; however, because ceramic clay isn’t as dense as porcelain, ceramic tiles are a more affordable option better suited to moderate foot traffic areas, walls and backsplashes.



Marble: Love a luxury bathroom look? Consider that each marble tile is uniquely veined, creating a stunning visual impact that's popular for updating vanity designs to kitchen countertops. Marble is a hardy material that can also be used across floors and walls, but keep in mind that the luxe look comes with a high-end price tag, and marble requires regular sealing and maintenance to preserve its beauty.

Travertine: A timeless natural stone, travertine is prized for its unique texture and warm, earthy tones. Its naturally occurring variations add character and a sense of luxury to both indoor and outdoor spaces. While durable, travertine is a porous stone, so many choose to seal it to maintain integrity and protect against stains. Ideal for bathrooms, patios, and feature walls, the distinctive look of travertine tiles brings depth and sophistication to any design.


 

How to Select A Tile Style: Mosaic vs. Individual

Choosing between mosaic tiles and individual tiles depends on the look and feel you wish to achieve - and whether you'd prefer to allocate a larger portion of your budget to tiles or labour.  

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are many small tiles mounted on a sheet - usually mesh - to create intricate designs (think hexagon to penny round) that transform your space into a work of art. Mosaic tiles can be made of ceramic, porcelain or stone and are generally more expensive than individual tiles - but more cost-effective in terms of labour as they are laid in sheets rather than individually.

Individual Tiles

Individual tiles on the other hand, offer a more streamlined look and the perfect canvas for your furniture and home decor to shine. Square and rectangular shapes that easily sit together are the most common loose tile configurations - though many individual tiles make up for it with their vibrant designs.


 

Which tile finish is best?

The finish of your tiles can significantly impact the look and feel of your space, allowing your personal style to shine through.
 
Gloss: Gloss tiles boast a shiny and highly reflective glaze that enhances the brightness and vibrancy of any room. This finish is easy to clean and can bring a sense of openness and spaciousness to smaller spaces or areas with limited natural light.

Matt: A matt finish on tiles offers a soft and subtle appearance with a non-reflective surface that is popular for floors, as matt tiles don’t show as much dirt, are less slippery, and provide an elegant backdrop for interior design elements. 


 

What Are the Different Tile Ratings?

When selecting tiles, understanding their ratings can help you choose the right option for your space, balancing durability, safety, and style. Here are the key ratings to consider:
 

PEI Rating (Porcelain Enamel Institute Rating)

Not all tiles are suitable for all areas, and the PEI rating measures a tile’s durability and resistance to wear, helping determine where it should be used. Rated from PEI 1 to PEI 5, this scale classifies tiles based on their suitability for different levels of foot traffic.

PEI 1: Recommended for wall use only.
PEI 2: Best for walls or very light foot traffic areas (e.g., residential bathrooms).
PEI 3: Suitable for countertops, walls, and moderate foot traffic, such as kitchens and living areas.
PEI 4: Durable enough for high-traffic areas in homes and light commercial use.
PEI 5: The most hard-wearing, perfect for busy commercial spaces and heavy foot traffic.
 

 

Pendulum Slip Rating

This rating assesses a tile’s slip resistance, an important factor for wet areas like bathrooms, outdoor spaces, and commercial settings. The rating is expressed as P0 to P5, with higher numbers indicating greater slip resistance.

P0-P1: Low slip resistance, best for dry indoor areas.
P2: Moderate slip resistance, suited for indoor floors like hallways or front entrances.
P3: Moderate-high grip, suitable for general indoor use.
P4: High slip resistance, ideal for wet zones and outdoor areas, such as around a pool.
P5: Very high slip resistance, perfect for outdoor use, and commonly used in commercial settings.
 

Tile Variation (V Rating)

Natural and printed tiles can vary in tone, texture, shape, thickness, and patterning. The V rating helps set expectations for how uniform or varied a tile’s appearance will be.

V0: Little to no variation – uniform tiles with virtually no differences in colour, tone, pattern, or texture.
V1: Minimal variation – tiles appear almost identical, creating a clean and consistent look.
V2: Slight variation – some natural differences in shade and texture for depth and subtle visual interest.
V3: Moderate variation – noticeable differences, creating a more natural, varied appearance.
V4: High variation – each tile has a unique character for an organic, one-of-a-kind look.