Tiles are one of those materials that can be overlooked during planning but play a huge role in how a space performs — not just how it looks. Whether you’re working on a residential build, a commercial fit-out, or a large public facility, choosing the right tile for the right environment can make or break a project. Here’s a rundown of the main types and how to use them wisely.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are among the most widely used due to their affordability and versatility. Made from clay fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, they typically come glazed. They work well for indoor walls and low-traffic floors such as residential bathrooms and kitchens.
Pros: Cost-effective, easy to cut and install.
Cons: Less durable and more porous than porcelain — not suited to wet areas or heavy foot traffic without adequate sealing.
Porcelain Tiles
Denser and fired at higher temperatures, porcelain tiles offer greater water resistance and durability. Available glazed or unglazed (through-body), they’re the go-to for bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and commercial floors. Through-body porcelain, where the colour runs through the tile rather than just on the surface, hides chips and wear far better over time.
Pros: Highly durable, low maintenance, suitable for wet and high-traffic areas.
Cons: Harder to cut and heavier — requires the right blades and substrate preparation.
Natural Stone
Marble, granite, slate, travertine, and limestone all offer premium aesthetics but require careful specification. Natural stone is porous and must be sealed properly. Some types are not suitable for wet areas; others are slippery when wet unless textured or sealed with a non-slip finish.
Pros: Unique appearance, adds premium value.
Cons: High maintenance, variable quality, sensitive to acid cleaners — a costly mistake if specified incorrectly.
Large Format Tiles
Tiles above 600mm x 600mm are increasingly popular in contemporary residential and commercial projects for their clean, seamless appearance. However, they demand a perfectly level substrate — any deviation becomes highly visible. They’re also heavier and require specialist adhesives and back-buttering techniques.
Getting the Substrate Right
Whatever tile you specify, substrate preparation is where most failures originate. A deflecting floor, inadequate waterproofing in wet areas, or the wrong adhesive for the tile weight will lead to cracking, de-bonding, or grout failure — all of which come back to the contractor. Always follow the tile manufacturer’s installation specifications and refer to NZS 4211 for waterproofing requirements in wet areas.
A Word on Grout
Grout selection matters more than most contractors realise. Epoxy grout costs more but is far more resistant to staining, bacteria, and moisture in high-use areas. In commercial kitchens, pool surrounds, or medical facilities, epoxy is often the only sensible choice. For standard residential work, high-quality cementitious grout with a sealer applied post-installation is usually sufficient — but only if the sealer is actually applied and maintained.