Know Your Tiles
A practical guide to tile types, finishes, sizes and technical terms, so you can choose the right tile for every space.
Tile Types Explained
Understanding the manufacturing process behind each tile type helps you match performance to your project.
Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT)
Vitrified tiles with a printed and glazed surface layer, offering a wide range of designs with strong resistance to stains and wear.
Polished GVT (PGVT)
Glazed vitrified tiles that are mechanically polished for a high-gloss, reflective finish that mimics natural stone.
Ceramic Wall Tiles
Lightweight tiles designed specifically for vertical surfaces, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and feature walls.
Porcelain Tiles
Dense, low-porosity tiles made from refined clay fired at high temperatures, valued for their strength and low water absorption.
Full Body Vitrified Tiles
Tiles where the design runs through the entire thickness of the body, making chips and scratches far less visible over time.
Double Charge Tiles
Vitrified tiles with a thick double layer of colour pressed into the surface, giving a durable finish suited to high-traffic areas.
How to Choose Tiles by Room
Every room has different demands for durability, slip resistance and style.
Living Room
Large-format GVT or full body vitrified tiles in matt or satin finishes for a spacious, elegant look with easy upkeep.
Kitchen
Glazed or full body tiles with high stain resistance for floors, and easy-to-clean glossy wall tiles for backsplashes.
Bathroom
Slip-resistant matt or rustic finish tiles for floors, paired with glossy or satin wall tiles for a bright, hygienic feel.
Bedroom
Warm-toned wood-look or matt finish tiles that create a soft, comfortable underfoot feel.
Outdoor & Patio
Rustic or carving finish tiles with high slip resistance, engineered to withstand weather and foot traffic.
Commercial Spaces
Double charge or full body vitrified tiles chosen for durability and consistent performance under heavy footfall.
Finishes
The surface finish affects both the look and the practicality of a tile.
Matt
A soft, non-reflective surface that hides fingerprints and footmarks, popular for living areas and bedrooms.
Glossy
A polished, reflective surface that brightens a space and works well on walls and low-traffic floors.
Rustic
A textured, slightly uneven surface inspired by natural stone, offering better grip underfoot.
Carving
A finish with raised or engraved patterns that add depth and a tactile, natural-stone character.
Satin
A soft-sheen finish that sits between matt and glossy, offering subtle shine with good practicality.
Size Guide
A quick reference for common tile sizes and where they work best.
| Tile Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 300 x 300 mm | Small bathrooms and utility areas |
| 600 x 600 mm | Living rooms, bedrooms and offices |
| 600 x 1200 mm | Open living areas and commercial floors |
| 800 x 800 mm | Large living spaces and lobbies |
| 800 x 1600 mm | Statement floors and feature walls |
| 1200 x 2400 mm (slabs) | Countertops and seamless large-format walls |
Technical Terms Glossary
Key terms to know before you buy.
Water Absorption
A measure of how much water a tile body absorbs, expressed as a percentage. Lower absorption generally means higher density and durability, and is important for wet areas.
PEI Rating
A scale used to indicate a tile's resistance to surface abrasion from foot traffic, helping match tiles to light, moderate or heavy-use areas.
Slip Resistance / R Rating
A classification of how slip-resistant a tile surface is when wet, important for bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas.
Rectified Edge
Tiles that are precision-cut after firing to achieve perfectly straight edges, allowing for narrower grout lines and a more seamless look.
Nominal vs Actual Size
Nominal size is the size a tile is sold and marketed as, while actual size is the precise measured dimension, which can vary slightly due to the firing process.
Laying & Maintenance Tips
Simple practices that extend the life and appearance of your tiles.
- Allow tiles to acclimatise to room conditions before installation, especially in extreme temperatures.
- Use the correct notched trowel and adhesive coverage to avoid hollow spots beneath large-format tiles.
- Maintain consistent grout line widths using tile spacers for a uniform finish.
- Clean spills promptly and use pH-neutral cleaners to protect glazed and polished surfaces.
- Use protective pads under furniture to prevent scratches on polished finishes.
- Reseal grout lines periodically in wet areas to maintain hygiene and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about choosing and living with tiles.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles are made from denser, more refined clay fired at higher temperatures, giving them lower water absorption and greater strength than standard ceramic tiles, which are typically better suited to walls and lighter-duty floors.
How do I choose the right tile size for a small room?
Larger format tiles with fewer grout lines can make a small room feel more spacious, while rectified edges help create a cleaner, more seamless appearance.
Are glossy tiles safe for bathroom floors?
Glossy finishes can become slippery when wet, so it is generally better to choose matt, rustic or textured tiles with a suitable slip resistance rating for bathroom floors.
How much extra tile should I order for wastage?
It is common practice to order around 5-10% extra to account for cutting, breakage and future replacements, particularly for diagonal or patterned layouts.
Can the same tile be used indoors and outdoors?
Only tiles specifically rated for exterior use, with appropriate slip resistance and frost or weather resistance, should be used outdoors, even if the surface design matches an indoor range.
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