How to choose bathroom tiles
Which tiles work best in a bathroom?
Porcelain is the safest all-round choice: it absorbs less than 0.5% water, so it can go on floors, walls and in the shower. Glazed ceramic is lighter, easier to cut and often lower-cost, and suits walls and splashbacks, but check that a ceramic tile is floor-rated before using it underfoot. Most ranges in this collection are porcelain; the material is listed on each product page.
Should I use floor tiles or wall tiles?
Floor tiles must be harder and more slip-resistant than wall tiles, so use porcelain bathroom floor tiles underfoot. Walls carry no foot traffic, so glazed ceramic works well; browse bathroom wall tiles for gloss, matt and textured finishes. A floor-rated tile can also run up the walls for a seamless look, and a feature wall behind the vanity or bath is the easiest place to add pattern.
What slip rating do I need for a bathroom or shower floor?
Choose P3 or higher for a bathroom floor and P4 for extra grip in the shower. Slip resistance is tested to AS 4586 and rated from P0 to P5. There is no legal minimum in a private home, so P3 is the usual recommendation; 570 tiles in this range are rated P3 to P5. Use the P-Rating filter above, or shop matt anti-slip tiles. Walls do not need a slip rating.
Which tiles suit a shower?
- Shower floor: a matt or textured porcelain rated P3 or higher, or mosaic tiles, which follow the fall to the drain and add grip. Avoid polished tiles underfoot.
- Shower walls: any glazed porcelain or ceramic. Larger formats mean fewer grout lines to clean; an epoxy grout resists stains and moisture.
- Waterproofing: it goes under the tiles and must meet AS 3740; your waterproofer or tiler handles it.
Which look should I choose?
Which tile goes where
| Area | What to choose | Why |
|---|
| Bathroom floor | Porcelain, matt, P3 or higher | Wet, barefoot traffic |
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| Shower floor | Porcelain or mosaic, matt or textured, P3 or higher (P4 for extra grip) | Constant water; must follow the fall to the drain |
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| Shower walls | Glazed porcelain or ceramic, larger formats, epoxy grout | Fewer grout lines to clean |
|---|
| Bathroom walls | Glazed ceramic or porcelain, any finish | No foot traffic, no slip rating needed |
|---|
| Feature wall | Patterned, mosaic, gloss or textured | Decorative; check the tile is rated for walls |
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Bathroom tile FAQs
How do I clean bathroom tiles?
Wipe or mop tiles weekly with warm water and a pH-neutral tile cleaner, then rinse and dry to stop soap scum and water marks building up. Scrub grout lines with a stiff brush; an old toothbrush reaches corners. Avoid acid or bleach cleaners on natural stone and on sealed grout. See our guide to weekly bathroom tile upkeep.
How much does it cost to tile a bathroom?
Your tile cost is the number of boxes times the box price. Measure each floor and wall area in square metres, add them up, then add about 10% for cuts and breakage (about 15% for herringbone or diagonal layouts); each product page lists the coverage per box. Tiling labour, waterproofing and removal are quoted separately by your tiler. For the wider budget, see our bathroom renovation cost guide.
Are large tiles good for small bathrooms?
Yes. Large tiles such as 600x600 or 600x1200 mean fewer grout lines, which makes a small bathroom look bigger and easier to clean. Use smaller tiles or mosaics on the shower floor so they follow the fall to the drain. For layout ideas, read bathroom tile ideas for small bathrooms.
Which colour bathroom tiles should I choose?
Light colours make a bathroom feel bigger and brighter: white tiles and grey bathroom tiles are easy to match, and beige tiles add warmth. For contrast, use black tiles on the floor or a single feature wall. Our bathroom tile colour guide covers pairings with vanities and tapware.
Can I see the tiles before I buy?
Yes. Order tile samples online, or compare full-size tiles at our showroom at 4-10 Fisher St, Silverwater NSW 2128. Check Contact Us for current opening hours, or call (02) 7804 4588 for help choosing tiles.
