Tiles Guide for Australian Homes: Types, Costs & Standards

Things to consider before you choose

Plain practical advice for Australian builds. No fluff.

PEI rating and traffic expectations

The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating measures abrasion resistance on a scale from 1 to 5. PEI 1 and 2 tiles suit wall-only applications. PEI 3 works for light residential floor traffic like bedrooms and bathrooms without external access. PEI 4 handles medium to heavy residential traffic including kitchens, hallways and living areas. PEI 5 is for commercial or very heavy domestic use. Most Australian homes use PEI 3 or 4 for floors. Installing a low PEI-rated tile on a kitchen floor will result in visible wear and scratching within months, so match the rating to the space. Always check the technical data sheet, not just the display sample.

Slip resistance for wet and outdoor areas

Australian Standard AS 4586 classifies slip resistance using R-ratings (R9 to R13, with higher numbers indicating better grip) and P-ratings (P2 to P5 for barefoot wet areas). For internal dry areas, R9 is generally acceptable. Bathrooms and laundries should have R10 minimum, or P4/P5 for barefoot wet areas like showers. External areas, pool surrounds and ramps require R11 or higher. Many porcelain tiles achieve R10 or R11 through textured or matt finishes. Polished tiles rarely exceed R9 and are unsuitable for wet areas or outdoor use. Check the slip rating on the product datasheet and ensure it meets NCC and local authority requirements for your intended application.

Tile size and substrate requirements

Large-format tiles (600x600mm and above) create fewer grout lines and a more seamless look, but they demand perfectly flat substrates and proper tile adhesive. Any deviation in the substrate beyond 3mm under a 2-metre straightedge can lead to lippage (uneven tile edges). Smaller tiles (300x300mm or mosaics) are more forgiving on slightly uneven surfaces. Large tiles also cost more to install due to extra substrate preparation and the skill required to achieve level transitions. If you're tiling over an existing concrete slab with minor undulations, consider 400x400mm or 600x300mm formats rather than 900x900mm slabs unless you're prepared to invest in grinding and levelling the slab first.

Waterproofing and wet area compliance

AS 3740 governs waterproofing of wet areas in Australian homes. Bathrooms, laundries and ensuites require a continuous waterproof membrane beneath the tiles, extending to specified heights on walls (minimum 150mm above shower hob, 1800mm in shower zones, full height in hob-less showers). The membrane must be installed by a licensed waterproofer and flood-tested where required. Tiles themselves are not waterproof; they rely on the membrane beneath. Using the wrong adhesive or grout, or skipping the membrane, leads to water damage, mould and expensive rectification. Always engage a licensed tiler and waterproofer for bathrooms and ensure compliance certificates are provided.

Internal vs external tile specifications

Tiles for outdoor use in Australian climates must have low water absorption (typically less than 0.5% for porcelain, meeting ISO 13006 Group BIa standards) to resist freeze-thaw cycles in colder regions and prevent moisture-related damage. They also need higher slip resistance (R11 minimum) and UV stability to avoid fading. Ceramic tiles with higher absorption rates can crack or spall outdoors. Indoor tiles don't face these demands and can prioritise aesthetics over technical performance. If you're extending internal flooring to an alfresco or balcony, confirm the tile is rated for external use or switch to a suitable outdoor-grade product at the threshold.

Natural stone maintenance and sealing

Natural stone tiles (marble, travertine, limestone, slate, granite) offer unique beauty but require more maintenance than porcelain or ceramic. Most natural stone is porous and needs sealing before grouting and re-sealing every one to three years depending on the stone type and traffic. Acidic cleaners and spills (lemon juice, vinegar, wine) can etch marble and limestone. Slate and granite are more durable but still benefit from sealing. Budget for ongoing sealer costs and be prepared for a patina to develop over time. Honed or tumbled finishes hide wear better than polished stone. If low maintenance is a priority, consider porcelain tiles with a stone-look finish instead.

Grout selection and joint width

Grout comes in sanded (for joints wider than 3mm) and unsanded (for joints under 3mm) varieties, plus epoxy grout for wet areas and high-stain environments. Standard cement grout is porous and prone to staining unless sealed. Epoxy grout costs roughly double but resists stains, moisture and bacteria, making it ideal for kitchen splashbacks and shower floors. Joint width affects the overall look and maintenance: wider joints (4mm to 6mm) suit rustic or handmade tiles and are more forgiving during installation, while tight joints (2mm to 3mm) give a sleek modern look but demand precision laying. Rectified tiles with milled edges allow tighter joints than non-rectified tiles.

Underfloor heating compatibility

If you're installing electric underfloor heating (common in Australian bathrooms and ensuites), choose tiles and adhesives rated for the temperature range. Porcelain and ceramic tiles generally handle underfloor heating well due to good thermal conductivity. Natural stone also works but check for any specific restrictions with thick stone slabs. Use a flexible tile adhesive formulated for underfloor heating to accommodate expansion and contraction. Avoid installing heating mats over timber substrates without proper decoupling membranes and insulation underneath to prevent heat loss into the subfloor. Commission the heating system gradually rather than turning it to maximum immediately after installation.

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Types of tiles

Quick compare

	Ceramic tiles	Porcelain tiles	Natural stone tiles
Typical cost	$15 to $45 per m2 supply only, $60 to $100 per m2 supply and install	$40 to $120 per m2 supply only, $80 to $150 per m2 supply and install for standard formats, $120 to $200+ for large slabs	$60 to $180 per m2 for travertine or slate supply only, $120 to $300+ per m2 for marble or premium granite supply and install
Best for	Internal walls, bathroom walls, light-traffic floors, splashbacks, laundries, budget-conscious projects	High-traffic floors, outdoor areas, pool surrounds, commercial spaces, wet areas, timber-look or stone-look applications	Feature walls, bathrooms (with proper sealing), low-traffic living areas, outdoor cladding (granite, slate), heritage or luxury renovations

Ceramic tiles

Clay-based tiles with a glazed surface, fired at lower temperatures than porcelain. Suitable for internal walls and light to moderate floor traffic.

Typical cost: $15 to $45 per m2 supply only, $60 to $100 per m2 supply and install

Pros

• Lower cost than porcelain, often $15 to $40 per m2
• Wide range of colours, patterns and finishes
• Easier to cut and install than denser porcelain
• Adequate for most internal residential applications

Cons

• Higher water absorption than porcelain (3% to 10%), not suitable for outdoor use in most climates
• Lower durability and abrasion resistance, typically PEI 3 or 4 maximum
• Prone to chipping on edges
• Glaze can wear through in high-traffic areas over time

Best for: Internal walls, bathroom walls, light-traffic floors, splashbacks, laundries, budget-conscious projects

Porcelain tiles

Dense, low-porosity tiles made from refined clay fired at very high temperatures. Available in glazed and unglazed (through-body) versions.

Typical cost: $40 to $120 per m2 supply only, $80 to $150 per m2 supply and install for standard formats, $120 to $200+ for large slabs

Pros

• Very low water absorption (under 0.5%), suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• High durability and abrasion resistance (PEI 4 to 5)
• Resistant to staining, frost and UV when unglazed
• Available in large formats and realistic stone or timber looks
• Through-body colour means chips are less visible

Cons

• Higher cost than ceramic, $35 to $120+ per m2
• Harder to cut, requires diamond blades and skill
• Heavier, requiring appropriate substrate support
• Polished porcelain can be slippery when wet unless textured

Best for: High-traffic floors, outdoor areas, pool surrounds, commercial spaces, wet areas, timber-look or stone-look applications

Natural stone tiles

Tiles cut from quarried stone including marble, travertine, limestone, slate, granite and sandstone. Each piece is unique.

Typical cost: $60 to $180 per m2 for travertine or slate supply only, $120 to $300+ per m2 for marble or premium granite supply and install

Pros

• Authentic natural beauty and variation, no two tiles identical
• Adds luxury and character to interiors
• Can be honed, polished, brushed or tumbled for different finishes
• Increases perceived value of a home

Cons

• Porous and requires regular sealing (every 1 to 3 years)
• Susceptible to staining, etching from acids, and wear
• Higher cost, $60 to $250+ per m2 depending on stone type
• Colour and thickness variation can complicate installation
• Some stones (marble, limestone) unsuitable for high-moisture or high-traffic areas without significant maintenance

Best for: Feature walls, bathrooms (with proper sealing), low-traffic living areas, outdoor cladding (granite, slate), heritage or luxury renovations

Mosaic tiles

Small-format tiles (typically 25mm to 100mm) supplied on mesh sheets for easier installation. Available in ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone.

Typical cost: $50 to $150 per m2 supply only, $100 to $250 per m2 supply and install depending on complexity

Pros

• Excellent for curved surfaces, feature walls and accent areas
• High slip resistance due to numerous grout lines
• Wide design flexibility including custom patterns and blends
• Glass mosaics add light reflection and depth

Cons

• Labour-intensive to install, higher labour cost per m2
• More grout lines mean more maintenance and cleaning
• Glass mosaics can be fragile and show installation imperfections
• Higher cost per m2 for materials and installation

Best for: Shower floors, feature strips, splashbacks, pool waterlines, bathroom accent walls, niches

Timber-look porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles with inkjet-printed or textured surfaces replicating timber grain, available in plank formats (150x600mm to 200x1200mm).

Typical cost: $50 to $100 per m2 supply only, $90 to $140 per m2 supply and install

Pros

• Timber aesthetic without moisture, termite or maintenance concerns
• Suitable for wet areas, bathrooms, laundries and outdoor use
• More durable and scratch-resistant than timber flooring
• No need for sanding, oiling or refinishing

Cons

• Does not feel or sound like real timber underfoot
• Cold to touch (can be offset with underfloor heating)
• Grout lines break the illusion of continuous timber boards
• Higher upfront cost than laminate or vinyl plank

Best for: Bathrooms, laundries, open-plan living extending to outdoor areas, kitchens, high-moisture zones

Large-format porcelain slabs

Porcelain tiles in sizes from 600x1200mm up to 1600x3200mm, often 6mm to 12mm thick, used for benchtops, feature walls and seamless floors.

Typical cost: $120 to $250 per m2 supply only, $150 to $300+ per m2 supply and install, benchtop fabrication additional

Pros

• Minimal grout lines create sleek contemporary look
• Can be used on floors, walls and benchtops
• Hygienic, non-porous surface ideal for kitchens
• Available in marble, concrete and stone looks

Cons

• Requires perfectly flat substrate and specialised installation techniques
• Heavy and fragile during handling, higher breakage risk
• Premium price, $120 to $250+ per m2
• Lippage (uneven edges) is more visible on large formats

Best for: Feature walls, seamless floor-to-wall transitions, kitchen benchtops, luxury bathrooms, minimalist interiors

Outdoor pavers and slip-resistant tiles

Thick porcelain or concrete pavers designed for external use, with slip ratings R11 to R13 and low water absorption.

Typical cost: $45 to $100 per m2 supply only, $80 to $150 per m2 supply and install including substrate

Pros

• High slip resistance for pool surrounds, paths and alfresco areas
• Frost-resistant and UV-stable
• Available in 20mm thickness for pedestals or direct bedding
• Durable in Australian sun, rain and temperature swings

Cons

• Limited design range compared to internal tiles
• Thicker formats increase material and labour costs
• Require appropriate drainage and falls to prevent pooling
• Can become hot underfoot in direct sun (choose lighter colours)

Best for: Pool surrounds, outdoor entertaining areas, pathways, balconies, driveways (with appropriate thickness)

How much does it cost in Australia?

Tile costs in Australia vary enormously based on material, size, finish and origin. Budget ceramic wall tiles start around $15 to $25 per square metre supply only, suitable for basic bathroom walls or laundries. Mid-range porcelain floor tiles in 600x600mm format typically cost $40 to $70 per square metre, while premium large-format porcelain or realistic stone-look tiles range from $80 to $150 per square metre. Natural stone sits at the upper end: travertine and limestone from $60 to $120 per square metre, marble and premium granite from $100 to $250-plus per square metre. Installation costs usually sit between $40 and $80 per square metre for standard layouts on prepared substrates. Complex patterns, small mosaics, large-format slabs or difficult site access can push labour to $100 to $150 per square metre. Always clarify whether quotes are supply only or supply and install. Additional costs include substrate preparation (grinding, levelling, waterproofing membranes), which can add $20 to $60 per square metre depending on the condition of the existing surface. Waterproofing membranes for wet areas cost around $30 to $50 per square metre installed. Premium flexible adhesives and epoxy grout add another $10 to $20 per square metre in materials. For a typical bathroom renovation (12 to 15 square metres of wall and floor tiling combined), expect total costs between $3,500 and $8,000 supply and install for mid-range tiles, or $8,000 to $15,000-plus for premium stone or large-format porcelain with full waterproofing and high-end fixtures.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing tiles based on looks alone without checking PEI and slip ratings, leading to rapid wear or safety hazards in wet areas.

Installing indoor-only tiles outdoors, resulting in cracking, spalling or delamination after freeze-thaw cycles or moisture absorption.

Skipping or poorly executing waterproofing membranes in bathrooms, causing leaks, mould and structural damage that requires expensive rectification.

Using the wrong adhesive or grout for the substrate or tile type, such as standard adhesive on plywood or cement grout in a steam shower, leading to adhesion failure.

Failing to acclimate tiles and allow adhesive to cure properly before grouting, causing tiles to shift or grout to crack prematurely.

Not leaving adequate expansion joints around the perimeter or at doorways, causing tiles to lift or crack when the substrate expands.

Attempting to tile over structurally unsound or flexing substrates (like old chipboard or poorly supported villaboard) without proper reinforcement, leading to cracked tiles and grout.

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Popular questions

Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay fired at lower temperatures (around 1000 to 1,200 degrees Celsius), resulting in a more porous body with water absorption rates of 3% to 10%. They are lighter, easier to cut and generally less expensive. Porcelain tiles use refined clay and are fired at much higher temperatures (1200 to 1,400 degrees Celsius), creating a denser, harder tile with water absorption below 0.5%. This makes porcelain more durable, frost-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. Porcelain typically has higher PEI ratings and better long-term performance, but costs more and is harder to work with during installation.

Glazed ceramic and glazed porcelain tiles generally do not need sealing because the glaze provides a protective, non-porous surface. However, unglazed porcelain (often called through-body porcelain) and natural stone tiles are porous and should be sealed before grouting and periodically thereafter. Even glazed tiles benefit from grout sealing, especially in wet areas, to prevent staining and moisture penetration into grout lines. Use a penetrating sealer suitable for the tile material and reapply according to manufacturer recommendations, typically every one to three years for natural stone and grout.

For bathroom floors in Australian homes, a minimum slip rating of R10 (from AS 4586) is recommended for general wet areas. For barefoot wet areas like showers and around bathtubs, look for a P4 or P5 rating, which measures slip resistance on wet, soapy surfaces walked on barefoot. Many textured or matt-finish porcelain tiles achieve R10 or R11, making them suitable for bathrooms. Avoid polished tiles in bathrooms unless they have a specific slip-resistant treatment or are limited to walls only. Always check the technical datasheet and consider your household's needs (elderly occupants, young children) when selecting slip ratings.

Yes, you can install new tiles over existing tiles if the old tiles are firmly bonded, flat and in good condition. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned, degreased and roughened with a grinder or scarifier to provide a key for the adhesive. Use a high-quality flexible tile adhesive formulated for tile-on-tile applications. However, tiling over tiles raises the floor level, which can create trip hazards at doorways and may affect door clearances, toilet flanges and drainage falls. It also adds weight, which can be a concern on timber floors. In many cases, removing the old tiles and starting fresh provides better long-term results, especially if any tiles are loose or the waterproofing membrane beneath is suspect.

Contrary to old advice, larger tiles can actually make a small bathroom feel more spacious by reducing visual clutter from grout lines. Tiles in the 300x600mm to 600x600mm range work well in most small bathrooms, providing a modern look without overwhelming the space. Very large formats (900x900mm and up) can be tricky in small rooms due to the number of cuts required and potential for wastage. Small mosaics or busy patterns can make a small bathroom feel cluttered, though they work well as accent strips or in shower niches. Light colours and subtle patterns generally make small spaces feel larger. Consider running rectangular tiles vertically on walls to add perceived height.

Rectified tiles have edges that are mechanically cut or ground after firing to achieve precise dimensions and perfectly square corners. This allows for much tighter grout joints (as narrow as 2mm) compared to non-rectified tiles, which have slightly irregular edges due to natural shrinkage during firing and typically require 4mm to 6mm joints. Rectified tiles create a sleek, contemporary look with minimal grout lines, and they are common in large-format and premium porcelain tiles. However, they require skilled installation to maintain consistent narrow joints, and any substrate imperfections become more obvious. Non-rectified tiles are more forgiving and suit rustic or traditional aesthetics with wider grout lines.

Only if the tiles are specifically rated for outdoor use. Outdoor tiles in Australia must have very low water absorption (under 0.5%, typically porcelain), high slip resistance (R11 or higher) and UV stability. Many indoor tiles have higher water absorption and are not frost-resistant, meaning they can crack or spall when exposed to temperature swings and moisture outdoors. Even some porcelain tiles designed for indoor use may not meet the slip resistance required for outdoor areas. If you want a seamless transition from inside to outside, choose a porcelain tile that is explicitly rated for both applications and meets slip and absorption requirements for external use. Confirm specifications with your supplier before purchasing.

For standard rectangular layouts with straight cuts, order 10% extra to cover cuts, breakages and future repairs. If your layout includes diagonal patterns, intricate borders or many obstacles (pipes, cabinetry, odd-shaped rooms), increase the allowance to 15% to 20%. For natural stone with significant colour variation, consider ordering 15% extra to allow for selection and matching during installation. Large-format tiles have higher breakage rates during handling and cutting, so an extra 10% to 15% is prudent. Keep leftover tiles stored safely for future repairs, as dye lots and product lines change frequently and exact colour matches may not be available years later.

Tiles

Things to consider before you choose

PEI rating and traffic expectations

Slip resistance for wet and outdoor areas

Tile size and substrate requirements

Waterproofing and wet area compliance

Internal vs external tile specifications

Natural stone maintenance and sealing

Grout selection and joint width

Underfloor heating compatibility

Types of tiles

Ceramic tiles

Porcelain tiles

Natural stone tiles

Mosaic tiles

Timber-look porcelain tiles

Large-format porcelain slabs

Outdoor pavers and slip-resistant tiles

How much does it cost in Australia?

Common mistakes to avoid

Suppliers on BuildPilot

Trades who work with tiles

Popular questions

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