Tile Size and Format
Large format tiles (600×600mm and larger) are the dominant trend in Australian homes — they create a seamless, spacious look with fewer grout lines to clean. However, large tiles require a perfectly flat substrate and more skilled installation. Smaller tiles (300×300 or mosaic) are more forgiving on uneven substrates and work well as feature accents.
Slip Resistance Ratings
Slip resistance is regulated in Australia under AS 4586. For wet residential floors: P4 (slip resistant) is the minimum for shower floors and pool surrounds. P5 is required for commercial wet areas. Bathroom floors outside the shower should be P3 minimum. Many beautiful polished tiles have poor slip ratings — check before buying.
⚠️ Watch out: Using tiles with inadequate slip rating in a shower is non-compliant under the NCC and creates a genuine fall risk. Ask your tile supplier for the slip resistance classification of any tile you're using on a floor.
Grout Selection
Grout is often an afterthought — but it significantly impacts the final look and maintenance requirements. Epoxy grout: hardest, most stain-resistant, excellent for kitchen and outdoor applications — but difficult to work with. Cement-based grout: most common, easier to use, requires sealing in wet areas. Choose unsanded grout for joints under 3mm; sanded for wider joints.
Choosing a Tiler
Tiling is a licensed trade in most Australian states. Ask your tiler for their licence number and check it. Key questions: how do they handle large format tile lippage? What adhesive and coverage method do they use? Do they back-butter large tiles? The quality spread of adhesive coverage (80% minimum for floor tiles, 95% for wet areas) is the most important technical factor in tile adhesion.
Pro tip: Always buy 10% extra tiles at the time of purchase. Dye lots can vary between batches — if you need to replace a cracked tile years later, matching from a different batch is very difficult.
Ready to get started?
Connect with verified local tradies who can help bring your project to life.