All About Tiles

TILE ADDIC GUIDE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TILES

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Whether you're designing a boutique bathroom, a sunlit kitchen, or a commercial space with character, tiles offer endless possibilities. Here’s your go-to guide to help customers understand the world of tiles — from materials and finishes to global craftsmanship and layout styles.

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TILE MATERIALS:

Each tile material brings its own personality, durability, and design potential:

  • Porcelain Tiles: Dense, durable, and water-resistant. Ideal for floors, walls, and outdoor use.
  • Ceramic Tiles: Lighter and more affordable than porcelain. Best for walls and low-traffic floors.
  • Natural Stone Tiles: Includes marble, travertine, limestone, and slate. Offers organic variation and timeless appeal.
  • Glass Tiles: Reflective and vibrant. Perfect for splashbacks and decorative accents.
  • Metal Tiles: Adds industrial edge. Often used in mosaics or feature walls.
  • Cement Tiles – Known for bold patterns and durability, often used in artistic designs.
  • Terrazzo Tiles – Made from chips of marble, quartz, or glass, offering a unique speckled appearance.
  • Travertine Tiles – A type of limestone with a natural, textured look, often used in rustic designs.

FLOOR TILES VS WALL TILES:

  • Floor Tiles: Designed for durability and load-bearing. Typically thicker and available in larger formats.
  • Wall Tiles: Lighter and easier to install vertically. Often feature decorative finishes or textures.

Many tiles are dual-purpose but always check product specs for suitability.

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GLOBAL TILE ORIGINS:

At Tile Addic, we celebrate international craftsmanship:

  • Italy: Renowned for porcelain innovation, structured glazes, and timeless design.
  • Spain: Bold colours, encaustic patterns, and Mediterranean charm.
  • Japan: Precision, minimalism, and earthy textures — think handmade Zellige and Kit Kat formats.
  • Turkey: Rich in travertine and marble, with a focus on natural stone aesthetics.
  • China: Versatile production across porcelain, ceramic, and mosaics — often budget-friendly with modern finishes.

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COLOURS:

Neutral Tones:

  • White & Cream – Creates a clean, airy feel, often used in modern and minimalist designs.
  • Beige & Taupe – Warm and inviting, great for natural and earthy aesthetics.
  • Gray – Versatile and contemporary, pairs well with various styles.
  • Black – Bold and sophisticated, often used for dramatic contrasts.

Earthy & Natural Shades:

  • Brown & Terracotta – Rustic and warm, ideal for traditional or Mediterranean-inspired spaces.
  • Green – Evokes nature, perfect for calming environments.
  • Blue – Adds a cool, refreshing touch, often used in bathrooms and coastal designs.

Vibrant & Statement Colours:

  • Red & Orange – Energizing and bold, used for accent walls or artistic spaces.
  • Yellow & Gold – Bright and cheerful, adds warmth to interiors.
  • Purple & Teal – Unique and luxurious, often used in eclectic or high-end designs.

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FINISHES:

  • Matte: Non-reflective, smooth finish that provides a subtle, modern look.
  • Glossy: Reflective and vibrant — ideal for splashbacks.
  • Textured: Adds depth and grip.
  • Semi-Matt / Satin: A balance between matte and gloss.
  • Structured / 3D: Sculptural surfaces like Savoiardo for artisanal impact.

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SHAPES:

  • Square – A classic and versatile shape, perfect for a clean and uniform look.
  • Rectangle – Often used in subway tiles or plank-style flooring for a modern feel.
  • Hexagon – Adds geometric interest and works well for both floors and walls.
  • Chevron – Creates a dynamic zigzag pattern, often used for stylish flooring.
  • Penny Round – Small circular tiles that add texture and a unique visual appeal.
  • Fish Scale (Scallop) – A curved, wave-like shape that brings a soft, decorative touch.
  • Diamond – Offers a bold, angular look that can create striking patterns.
  • Arabesque – A more intricate, curved shape that adds elegance to a space.

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PATTERNED & MIXED COLORS:

  • Marble & Veined Tiles – Natural stone patterns with mixed hues.
  • Mosaic & Multicolour – Artistic and decorative, used for feature walls and backsplashes.

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SIZE EXAMPLES:

  • Small Tiles: 75x150mm, 100x100mm, 200x200mm – often used for decorative walls and backsplashes.
  • Medium Tiles: 300x300mm, 300x600mm, 400x400mm, 450x450mm – versatile for both floors and walls.
  • Large Format Tiles: 600x600mm, 600x1200mm, 800x800mm, 1000x1000mm – ideal for creating a seamless, modern look.
  • Slabs: 1200x2400mm, 1200x2700mm, 1500x2600mm – used for feature walls and expansive flooring.

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THICKNESSES:

  • Wall tiles: ~6–8mm
  • Floor tiles: ~8–12mm
  • Outdoor pavers: ~20mm

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DESIGN TIPS & LAYOUT STYLES:

Tiles are more than surfaces — they’re design tools. Here are some hot tips:

  • Mix finishes: Pair matte and gloss for contrast.
  • Blend shades: Mix tiles from different boxes to soften shade variation.
  • Feature walls: Use bold colours or structured tiles to create a focal point.
  • Grout matters: Choose contrasting grout for drama or matching grout for seamlessness.

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LAYING PATTERNS:

The way tiles are laid can transform a space:

Herringbone: Zig-zag layout with rectangular tiles best for splashbacks, floors, feature walls

Stacked: Tiles aligned vertically or horizontally best for modern, minimalist spaces

Brick Bond: Offset rows (like bricks) best for classic and versatile

Chevron: V-shaped pattern with angled cuts best for decorative walls

Grid: Uniform layout with square tiles best for clean, structured aesthetics

Modular: Mixed sizes in a repeating pattern best for rustic or traditional interiors

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OUTDOOR USE:

Not all tiles are created equal for exterior settings. For outdoor areas, look for:

  • Porcelain pavers: 20mm thick, frost-resistant, and slip-resistant.
  • Natural stone: Travertine, granite, and slate offer organic beauty.
  • Textured finishes: Enhance grip and weather resistance.

Use on patios, pool surrounds, balconies, and garden paths.

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SEALING TILES:

Some tiles require sealing to protect against moisture and staining:

  • Porcelain: Usually doesn’t need sealing unless polished.
  • Natural Stone: Must be sealed before and after installation.
  • Cement & Terrazzo: Requires sealing to maintain finish and prevent absorption.

Always use a tile-specific sealer and follow manufacturer instructions.

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SUITABLE SURFACES:

Tiles can be installed on:

  • Concrete slabs
  • Cement sheeting
  • Plasterboard (walls)
  • Waterproof membranes (wet areas)
  • Existing tiles (with proper prep)

Surface must be flat, clean, and dry before installation.

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APPROXIMATE TILE COSTS:

Tile pricing varies based on material, origin, and finish:

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Ceramic Tiles: Approx. $25–$60 AUD/m² - Affordable, great for walls

Porcelain Tiles: Approx. $40–$120 AUD/m² - Durable, suitable for floors & outdoors

Natural Stone Tiles: Approx. $80–$250 AUD/m² - Premium, requires sealing

Mosaic/Feature Tiles: Approx. $60–$180 AUD/m² - Decorative, sold in sheets

Handmade Tiles: Approx. $100–$450 AUD/m² - Artisanal, colour variation expected

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Note: Prices vary by supplier, batch, and finish.