Recent years have seen the tiles industry grow by leaps and bounds. The introduction of new and innovative designs and materials for bathroom floor tiles has made them incredibly popular among tenants and homeowners alike. 

Today, you have a variety of materials to choose from, such as bamboo, stamped concrete, hardwood and even cork. There are numerous choices when it comes to bathroom tiles. Different types of tiles are available, made from other materials and with different dimensions. 

The question on every homeowner’s mind is what to look for when choosing bathroom tiles? This article will answer this and other questions about choosing the cheapest tiles in Sydney. 

Different types of bathroom floor tiles

Today, you can find bathroom floor tiles made from a variety of materials, including:

Ceramic bathroom tiles

These are generally made from white, brown or red clay and are the most popular choice for bathroom tiles. These are made after being roasted in a kiln and then finished by adding glazing. These bathroom tiles are non-porous, dense and resistant to slipping, staining and fire. In short, ceramic bathroom tiles are the go-to option for most homeowners in Australia. These are easy to install and require almost no maintenance. 

These tiles are available in a wide variety of finishes, including semi-polished, polished, glossy, matte and satin. These tiles are usually recommended for light-traffic areas in the house, such as bathrooms. 

Porcelain bathroom tiles

Similar to ceramic tiles, porcelain bathroom floor tiles also come in a large variety of designs, patterns and styles. Still, unlike their ceramic counterpart, the porcelain bathroom tiles have their design running across the entire surface area. These tiles are denser and harder than ceramic tiles. Hence, they can handle higher foot traffic. They are also resistant to water and other stains. These tiles are also less likely to get scratched or chipped. 

The only downside could be the price of porcelain bathroom tiles, which is significantly more expensive than ceramic tiles. However, you can clean porcelain tiles using normal cleaning processes as they do not require additional or special maintenance. 

Mosaic bathroom tiles

Homeowners who want to make a statement often go for mosaic bathroom tiles. These are made from different materials, such as marble, ceramic and glass and are available in various colours. 

However, before buying mosaic tiles, you should know that they require more grouting as compared to conventional ceramic or porcelain floor tiles. Still, they can be cleaned easily using traditional floor cleaning methods. Interior design experts recommend checking the slip-ratings of mosaic tiles before buying. 

Stone bathroom tiles

Stone bathroom tiles are made from natural stone, such as marble, granite, travertine, slate, etc. Although natural stone tiles have become incredibly popular in the past few years, you should know they are more expensive than others on this list. Besides this, stone tiles tend to be porous and are prone to water and stains. Stone tiles cannot be cleaned with anything containing strong chemicals or bleach as these can potentially damage the tiles. 

Despite these points, the earthy beauty related to the stone tiles makes them incredibly popular. This is especially true when homeowners want to upgrade the looks and value of their property. 

Sizes and Colours of bathroom tiles

Once you have decided on the best-suited material for the tile, you should also know what size and colours are available. 

Generally, tile colours are decided by individual taste. Still, there are some common principles that can make it easier to buy cheap tiles in Sydney. For instance, dark-coloured bathroom tiles can hide dirt and stains but also create a claustrophobic atmosphere at times. 

In contrast, light-coloured tiles can make the bathroom look bigger and are usually recommended for use as bathroom tiles. These tiles are also excellent for bathrooms with restricted or no natural light. However, light-coloured bathroom tiles are prone to visible staining and thus need frequent cleaning. 

This is why home experts recommend taking a sample tile before choosing. You can check to see how the tile of your choice fits and compliments the bathroom’s features. This also makes it easier to decide the best colour for bathroom tiles. 

Apart from colour, another important aspect of buying bathroom tiles is the size. Large-sized bathroom tiles are usually recommended for well-ventilated bathrooms with high-ceilings. On the other hand, when used in a smaller bathroom the larger tiles can also make the bathroom look bigger. Small tiles are usually advisable for use in spaces with lots of curves and angles as these are easier to install in restricted spaces. 

Painting bathroom floor tiles

Many homeowners have asked if it is a good idea to paint the bathroom floor tiles. This is advisable when homeowners have a smaller budget and cannot bear the expense of replacing bathroom floor tiles. 

To do this, you can choose from a variety of water-resistant, anti-bacterial epoxy paints available in the market. This is also an excellent way to renovate your old tiles with a refreshing new look. 

It is highly recommended to hire professional tile-fitters to paint old tiles as DIY efforts can take more than a week and also lead to chipping or peeling of pain. 

Mix and Match bathroom tiles

Many homeowners wonder if they should choose bathroom floor tiles that match the walls. The exact answer for this comes down to individual taste. 

You must have been impressed with the famous black bathroom tiles and white bathroom tiles seen in many bathrooms today. Using this same pattern on the bathroom walls has also become quite trendy. 

Apart from this, you can also choose to integrate contrast into bathroom floor tiles. For instance, you can choose contrasting colours, sizes, shapes and materials before mixing and matching them for installation. 

Still, it is important to remember that bathroom floor tiles should be highly resistant to wear and tear, apart from being anti-slip. You should avoid using wall tiles for bathroom floors as these are more prone to wear and tear with time. 

Slip wear ratings of bathroom tiles

You may have innumerable choices for colours, sizes, designs and styles when it comes to tiles. However, bathroom floor tiles need to have significant grip as they are used in wet areas. Every tile manufacturer needs to put their product through a slip-rating test. This test evaluates the frictional aspects of the tile surface. This can determine the type of environmental conditions it can be used in. 

The quality tests for tiles also include measuring the effect of using these tiles over time. This test considers all aspects of tile installation, from the installation process, through to wear and tear and all the way to maintenance. 

Interior experts highly recommend buying PEI Class 2 and PEI Class 3 Rating bathroom floor tiles for optimal safety and ease of maintenance. 

Cost of bathroom tiles 

As bathroom floor tiles come in numerous sizes, shapes, materials, styles and designs, their cost also varies greatly. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost range of bathroom floor tiles in Australia:

• Ceramic tiles – 30 to 50 AUD per square metre
• Porcelain tiles – 50 to 100 AUD per square metre 
• Mosaic tiles – 25 to 90 AUD per 300 x 300 mm sheet 
• Natural stone tiles – 80 to 130 AUD per square metre 

Conclusion

There are numerous choices of colours, shapes, sizes, styles and designs in bathroom floor tiles. You should consider the amount of foot traffic and the ease of maintenance before buying bathroom tiles. We hope this article helps you to find the cheapest tiles in Sydney.

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