Beautiful Tiles Start Here
Porcelain, ceramic, glass mosaic and stone-look: quality tiles for every room, budget and lifestyle, with expert help from start to stunning finish.
In a Hurry? Here's the Short Version
Compare below, or browse the full range and we'll help you match the tile to your space, budget and application.
| Feature | Porcelain | Ceramic | Glass Mosaic | Stone-Look Porcelain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Floors and walls, all rooms | Walls, lower-traffic dry floors | Feature walls, wet area accents, some floor-rated | Floors and walls, indoor and outdoor |
| Waterproof | ★★★★★ | Depends on glaze | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ Very high |
★★★ Medium |
★★★ Medium |
★★★★★ Very high |
| Maintenance | Low | Low-medium | Low | Low |
| Cost | $$ | $ | $$ | $$-$$$ |
Price tier is relative only: $ = lower cost, $$$ = higher cost. For natural stone tiles (marble, travertine, limestone, bluestone), see our stone buying guide.
Get to Know the Basics
Short, plain-language explainers for the terms that matter when you're choosing a tile.
Slip Resistance (P Ratings)
The Pendulum test measures how much grip a tile offers underfoot when wet. The higher the P rating, the lower the slip risk.
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- P3 minimum for bathroom, kitchen and laundry floors.
- P4 or higher for outdoor areas, including alfresco spaces and pool surrounds.
- Matt and structured finishes grip better than gloss, so gloss tiles typically carry lower P ratings and aren't recommended for wet area floors.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is about two separate things: the tile itself, and what's underneath it.
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- Porcelain: effectively waterproof, with water absorption below 0.5%, so it can be used in any wet area.
- Ceramic: waterproofness depends on the glaze. A well-glazed ceramic works on walls in wet areas, but unglazed or lower-quality ceramic isn't suitable for shower floors or consistently wet surfaces.
- A waterproof tile laid on an unprotected substrate can still fail over time. Wet areas need a separate tanking membrane under the tile, installed by a licensed tiler.
Durability & Wall vs Floor Rating
Tile durability comes down to material density, and not every tile can go anywhere.
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- Porcelain is the most durable tile material available, fired at higher temperatures from finer, denser clay than ceramic.
- Ceramic is lighter and less dense, better suited to walls and lower-traffic dry floors.
- A tile rated for wall use only can't go on floors, but a floor-rated tile can go on walls. Always check the product specifications.
Tile Size & Variation
Size affects grout lines and room feel. Variation rating affects how consistent, or characterful, your tiles look once laid.
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- Large-format (600 x 600mm and above): fewer grout lines, a seamless look, suits larger rooms.
- Small formats and mosaics: suit compact spaces, feature walls and areas with curves or fixtures.
- Variation rating (V1–V4): V1 is uniform tile to tile; V4 is the highest shade variation. It's a designed feature of natural-look tiles, not a defect, so order samples first if you're considering V3 or V4.
Bathroom Tiles
Built for water. Porcelain floor tiles bring the slip resistance and durability a busy bathroom needs, mixed and matched with ceramic and glass tiles for the walls.
Kitchen Tiles
Built for heavy traffic and easy clean-up. Porcelain floors handle spills and dropped pans, while ceramic and glass mosaic splashbacks add personality without the upkeep.
Laundry Tiles
A hard-working wet space deserves a hard-working floor. Porcelain delivers the durability and waterproofing a laundry needs, with ceramic a practical, cost-effective choice for walls.
Living, Hallway, Bedroom & Dining Tiles
More forgiving spaces open up more style. Gloss and polished finishes come into play, and glass mosaic or decorative ceramic feature walls come into their own.
Outdoor Tiles
Sun, rain and wet bare feet call for the highest grip. Porcelain outdoor tiles bring durability and weather resistance, with in-out tiles for a seamless flow from interior to alfresco.
How Much Will You Need?
Work out your m² and always add 10% for cuts, breakages and future repairs.
Tile FAQs
Common questions about buying, installing and caring for your new tiles.
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What tile materials does National Tiles stock?
We stock a curated range including porcelain, ceramic, glass mosaic and stone-look porcelain, available in a variety of sizes, colours and finishes to suit any room. -
Can I use the same tile on my floor and walls?
A floor-rated tile can always go on walls, but a tile rated for wall use only can't go on floors. Always check the product specifications before you order. -
What slip rating do I need?
P3 is the minimum recommended rating for bathroom, kitchen and laundry floors. P4 or higher is recommended for outdoor areas, including alfresco spaces and pool surrounds. -
Are tiles waterproof?
Porcelain is effectively waterproof, with water absorption below 0.5%. Ceramic waterproofness depends on the glaze. Either way, wet areas also need a separate waterproofing membrane under the tile, a job for a licensed tiler. -
How much extra tile should I order?
Always order 10% above your measured area. Cuts, breakages and future repairs will use more tile than you expect. -
How do I clean and maintain my tiles?
A regular sweep or vacuum plus a damp mop is usually enough. Matt tiles conceal everyday marks better than gloss, and grout can be sealed to reduce staining, particularly useful in kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles don't require sealing. -
Do you offer a trade discount on tiles?
Yes. Tradespeople and commercial project managers can register for a trade account with National Tiles to access exclusive trade pricing across our tile range.
Ready to get started?
We offer matching grout, trims and waterproofing accessories to complete your tiling project. Visit your nearest National Tiles store for a complete tiling solution.