How to choose bathroom tiles: Prioritise porcelain for floors, compare tile thickness for floor versus wall placement, check batch consistency, verify slip ratings for bathroom floors, and focus spending on feature areas.
Use premium tiles sparingly to create impact and select standard-sized tiles to reduce labour costs.

Choosing tiles for a bathroom renovation can feel overwhelming. Rows of white, beige, and grey tiles often look nearly identical but carry wildly different price tags.
Understanding how tiles are priced and what really matters when choosing them can help you avoid costly mistakes, save money, and still achieve a premium finish.

Here is everything Brisbane homeowners need to know to make a smart, cost-effective choice when selecting bathroom tiles.

Why Tile Pricing Varies: The Key Factors to Understand

Material Composition

Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous, and harder-wearing than standard ceramic tiles. They are made from finer clay and fired at higher temperatures, which increases durability and price.
For bathrooms where water exposure and longevity matter, porcelain is usually the better investment. However, ceramics have evolved considerably, offering budget-friendly solutions suitable for walls and low-traffic areas.

Tile Manufacturing Process

Tile quality is not just about material; how a tile is made also matters.
Single-fired tiles are cheaper but may have inconsistencies. Double-fired tiles provide richer finishes, deeper colours, and longer-lasting durability.

Tiles with rectified edges are machine-cut for perfect uniformity. While they cost more, rectified tiles allow minimal grout lines, resulting in a seamless, modern look.

Tile Thickness and Weight Bearing

Tiles for floors need to be thicker and stronger than tiles for walls.

• Wall tiles are typically 6–8mm thick.
• Floor tiles are usually 8–12mm thick.

Overpaying for thick, heavy-duty tiles when only wall coverage is needed is an avoidable cost. Match the tile thickness to the location to optimise your spend.

Brand Reputation and Marketing

Tile branding can add significant cost without proportionate benefits.
European brands like Porcelanosa and Marazzi command premium prices based on reputation, not necessarily quality alone.
Instead, Brisbane renovators should focus on material quality, firing method, and slip resistance rather than relying solely on brand names.

How to Maximise Your Tile Budget Without Sacrificing Quality

Choosing wisely can deliver a luxurious bathroom look without overspending. Here are practical ways to stretch your tile budget.

Mix Premium and Basic Tiles:
Use expensive feature tiles on a statement wall or within a niche, then install more affordable tiles elsewhere.

Choose Larger Format Tiles:
Larger tiles (such as 600x600mm) cover more area with fewer grout lines, making small bathrooms appear bigger while reducing labour costs.

Stick to Standard Sizes:
Unusual tile sizes are more expensive to purchase and to lay. Stick with standard sizing for savings.

Look for End-of-Run or Clearance Stock:
High-end tiles are often discounted at the end of production runs. Buying a discontinued tile can deliver significant savings, but always purchase 10–15% extra for future repairs.

Prioritise Floors and High-Wear Areas:
Spend more on tiles for floors and wet zones where durability matters most. Use cost-effective tiles in dry or low-contact areas.

Are All Tiles the Same?

While many bathroom tiles look identical, there are critical differences beneath the surface.

Shade Consistency:
Low-cost tiles often show inconsistent colouring between batches. Always check batch numbers before purchasing.

Glaze Quality:
Poor-quality glazes chip and stain faster. Superior glazing resists scratching and absorbs less moisture, important in wet areas like showers.

Porosity:
Highly porous tiles can lead to water ingress and cracking over time, a common problem with cheaper ceramics.

Slip Resistance:
Bathroom floor tiles should meet or exceed an R10 slip rating under Australian standards to ensure safety in wet environments.

Without checking these factors, what looks like a “simple bathroom tile” may end up costing more in repairs, replacements, and frustration.

How Grout Adds To Your Tiling Costs

Tile choice sets the tone for a bathroom, but grout selection quietly determines longevity, appearance, and maintenance levels.

Grout Costs and Material Types

Budget Grout:
Standard cement-based grouts are affordable and suitable for low-moisture areas. However, they are porous and can discolour or crack over time, especially in showers and high-traffic bathrooms.

Premium Grout:
Epoxy-based and polymer-modified grouts resist stains, cracking, and water absorption. They cost more initially but often save money long-term through reduced maintenance and repairs.
Premium grouts also offer richer, longer-lasting colours that stay vibrant even with daily use.

How Tile Size Affects Grout Cost

The smaller the tiles, the more grout you need.

• Mosaics and small-format tiles require significantly more grout, not just in quantity but also in installation labour.
• Large-format tiles (600x600mm or larger) reduce grout lines and lower both material and labour costs.

If you are choosing small tiles for aesthetic reasons (like penny rounds or subway patterns), budget for premium grout. The more visible grout lines you have, the more critical it becomes to use a stain-resistant, durable product.

Quick Tile Buying Checklist for Bathroom Renovators

• Prioritise porcelain tiles for floors and wet areas.
• Choose ceramic tiles for walls where appropriate.
• Confirm tile thickness based on installation location.
• Verify batch consistency to avoid shade mismatches.
• Check slip ratings, especially for bathroom floors.
• Invest in higher quality for floors and splash zones.
• Be strategic: splurge selectively on visual impact areas.

Get in touch and we can give you more tiling ideas to keep your bathroom renovation on budget.