How to Choose the Best Floor Tiles for Every Room?

Too many floor tile options making your head spin? You’re not alone.

Choosing the right floor tiles can feel like a daunting task; after all, your floors will set the tone for every room. From porcelain vs ceramic floor tile questions to indoor tiles that withstand daily wear, there’s a lot to consider.

In this guide, we’ll help you navigate types of flooring tiles, materials, sizes, and room-specific tips, so you can find the perfect tile floor without the headache. By the end, you’ll know exactly which kinds of tiles for flooring suit your space, style, and budget, and you’ll feel confident walking on them.

Types of Floor Tiles: Choosing the Right Material for Each Space

When it comes to floor tile options, there are several types of materials available. Each comes with distinct looks, durability levels, and best-use scenarios.

Here’s a concise overview of the most common types of tiles for flooring:

Common Types of Flooring Tiles:

• Porcelain Tile – Dense, waterproof, ideal for high-traffic and wet areas.
• Ceramic Tile – Versatile and affordable, great for indoor low-traffic zones.
• Natural Stone – Luxurious and unique, requires sealing and maintenance.
• Glass Tile – Bright and decorative, best for accents and wet walls.
• Terracotta – Rustic charm, porous and suited to covered patios or walls.
• Cement / Terrazzo – Bold and custom, perfect for designer interiors.
• Quarry Tile – Unglazed and tough, often used outdoors or in commercial kitchens.

While all tile types have their strengths, ceramic and porcelain tiles dominate modern Australian homes, thanks to their balance of cost, durability, and style. Let’s take a closer look at how these two compare head-to-head:

Ceramic vs. Porcelain Floor Tiles: Which One Is Right for You?

In essence:

• Ceramic tiles are great if you want a wide variety on a budget (especially for walls and light-duty floors).
• Porcelain tiles are the best all-round floor tile material for durability and moisture resistance. Porcelain’s very low water absorption (<0.5%) means it can go outdoors or in wet rooms without

Once you’ve chosen the material, the next big decision is how your tile will look and function in your space. And this comes down to size, layout, and pattern:

Floor Tile Sizes, Layouts and Patterns: What Works Best for You

Tiles come in many sizes and shapes. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here are some tips:

• Tile Sizes
• Small tiles (100×100mm to 300×300mm) suit accent areas, small bathrooms, or spaces with a lot of angles.
• Medium tiles (300×300mm to 600×600mm) are versatile. Great for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Large-format tiles (800mm and up, even slab-size 1200×2400mm) create a sleek, open look. They’re popular in living areas and modern designs.
• Rectangular “plank” tiles (e.g. 150×600mm) mimic wood boards and can make rooms appear longer.
• Grout Lines

Small tiles mean more grout lines, which can provide extra slip-resistance (good in showers) but means more cleaning.

Large tiles mean fewer grout lines. This makes floors look more continuous and is easier to wipe down. Consider the trade-off; busy patterns vs sleek minimalism.

1. Tile Patterns & Layouts

You can lay tiles straight, on the diagonal, or in creative patterns like herringbone, basket-weave, etc. Patterned or mosaic tiles can add flair.

For example, a herringbone wood-look tile floor can add visual interest, or a bold encaustic-style tile can define an entryway. Mosaic tiles (tiny pieces 20–50mm on mesh) are mostly used for splashy borders, shower feature walls, or pool murals.

Just keep it balanced: if you use a very busy patterned tile in one area, maybe use a simpler tile elsewhere so it doesn’t overwhelm.

2. Colour and Lighting

Light-coloured tiles reflect light and make spaces feel bigger and brighter. This option is handy in small or dim rooms. Dark tiles can add drama or contrast, especially if the room is well-lit.

Outdoors or in high-traffic halls, darker textured tiles are common as they hide dirt.

3. Matching Spaces

If you want continuity between inside and outside or between rooms, choose tiles from the same range.

Many porcelain ranges offer multiple sizes and finishes (matte/gloss) in the same design.

For example, you could use a glossy 600×600mm tile indoors and a matte 20×1200mm tile from the same series outdoors, giving a uniform look.

Remember tiles are not one-size-fits-all especially when it comes to indoor vs outdoor use. The environment plays a big role in tile performance and safety. So, let’s take a look at the key features that set indoor and outdoor tiles apart and help you make the right choice for each space.

Indoor vs Outdoor Floor Tiles | Key Differences

While indoor and outdoor tiles can look similar, there are important differences to consider:

• Slip Resistance

Outdoor tiles should have a higher slip resistance (rougher texture or P4–P5 rating) to handle rain and pool water safely.

Indoor tiles can be smoother (lower P-rating) as long as they’re appropriate for the room (e.g. higher P-rating or DCOF for bathrooms).

• Heat Resistance

Outdoors, tiles face direct sun and temperature swings. Outdoor porcelain tiles (mostly thicker) tolerate this well. Whereas some indoor glazes might fade or crack outside. Lighter colours are mostly chosen outside to reflect heat.

Indoors, heat isn’t usually an issue, but in hot climates tile will feel cool underfoot.

• Stain & Weather Resistance

Outdoor tiles must resist dirt, organic debris, and weathering. This is why unglazed or dense porcelain (with low absorption) is used outside.

Indoor tiles don’t need to be frost-proof. But waterproofing is key in kitchens/baths. Indoors you worry more about stains from spills which a sealed porcelain resists easily.

• Water Exposure

Outdoors, tiles may be submerged or pressure-washed; they must be frost-resistant if in freezing climates.

Indoors, water exposure is limited to spills, showers, and maybe floor-cleaning. Moisture-safe tiles like glazed porcelain/ceramic are enough for indoor use. Whereas outdoor porcelain is often extra-dense and sometimes salt-resistant.

• Tile Thickness

Outdoor tiles are usually thicker (around 20mm) to bear heavier loads (driveways, foot traffic, garden furniture). They’re less likely to crack under weight and temperature changes.

Standard indoor floor tiles are thinner (8–12mm).

• Tile Appearance

Many manufacturers now offer matching indoor/outdoor tile ranges.

For example, you might pick a wood-look porcelain series that has a smooth 10mm indoor tile, plus a 20mm non-slip version of the same colour/pattern for outside. This way your patio flows seamlessly from your living room tile.

In short, outdoor floor tiles are built tougher and grippier to handle the elements, while indoor tiles can prioritize aesthetics (gloss, color) with less texture.

So, which tile works best for your kitchen, bathroom, hallway, or patio? Now let’s get practical.

Picking the Best Floor Tiles by Room | A Practical Guide

Not every tile is perfect for every room. Think about how the space will be used and choose accordingly:

• Bathrooms & Showers

These are wet areas, so pick tiles with good slip resistance (textured or matte finishes) and waterproof properties.

Porcelain tiles are ideal in bathrooms since they repel water. For shower floors and bath walls, many designers use small-format or mosaic tiles (for example, 300×300mm or smaller, even 20×20mm mosaics). The many grout lines help shed water and give extra grip. Aim for a slip rating of P2–P3 (suitable for light commercial wet areas). Explore our bathroom floor tiles range HERE.

Tip: The DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) rating is another measure. A wet DCOF of 0.42 or above is generally recommended for interior wet floors. So, look for tiles certified for bathroom/wet area use.

• Kitchens

Kitchens need tiles that withstand spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic.

Porcelain or glazed ceramic tiles with a smooth, matte finish works well; nothing too slick. Medium to large formats (e.g. 600×600mm) are popular because fewer grout lines make cleaning easier. Choose a finish that hides crumbs and smudges (matte or lightly textured finishes are forgiving).

• Living & Dining Areas

In living spaces, people love larger tiles (600×600mm, 800×800mm or even 1200×1200mm) for a sleek, continuous look.

Large tiles make rooms feel more spacious and modern. Wood-look porcelain planks (e.g. 100×600mm) are also trendy here. They give a warm “wood floor” aesthetic without the maintenance of real timber. Since these rooms usually have normal foot traffic, almost any tile except very slick finishes can work.

• Hallways & High-Traffic Areas

Choose tiles with a high hardness or wear rating. Porcelain or vitrified ceramic with a tough glaze is best.

Check the PEI or wear rating. Look for tiles rated for heavy-duty or commercial use for example PEI 4 or 5. Also check slip ratings if water/entrance mud might be an issue. Neutral or mid-tone tiles can hide dirt well in hallways.

• Outdoor Areas (Patios, Pathways, Driveways)

For outdoor use, only use tiles specifically rated for outdoors. These are typically thick (mostly 20mm thick) porcelain tiles or specially formulated outdoor tiles with extra slip-resistant textures.

Outdoor tiles must resist freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and foot or even vehicle traffic. Porcelain is recommended outside because it won’t crack in the cold and resists stains and algae.

Look for tiles with P4–P5 slip resistance (very slip-resistant) to be safe around pools or in rain.

• Bedrooms or Home Offices

Traffic is lighter in these rooms, so virtually any indoor tile works. Many people choose wood-look tiles or soft neutral ceramics here for a cozy feel, without worrying about moisture.

You can even continue the same tile from the living areas into bedrooms for a seamless flow or use a compatible colour/pattern. Explore from our bedroom floor tiles to get an idea.

• Pools & Other Wet Zones:

In pool surrounds, wet rooms or spa areas, use mosaic or small-format porcelain tiles on the floor for extra grip.

For example, 20×20mm or 50×50mm mosaic tiles are common on pool floors and shower bases. The small pieces create lots of grout lines for traction. Glass mosaics (on mesh sheets) are also popular around pools and water features.

Just be sure any tile in these areas is rated waterproof  which  most porcelain and glass mosaics are.

Tile Installation and Maintenance: What You Need to Know

One big advantage of tile is low maintenance.

Most ceramic and porcelain floors just need regular sweeping and mopping to stay looking new. Porcelain’s hardness also means it resists staining and scratching better than most.

For natural stone (marble, travertine) or terracotta, plan to seal them after installation and reseal periodically. This protects against water and oil absorption. Even grout lines in kitchens and bathrooms benefit from a grout sealer (or use epoxy grout) to resist mould and stains.

Quick Tile Installation Tips:

Proper installation is key for a long-lasting floor.

• Make sure the subfloor is flat, clean, and well-prepared. Any unevenness or flex can cause tiles to crack later.
• Consider underfloor heating as tile is excellent with radiant heat because it absorbs and distributes warmth evenly. It will feel cool in winter until the heat is on, but once warmed, tile will stay comfortably warm.
• Use a high-quality tile adhesive and the right trowel notch size.
• Choose a grout colour that complements your tile.
• Plan for movement joints (if needed in large installations) to prevent cracking.
• Hire a professional for heavy, especially large formats, stone, or thick outdoor tiles. Cutting porcelain or stone requires a wet saw. An installer will snap chalk lines and work from the center so that you don’t end up with tiny slivers of tile at edges. They’ll use the right adhesive for your tile type and check for level.

Now, it’s time to talk numbers, because budgeting wisely can help you make a stylish, stress-free investment.

Floor Tile Budgeting and Planning

Tiles come in a huge price range. Set your budget early and narrow your choices to what you can afford per square meter.

As a rule of thumb, add 10–15% extra tile to your total to allow for cuts, breaks, and future repairs. Remember that a very cheap tile might save money upfront but could cost more if it cracks or looks worn in a few years.

Visit tile showrooms to see full-sized samples and get expert advice, this really helps. Lay a few sample tiles on your floor and view them at different times of day. This helps you see how the colour and texture play in your lighting.

Also consider the long-term costs. Some expensive tiles require less maintenance, while cheaper tiles might need resealing sooner.

Don’t forget to budget for quality grout, sealers, and labor (if using a pro installer). A good installer will cost more but ensure your tile is flat, aligned, and properly grouted, which is worth it for the longevity.

So, think about the end result as a whole; the right tile choice plus proper installation means you won’t have to fix problems later.

Still unsure which tile fits your space?

Let WA Kajaria Ceramics Help You Find the Perfect Floor Tiles for Your Space

We know tiles inside and out. That’s why we can guide you through our vast selection of tiles for indoor and outdoor use. Whether you need indoor floor tiles with extra slip resistance, or a luxurious porcelain for your patio, we’ve got you covered.

Visit our tile showroom in Western Australia to see samples in person, or get personalised advice from our experts. We’ll answer your questions about tile floor sizing, installation, and maintenance, so you can feel confident in your choice.

Contact us Today

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