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Floor tiles FAQ

Home » Floor tiles FAQ

Picking floor tiles should feel clear and simple. At Go Tiles, we help homeowners, builders and renovators across Brisbane, Underwood and Logan, and we also service Sydney, Melbourne, Rockhampton and Newcastle. This page answers common questions about floor tiles, from ceramic and porcelain to outdoor and travertine. You will also find tips on large formats, non slip options, patterns, grout, costs and care. Use this as a guide, then get in touch for samples, stock checks and delivery times to your suburb.

Your guide to choosing, buying and installing floor tiles

 Floor tiles FAQ

What types of floor tiles can I choose from?

Most homes use ceramic, porcelain, natural stone or timber look tiles. Ceramic floor tiles are budget friendly and easy to cut, so they suit simple rooms and walls. Porcelain floor tiles are denser and more water-resistant, so they suit high traffic areas, kitchens and bathrooms. Natural stone, like travertine and marble, gives a one-off look but needs sealing. Timber look floor tiles give you the warmth of wood with the toughness of a tile. If you want a soft finish underfoot, add rugs once the tiling is done.

Both are clay tiles fired in a kiln. Porcelain is fired hotter and packed tighter, so it absorbs less water and stands up well in busy rooms. It is a top pick for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and outdoor areas. Ceramic is easier to cut and often costs less, so it works for lighter traffic zones and walls. If you plan a wet area or want a long-wearing floor, porcelain usually wins. If you want a simple look on a tight budget, ceramic can still do the job.

Often yes. You get strong wear resistance, low water uptake and a wide range of finishes, from matte to polished. This helps in kitchens, bathrooms and entries where spills and foot traffic are common. Porcelain can be harder to cut, so laying costs may be higher, but the result is tough and long-lasting. In short, if the space is busy or wet, porcelain floor tiles are a safe bet. If the space is light use, ceramic may be fine and easier on your budget.

Travertine is a natural limestone with warm, earthy tones and unique holes and veins. Many people choose travertine for living rooms, patios and pool surrounds. It feels timeless and suits both modern and classic homes. Travertine needs sealing to protect against stains and marks. You can leave small pits open for texture or fill them for a smoother feel. If you love a natural look and you are happy with a little care now and then, tile flooring travertine is a beautiful choice.

Timber look tiles are usually porcelain with a printed wood grain. They give the look of hardwood without warping or fading from water and sun. You can run them from living areas through kitchens and bathrooms for one, consistent look. Planks come in many sizes, so you can lay them in straight lines, herringbone or chevron. If you want the warmth of timber with low care and strong durability, timber look floor tiles tick the box.

Non slip tiles have a textured surface that grips better when wet. They are smart for bathrooms, showers, laundries, entries, ramps and outdoor floor tiles around pools. Look for a slip rating such as R10 to R13 for extra grip. The higher the number, the stronger the texture. In living areas you might prefer a smoother finish for easy cleaning. In wet zones and outdoors, pick a tile that balances grip and cleanability so day-to-day care stays simple.

Yes, if you pick the right tile. Outdoor floor tiles need to handle rain, temperature changes and sun. Porcelain is a strong choice outside because it is dense and low-porous. A textured, non slip finish helps with safety. Natural stone, like travertine, also works outdoors, but seal it and follow care advice. Check the thickness, finish and slip rating. We can suggest options that suit patios, paths and pool areas in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and beyond.

slip resistant pool outdoor tiles

 

Large format tiles reduce grout lines, which makes a room feel bigger and easier to clean. Sizes like 600×600, 600×1200 and larger are common now. The subfloor must be flat or you may see lipping at tile edges. A good tiler will check this and may use a levelling compound. In small bathrooms, large tiles still work, but you might use mosaics on the shower base for grip. Done well, large tiles give a sleek, modern look.
Yes. Patterned tiles are popular in bathrooms, laundries, entries and feature areas. You can go bold on the floor with a plain wall, or add a patterned splashback with a neutral floor. Encaustic-look and geometric patterns are common, as are soft, worn patterns for a cosy look. If you pick a busy pattern, keep grout lines neat and colour-matched so the design stays the hero.

No, cheap tiles don’t mean poor quality. At Go Tiles we keep prices low because we import most of our tiles straight from the factory and sell them directly to you at wholesale rates. That way you pay less without losing strength, style or durability. Our tiles are the same quality builders and designers use across Australia, we just cut out the middle steps so you get a better deal.

Porcelain floor tiles are tough, resist stains and handle heat and spills. Matte or low-sheen finishes hide marks. Kitchen floor tiles should be easy to mop, so avoid deep textures under benches. Large formats cut down grout lines. If you like timber but want low care, timber look porcelain is a neat solution. Match the floor tone to benchtops and cabinets for a calm, linked look.

Pick non slip porcelain or textured ceramic for floors, and use a grout made for wet areas. Large tiles are easier to clean, but small mosaics give more grip in showers. For walls, ceramic keeps costs down and comes in many shapes. If you love a hotel look, consider a large, light tile on walls and a simple stone-look on the floor. Seal natural stone and keep to gentle cleaners.

grey floor and wall tiles, tile shop underwood

Often yes. The old tiles must be well bonded and level. A tiler will check for hollow sounds and cracks, then prime as needed. Laying over tiles raises the finished floor height, so plan for doors, trims and transitions. If the old tiles are loose or the height increase is a problem, remove them and level the base.
Wet areas like showers, bathrooms, laundries and balconies need a waterproof membrane under tiles. This stops moisture getting into the structure and helps avoid long-term damage. A licensed waterproofer should apply the membrane and allow proper curing before tiling. In living rooms and bedrooms, waterproofing is not usually needed, but a flat, sound base always matters.

Plan for cuts, waste and future repairs. For straight layouts, add around 10 percent. For herringbone, diagonal or tiles with heavy pattern matching, add 12 to 15 percent. Keep a sealed box or two after the job. If a tile chips years later, you will have a match ready to go.

Yes, a bit. Porcelain is denser and harder to cut, so it needs sharper tools and more time. Large pieces also need careful handling. A skilled tiler will allow for this in the quote. The benefit is a floor that handles heavy use with little wear.

Quality tiles installed on a stable, flat base rarely crack. Cracks are usually from subfloor movement, a heavy impact or poor prep. Good tilers check the base, use the right adhesive and set expansion joints where needed. If a crack appears, keep your spare tiles so a repair is quick.
Glazed porcelain and glazed ceramic do not need sealing. Polished porcelain can sometimes need a pre-seal to stop grout haze. Natural stone, like travertine, limestone and marble, should be sealed and re-sealed on a schedule. Use gentle cleaners and avoid strong acids that can etch stone.
Sweep or vacuum grit, then mop with warm water and a mild cleaner. Rinse the mop in clean water so you do not spread dirt. Avoid waxes that leave a film. In showers, a quick squeegee reduces soap build-up. If grout lines darken, use a grout cleaner made for your tile type.
Light grout blends with light tiles and makes spaces feel bigger. Dark grout adds contrast and hides marks. For patterned floor tiles, choose a shade that suits the main colour so the design stays neat. Epoxy grout resists stains well in hard-use areas, though it can cost more.

Yes. Floor-rated tiles often look great on walls, especially in showers and splashbacks. Just check weight limits if you plan to tile plasterboard. Using one tile on both floor and wall can give a calm, seamless look. Add a feature niche or patterned tile if you want a focal point.

Pros: fewer grout lines, a modern look and faster cleaning. Cons: they need a flat base and careful handling, and cuts around drains or tight corners can be harder. If the room is very small, plan the layout so you avoid thin slivers at the edges. A good tiler will measure and set out the room before starting.
Keep the main floor consistent to make spaces feel larger. Porcelain in a neutral tone is a safe pick. Use large floor tiles to reduce grout lines. If you want zones, change the lay pattern or add a border rather than changing colour. Timber look tiles can run through living, kitchen and hallway without worry about spills.
Go for porcelain with a matte or low sheen. It hides scuffs and grips better underfoot. Avoid very deep texture where crumbs can sit. Pick a colour that ties to your benchtop or splashback so the space feels connected. Keep grout narrow and colour matched to cut cleaning time.
Choose non slip porcelain with a soft texture for the main floor and a mosaic or extra-grip tile in the shower base. Light colours make small rooms feel bigger. If you want contrast, try a darker floor and light walls. Add a niche or patterned strip for interest, or keep it calm and simple for a spa-like feel.

Yes. Outdoor tiles must handle sun, rain and temperature swings. Pick porcelain with a textured finish or natural stone suited to outdoors. Check slip ratings and thickness. Sealing and drainage matter outdoors, so plan falls and grout carefully. Around pools, choose a finish that stays grippy when wet.

 

Tiles do not trap dust or pollen the way carpets can. A simple vacuum and mop removes most irritants. If allergies are a concern, smooth porcelain floor tiles with narrow grout lines are easy to keep clean. Use entry mats to catch grit from outside.

Larger rooms, long runs and areas with sun exposure often need movement joints. These joints allow small shifts without stressing the tiles. Your tiler will follow standards on spacing and placement. Around doorways and where slabs meet, joint planning helps prevent future cracks.

Measure the room length times width for square metres. Add 10 percent for straight rooms and 12 to 15 percent for complex patterns or many cuts. Order trims, movement joints, adhesive and grout at the same time so all parts arrive together. Keep at least one sealed box for later repairs.
A tile shop helps you match the right tile to each space, explains slip ratings, advises on grout and trims, and checks stock across colours and sizes. You also see real samples under proper light. For large orders, matching batches matters. A specialist tile shop keeps this tight so your floor looks consistent.

Yes. Bring plans, photos and room sizes. We can suggest ceramic floor tiles, porcelain floor tiles, timber look and travertine options that fit your style and budget. We can also talk through patterned floor tiles, large floor tiles and non slip choices for bathrooms and outdoors. Simple, step-by-step advice keeps the project on track. colourful mosaic tiles - floor tiles and wall tiles

We supply Brisbane, Underwood, Logan, Sydney, Melbourne, Rockhampton and Newcastle, and deliver to many nearby suburbs. Stock moves fast, so contact us for current availability and freight timing. If you prefer, we can arrange pickup. For big projects, we can stage deliveries to match your build schedule.

Yes. You can view samples in store, and for some tiles we can loan samples so you can check colour and texture at home. Light changes tone, so it helps to look at tiles morning and afternoon. If you like two options, lay a few pieces side by side on the floor to compare.

Tell us your room sizes, tile choice, pattern, and if you need waterproofing, levelling, trims or movement joints. We will give a clear list so you see the total cost. This includes tile price, delivery, adhesive, grout and any extras. A clear plan helps your tiler start on time and finish on schedule.
It can happen. If your project is urgent, choose a tile with solid stock across multiple pallets. If your tile is a seasonal design, consider buying all you need at once plus spares. If a style sells out, we will suggest close matches in shade, size and finish so your project stays on track.
Yes. Use one main tile for flow, then change finish or pattern in small zones. For example, run timber look tiles through living areas and switch to non slip porcelain in bathrooms and on the patio. Keep colour families close so the home feels connected.

Grout collects dirt first. Vacuum, then mop with a mild cleaner. In showers, a soft brush helps. If grout stains over time, it can be cleaned or re-coloured. Epoxy grout resists marks better in kitchens and entries, though it may cost more at install.

Pick a few looks you like, measure your rooms and note the area use. Visit or contact us with your list and any photos. We will confirm stock, suggest slip ratings and finishes, and plan delivery to Brisbane, Underwood, Logan, Sydney, Melbourne, Rockhampton or Newcastle. From there, you can book a tiler and lock in dates.

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