The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Tiles for Your Custom Home

Posted By Nicole Hynes  

When designing your dream home, every detail counts, and one of the most important elements that often gets overlooked is the choice of tiles. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or even outdoor spaces, tiles have the power to transform the look and feel of your home. But with so many different types, sizes, and patterns available, it can be difficult to decide what’s best for your space.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tiles, from the types available to their ideal placement, ease of cleaning, costs, and ways to make even the most affordable options look luxurious.

Types of Tiles and Where to Use Them

Choosing the right type of tile depends on the room and how the space will be used. Here’s a breakdown of the most common tile materials and their best applications:

  1. Ceramic Tiles
    Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
    Ceramic tiles are one of the most versatile and affordable options. They are durable, easy to clean, and come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and sizes. However, they are not as strong as porcelain and can be more prone to chipping.
  2. Porcelain Tiles
    Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
    Porcelain tiles are denser and more water-resistant than ceramic tiles, making them ideal for areas prone to moisture. They can also mimic natural stone or wood, giving you a high-end look without the high-end price. Due to their low porosity, they are easy to clean and resistant to staining.
  3. Natural Stone Tiles
    Best for: Living areas, feature walls, and outdoor spaces.
    Marble, granite, limestone, and slate offer a luxurious, timeless feel. However, they require more maintenance compared to ceramic or porcelain tiles. Their uneven textures can trap dirt, making them harder to clean, and they often need sealing to maintain their appearance.
  4. Glass Tiles
    Best for: Backsplashes, shower walls, and feature areas.
    Glass tiles reflect light, creating a bright, clean appearance. They are easy to clean and resist staining, but grout lines in glass tile installations may require more frequent cleaning, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms.
  5. Cement Tiles
    Best for: Floors, outdoor patios, and entryways.
    These tiles are durable and stylish but require sealing to avoid stains. Their textured surfaces can collect dirt more easily, so regular maintenance is essential. Cement tiles are often more porous, meaning spills should be wiped up quickly to avoid staining.

Does a Lower Price Mean Lower Quality?

Not necessarily. Cheaper tiles don’t always mean they’re of poor quality. Many affordable options, like ceramic and basic porcelain, are durable and attractive when used correctly. The key is to ensure that even if you’re opting for a more budget-friendly tile, the quality control during installation is excellent.

Factors such as the thickness of the tile, finish, and how it’s laid can make a significant difference. Higher-priced tiles often come with more intricate designs, high-quality finishes, and more resilience to wear, but well-chosen budget tiles can still give you a fantastic result.

Cost of Laying Different Tile Sizes

Tile size impacts the overall cost of installation. Here’s a quick comparison:

  • Small Tiles (e.g., mosaics, 10x10 cm): These require more time and precision to lay, resulting in higher labour costs. They’re ideal for backsplashes or small feature areas but not typically recommended for large spaces. More grout lines can mean higher maintenance for cleaning.
  • Medium Tiles (e.g., 30x30 cm, 45x45 cm): These are standard sizes and are more cost-effective in terms of labour. They offer a balanced look for both walls and floors and reduce the number of grout lines, making cleaning easier.
  • Large Tiles (e.g., 60x60 cm and larger): Large-format tiles can make spaces feel bigger and more modern. While they require fewer tiles, their heavier weight and the precision needed for installation can increase labour costs. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which makes cleaning a breeze.

Cost Range:

  • Small tiles: Higher labour costs, around $120+ per square metre.
  • Medium tiles: $90-$110 per square metre.
  • Large tiles: $100-$150 per square metre (depending on complexity).

Costs of Laying Tiles in Different Patterns

The pattern in which tiles are laid also affects installation costs. More complex patterns require more cutting and precise alignment, leading to higher labour expenses. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Straight Lay (Grid Pattern): The simplest and most affordable option. It is quick to install and creates a clean, uniform look.
    Cost: $80-$110 per square metre.
  • Diagonal Lay: This requires more precision and tile cuts but can make a room feel more dynamic.
    Cost: $100-$130 per square metre.
  • Herringbone or Chevron: These intricate patterns add a luxurious, high-end feel but require meticulous attention to detail and a lot of cutting.
    Cost: $130-$180 per square metre.
  • Versailles (French Pattern): Typically used with natural stone tiles, this pattern creates a sophisticated and timeless look but is the most labour-intensive.
    Cost: $150-$200 per square metre.

Ease of Cleaning: Grout Lines and Tile Texture

One of the most overlooked aspects when choosing tiles is how easy they are to clean. Grout lines and tile texture play a significant role in maintenance.

  • Fewer Grout Lines: The more grout lines you have, the more spaces there are for dirt and grime to settle. Choosing larger tiles means fewer grout lines, making cleaning easier. Additionally, using a grout colour that blends with your tile can help reduce the appearance of stains.
  • Tile Texture: Smooth, glossy tiles like porcelain and glass are much easier to clean than textured or matte tiles. Textured tiles, such as natural stone or cement, can trap dirt in the crevices, requiring more frequent and thorough cleaning. If you prefer the look of textured tiles but want easier cleaning, consider using them in lower-traffic areas or as decorative elements rather than flooring.
  • Sealing and Maintenance: Some tiles, such as natural stone, require sealing to maintain their look and prevent staining. Regular resealing is necessary to keep these tiles in good condition and make cleaning easier.

Elevating affordable Tiles for an Elegant Finish

Even if you’re working with a limited budget, there are ways to elevate the appearance of inexpensive tiles and give your home a high-end look:

  1. Choose Larger Tiles: Larger tiles create fewer grout lines, giving the room a sleek, modern look. This can make even basic tiles feel more sophisticated.
  2. Opt for a High-Quality Grout: Grout can have a big impact on the overall appearance of your tiles. Using a colour that complements the tiles and opting for thinner grout lines will give a cleaner, more polished finish.
  3. Incorporate a Pattern: You don’t need to use expensive tiles to create a custom look. Laying simple tiles in a diagonal or herringbone pattern can instantly make your space feel more luxurious.
  4. Mix and Match Materials: Use cheaper tiles for the bulk of your space, but splurge on a few accent tiles or a decorative border to create a high-end focal point.
  5. Finish with Good Lighting: The right lighting can enhance the appearance of tiles, making the surface appear more textured or reflective. This can give even inexpensive options a more luxurious vibe.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tiles for your custom home is about more than just picking a design you like. It’s important to consider the type of tile, how easy it will be to clean, and the space it will be used in. By balancing your budget with smart design choices, you can create a home that looks and feels luxurious without breaking the bank.

If you're ready to explore the perfect tiles for your custom home, our team at Hycon Homes is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your vision comes to life in the most beautiful way possible.