Key considerations for tiles in high-use public spaces

In high-traffic environments like airports, hospitals, and office buildings, the materials you choose need to do more than just look good—they must endure constant use, resist wear, and maintain their performance over time. When selecting tiles for these demanding spaces, the stakes are high. It's about finding the perfect balance between style, strength, and safety to create spaces that not only impress but also stand up to the challenges of everyday use.

Yulia Maydurova from Signorino, a specialist in high-quality European tiles, says designers should prioritise tiles that offer a balance of durability, slip resistance, ease of maintenance, and visual appeal. This ensures public spaces are not only functional but are also inviting and visually striking.

Signorino’s product range espouses these qualities, combining elegance with long-lasting performance. 

“Signorino tiles are engineered for performance in high-stress environments,” says Yulia. “Our ranges feature key attributes such as impact resistance, UV protection, acid resistance, and even antibacterial properties. These qualities make them ideal for high-use settings where longevity, cleanliness, and safety are crucial.”

By selecting the right tiles, designers can create beautiful spaces that stand the test of time while maintaining their functionality and appeal in demanding public environments.

But when it comes to choosing tiles for heavy-use public spaces, the selection process is vastly different to selecting for residential settings, says Yulia. 

“Architects should seek tiles that offer a combination of durability, slip resistance, ease of maintenance and aesthetic appeal.”

Ranges such as Signorino’s Blend Stone feature textured finishes that enhance slip resistance without compromising on visual appeal. 

“This approach allows designers to meet safety requirements while maintaining creative freedom in their designs,” says Yulia.

In addition to stylish, safety-focused ranges, Signorino also supplies high-performance materials like Laguna Verde Granite—a product known for its exceptional durability. It offers a stable mineral composition, excellent resistance to weathering, high bending and compressive strength, low water absorption, and minimal fracturing. These qualities make it an ideal choice for public spaces that demand both structural integrity and long-term performance.

Terrazzo tiles are also experiencing a resurgence in commercial applications, shares Yulia.  

“Manufactured using advanced vacuum-pressed technology, these tiles are denser, less porous and highly durable, making it ideal for both residential and commercial applications.”

Available in a variety of finishes—including polished, honed and sandblasted—and an extensive palette of colours and aggregates, terrazzo offers broad design flexibility while maintaining the performance required for high-traffic environments.

Whether it's textured porcelain, durable granite, or sophisticated terrazzo, Signorino provides solutions that meet the complex demands of public and commercial spaces. And crucially, the company helps clients navigate the balance between premium performance and budget limitations.

“We support clients by offering a wide selection of products across different price points,” says Yulia. “With extensive industry knowledge and strong supplier relationships, we help clients find solutions that deliver lasting value without sacrificing quality.”

From stone to style: Embracing the elegance of European tiles

While Signorino was once widely known for its premium stone and marble, the company also has a long-standing and evolving relationship with tiles—one that has grown into a defining part of its identity. The shift towards tiles happened organically, as Signorino responded to the growing demand from architects, designers and homeowners for greater design versatility in both residential and commercial settings. European tiles, celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and design innovation, proved to be the perfect complement to Signorino’s stone heritage.

“Today, European tiles are a central part of Signorino’s collection, offering a blend of traditional artistry and contemporary style,” shares Yulia. 

Backed by over 50 years of expertise, Signorino has earned a reputation as the go-to supplier for materials that not only elevate design but also stand the test of time. To maintain this strong connection to European craftsmanship, Signorino works closely with some of Europe’s most respected tile producers. 

These partnerships ensure every product in their curated collection meets the highest standards of quality and design. From exclusive designer ranges to premium finishes, the collection reflects the timeless appeal and innovation of European tiles.

With flagship showrooms in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, Signorino brings the best of European design to the Australian market—making world-class style and performance more accessible than ever.

Explore tile collections from Signorino