Ceramic Tiles

Choosing the right ceramic tile for your project

From a compact ensuite to a high-traffic hotel lobby, ceramic tiles deliver a combination of durability, design versatility and value that few other finishes can match. Made from refined clay fired at high temperatures, they resist scratches, stains and moisture while providing a stable surface for underfloor heating. Use the tips below to find the ideal option for your brief.

1. Match the tile type to the application

• Wall tiles: Lightweight bodies and gloss or satin glazes make them perfect for splashbacks and feature walls.
• Floor tiles: Denser composition, higher PEI ratings and anti-slip finishes cope with foot traffic and wet zones.
• Mosaic tiles: Small formats on mesh sheets allow for curved surfaces, niches and decorative borders.
• Ceiling tiles: Lightweight acoustic panels for humid areas such as indoor pools or spas.
• Decorative tiles: Patterned, textured or relief designs create bold statements in foyers or powder rooms.
• Tactile indicators: Provide safety cues for visually impaired users in public environments.

2. Weigh up porcelain vs ceramic

Clients often ask, “best tile for shower walls – ceramic or porcelain?”. Porcelain is denser and almost impervious, while ceramic is slightly more porous but easier to cut and generally more cost-effective. In regularly wet zones, simply specify a quality glaze and membrane to meet NZ Building Code Clause E3.

3. Understand the pros and cons of ceramic tile flooring

Advantages

• Hard-wearing surface resists dents and scratches.
• Huge range of colours, patterns and sizes – including 4×4 in black, 600 × 1200 mm terrazzo-look and everything in between.
• Compatible with hot-water or electric underfloor systems; porcelain or ceramic tiles for underfloor heating are both effective due to high thermal mass.
• Low maintenance – regular sweeping and a mild detergent are usually all that’s needed.

Potential drawbacks

• Cold underfoot without heating; specify insulation boards or a warming system.
• Hardness provides durability but can be less forgiving on dropped items.
• Grout lines require periodic sealing; a penetrating ceramic tile sealer delivers a long-lasting wet look while repelling stains.

4. Design considerations

Colour and finish dramatically influence the final atmosphere. Slate-look ceramic tile adds organic texture to a modern farmhouse, while high-gloss white enlarges a compact bathroom. For mid-century renovations, 1970s ceramic tiles or 4×4 coloured squares recreate an authentic aesthetic. You can even blend materials – for example, pairing concrete flooring in living areas with ceramic tile in kitchens for easy cleaning.

5. Installation tips for builders & DIY renovators

• Check substrate moisture – acceptable levels for ceramic tile are under 75% relative humidity on a concrete slab.
• When fixing to timber, learn how to install ceramic floor tile on wood by adding a cement-based underlay and flexible adhesive.
• Need to drill tapware holes? Mark the spot, use masking tape and learn how to drill ceramic tile without cracking by starting with a tungsten-tipped spear bit, then finishing with a diamond core at low speed.
• Renovating? Yes, you can lay laminate flooring over ceramic tile or even vinyl over ceramic tile, provided the existing surface is flat, solid and degreased.

6. Sustainability and lifecycle

Ceramic is an inert material made mainly from natural clay and water. Many New Zealand importers now carry Environmental Product Declarations, and damaged pieces can be recycled as road-base aggregate. For heritage projects, you’ll also find suppliers on ArchiPro offering old ceramic tile for sale to match historic schemes.

7. Cost guide

Retail pricing in NZ ranges roughly from $40 – $140 per m², with artisan or decorative pieces sitting higher. Factor an additional $45 – $70 per m² for professional installation, including adhesive, grout and sealing. Bulk commercial orders attract sharper rates, so contact suppliers early for quotes.

Next steps

Ready to shortlist products? Browse the complete Tiles & Stones collection or refine your search above to view only the ceramic options that match your specification. Order free samples, download data sheets and connect with New Zealand’s most trusted tile professionals – all on one platform.