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Ceramic Tile Collections

How to Choose Ceramic Tiles

Choosing ceramic tiles in Perth is no easy task; the sheer volume and selection of tiles available can be overwhelming, to say the least. Not as hard-wearing as porcelain, ceramic tiles are ideally suited for lower-foot-traffic areas. They are, however, still hard-wearing and are suitable for more rooms, and, of course, they are much cheaper than porcelain tiles.

If you’re shopping for ceramic floor tiles in Perth, then there are a few tips to make the process much easier and a lot less confusing. Viable ceramic tiles can be narrowed down by comparing their quality, design, and price.

Ceramic Tile FAQs

Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay, shaped, glazed, and fired at high temperatures to create a durable, hard surface. They’re commonly used for walls, splashbacks, laundry areas, and low-traffic floors.

Learn more in The 101 of Ceramic Tiles, a comprehensive overview of types, finishes, and applications.

You can tell good quality ceramic tile by checking for a smooth glaze finish, uniform thickness, straight edges, and a rating on the box—such as PEI (abrasion resistance) or water absorption percentage. Tiles from trusted manufacturers, like the ones sold at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, also include warranties and comply with Australian quality standards.

“Normal tiles” is a broad term that can refer to various materials, but ceramic tiles specifically refer to tiles made from clay and coated with a protective glaze. Compared to materials like porcelain or natural stone, ceramic tiles are generally lighter, more porous, and easier to cut.

For a side-by-side breakdown, see our Ceramic vs Porcelain Tile Comparison.

The advantages of ceramic tiles are affordability, ease of cutting and installation, a wide variety of colours and styles, and their suitability for walls and low-traffic flooring. They’re also a popular choice for DIYers thanks to their lighter weight and compatibility with most substrates.

To tell if your tiles are ceramic or porcelain, check the back and weight—porcelain is denser, heavier, and usually has a finer grain and consistent colour throughout. Ceramic tiles are lighter and may have a different colour glaze on top than the body beneath. Tapping can also help—ceramic sounds more hollow due to lower density.

Ceramic tile is best used for wall surfaces, kitchen splashbacks, laundry areas, and floors in low-to-moderate traffic areas like bedrooms or powder rooms.

For expert recommendations, read our article, Where to Use Ceramic Tiles in Your Home.

The disadvantages of ceramic tiles include their relatively higher water absorption rate compared to porcelain, which can make them less suitable for high-moisture areas. They’re also more prone to chipping and cracking under heavy impact, and less frost-resistant for outdoor use.

Yes, ceramic tile is good for flooring in light to medium-traffic areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. While not as durable as porcelain, it’s a stylish and cost-effective option for many interior floors, especially in dry zones.

Handy Tile Hints

Discover the newest tile trends and design inspiration with our latest tile articles and resources. From innovative patterns to practical installation tips, our blog provides expert insights and creative solutions to enhance any space with our beautiful tiles. Explore the latest in tile design, styles, and inspiration below.

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