Shower Floor Tiles – A Complete Guide for Perth Bathrooms

Shower floor tiles might seem like a small decision—but they do a lot of heavy lifting. The right floor tile keeps you safe, drains properly, lasts through years of daily use, and ties your bathroom design together.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing shower floor tiles for your Perth home. I’ll explain the safest finishes, how to get the right size and shape, and what makes some tiles better for showers than others.

At Ross’s, we offer a wide range of bathroom and shower tiles in slip-resistant finishes, including matte, structured, and SmoothGrip. Whether you’re undertaking a full renovation or simply updating your shower base, this article will help you make an informed choice that you’ll be happy with long after the installation day.

Let’s take a closer look at the best bathroom and shower floor tile options for style, function, and safety.

Why Shower Floor Tiles Matter

When choosing shower room floor tiles, it’s not just about looks—it’s about safety. A slippery tile can pose serious risks, especially in a small, wet area like a shower where falls are more likely. Unlike the rest of your bathroom, shower zones face direct water flow, limited standing space, and often less traction underfoot.

Safety First – Slip & Drainage Concerns

Wet surfaces, soap, and poor drainage are a dangerous mix. If your shower base isn’t properly sloped—or if your tiles don’t offer enough grip—you’re increasing the risk of accidents. That’s why selecting non-slip shower floor tiles with a high slip rating is so important.

Tiles with a textured surface, such as anti-slip porcelain or structured ceramic, provide grip underfoot even when wet. Add grout lines (which improve traction), consider installing a grab bar, and ensure your shower base drains effectively to enhance overall safety.

These risks are far from hypothetical. According to U.S. emergency department data, around 81% of nonfatal bathroom injuries are caused by falls, with 17.3% occurring during bathing or showering. The shower or tub area is the most hazardous zone, with an injury rate of 65.8 per 100,000, nearly three times that of the toilet area.

For children specifically, research found that slips, trips, and falls accounted for the majority of bathtub and shower injuries — a staggering 81% of cases among those aged 18 and under. These findings underscore the importance of choosing non-slip tiles for all age groups.

TL;DR: Shower floor tiles need to do more than look good—they must offer safe footing and effective drainage to reduce the high risk of falls in wet areas.

Materials & Tile Options for Shower Floors

When selecting tiles for shower base applications, material and size matter more than you might think. Not all tiles are equally suitable for handling water, steam, and slopes. Some materials are more porous, some more prone to slipping, and some just aren’t cut out for wet zones at all. This section helps you understand what works—and why.

Porcelain vs Ceramic vs Natural Stone

Porcelain shower floor tiles are easily the top choice for wet areas. They’re denser, less porous, and more durable than ceramic, meaning they absorb less water and provide longer-lasting performance. That makes them ideal for showers, where water exposure is constant.

Ceramic floor tiles are generally more affordable and suitable for bathroom walls or low-traffic floors, but they can be too porous for safety-critical shower floors. Natural stone tiles (like marble or limestone) may offer unique texture and slip resistance—but they often need sealing and more upkeep, which makes them less practical in everyday homes.

For a deeper breakdown, check out our comparison: Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tiles: Which is the Better Option?

Tile Size & Format – Why Small Works Best

Small tiles—like 300×300mm or mosaic tiles—are perfect for shower floors. They conform better to the slope of the base, aiding drainage and creating more grout lines, which add slip resistance. For walk-in shower floor tiles and sloped trays, they’re the ideal choice.

Mosaic tiles in particular offer a practical and stylish solution. Their design flexibility means they’re suited to both modern and traditional bathrooms, while also delivering added safety. The only downside is the additional grout that needs to be maintained. But, if you’re exploring shower floor tile ideas, start small—literally.

Want more inspiration? Explore our guide: Mosaic Tiles for Bathrooms: Styles, Ideas, and Inspiration. And if you’re stuck on sizing, these two guides will help:

• Tile Size Guide: How to Know What Tile Size to Use
• Large vs. Small Bathroom Tiles: What Works Best for Your Space?

TL;DR: Porcelain is the best tile material for shower floors due to its low water absorption and toughness. Smaller tiles, such as 300×300mm tiles or mosaics, provide better grip and slope coverage—both key factors for safe and effective shower floor tiles.

Slip Resistance & Tile Ratings for Shower Floors

In any shower zone, water isn’t just a given—it’s a hazard without the right grip underfoot. That’s where non-slip shower floor tiles come in. Beyond looks and layout, slip resistance is what truly makes a shower floor tile safe. Here’s how to measure it and make an informed choice accordingly.

Understanding P Ratings for Shower Tiles

The P rating (Pendulum Test) measures a tile’s slip resistance in wet conditions. It’s the standard used for residential bathrooms in Australia. The scale ranges from P0 to P5, with P5 offering the highest slip resistance.

For shower floor tiles, we always recommend choosing P4 or P5 rated tiles. These provide sufficient grip to reduce the risk of slipping, even when the floor is wet and soapy.

At Ross’s, our range includes high-traction finishes, such as structured tiles and SmoothGrip tiles, which achieve a P4+ rating—making them ideal for wet zones where safety matters most. You can explore more about finishes in our Tile Finishes Guide and get more advice in our Non‑Slip Bathroom Floor Tiles guide.

Matching Rating to Usage

Not all showers are used the same. A busy family bathroom sees much more action than a guest ensuite used once a month. While the NCC does not legally require a P-rating for residential shower or bathroom floors, the industry standard under Standards Australia’s HB 198:2014 recommends a minimum P3 rating (wet pendulum slip test) for wet areas to reduce the risk of slipperiness, making P3 effectively the best-practice baseline for shower floors.

Here’s what we recommend based on real-world use:

• Walk-in showers and family-use bathrooms: Choose P4 or P5-rated tiles with a structured, textured, or SmoothGrip finish. These provide excellent slip resistance and are ideal if your household includes children, elderly family members, or heavy foot traffic.
• Guest or ensuite showers: P3 matte tiles may be suitable where use is occasional and conditions are well controlled — as long as there’s adequate fall to the drain and a properly installed waterproof membrane.

All tiles at Ross’s clearly display their P rating, making it easy to find slip-resistant bathroom floor tiles that meet both standards and your household’s needs. For more details on how tiles are classified for safety and durability, visit our Tile Ratings and Grades guide.

Layout & Installation Tips for Shower Floor Tiles

While picking the right shower floor tiles is crucial, laying shower floor tiles correctly is what ensures they stay safe, functional, and watertight. A poorly prepared slope or tile layout can lead to pooling, leaks, or unsightly tile cuts—none of which you want in a finished bathroom.

Waterproof Base & Slope Preparation

Before tiling begins, ensure the substrate is solid, graded correctly, and fully waterproofed. According to AS 3740:2021, shower bases with vertical separation (such as a screen, hob, or water stop) require a minimum 1:80 fall to the drain. For level-entry or hob-less showers, a shallower 1:100 fall may be accepted, depending on the design. Additionally, AS 3958.1 (Appendix D) recommends a fall between 1:80 and 1:100 for all wet area floor finishes to prevent water retention. Failing to prepare slopes accurately or performing DIY installations without care is a frequent cause of shower leaks and ponding.

At Ross’s, we always recommend confirming with your tiler that the membrane is cured and the slope is verified before laying shower floor tiles.

Tile Layout & Cut Planning Around Drains

When moving from shower pan to tile, your layout must follow the fall without distorting grout lines or ending up with tiny tile slivers near the drain.

• For a central floor waste, tiles should slope evenly from all sides. Mosaics or small 300×300 tiles help follow the contours neatly.
• For channel wastes, tiles are typically laid with a single directional slope.

Planning your layout includes aligning grout lines where possible, centring tiles around the drain, and pre-cutting pieces to suit the fall.

TL;DR: A proper slope (1:100–1:80), waterproofing membrane, and smart tile planning around the drain are the keys to a successful shower floor. Done right, laying shower floor tiles is a long-lasting investment in both safety and style.

Styling Shower Floor Tiles to Match Your Bathroom

Choosing the right shower floor tiles isn’t just about safety—it’s about tying the whole space together. Whether you’re working with a compact ensuite or a large family bathroom, a seamless look across wall and floor tiles can make the room feel more cohesive and calm. We’ll walk through practical ways to pair your shower room floor tiles with the rest of your space, while still meeting all the functional needs of a wet zone.

Coordinating with Wall & Floor Tiles

To create visual flow, many renovators use the same tile across the floor and walls—just in different formats or finishes. For instance, laying a 300×300mm or 600×600mm structured tile on the shower floor with a matching 300×600mm gloss version on the walls helps unify the room while maintaining slip resistance where needed.

If you’re after contrast, choose two tiles in similar tones—think a charcoal floor tile paired with a soft grey wall tile. Keeping them within the same colour family gives you visual interest without making the space feel too busy.

For more help matching finishes and colours, see our guide on How to Match Tiles in the Bathroom.

Finishes That Combine Grip & Style

Today’s shower tiles don’t just tick the safety box—they’re also on-trend. Finishes like matte, structured, and SmoothGrip can mimic the look of concrete, stone, or limestone, providing that raw, natural feel designers love. These textures not only provide the grip needed in wet areas, but they also bring warmth and realism to a space that might otherwise feel clinical.

If you’re looking for inspiration, our Paradigm and Magic Stone ranges are excellent choices. Both offer non-slip finishes for use in showers, while also providing an earthy, timeless look that complements almost any style—from modern minimalism to rustic retreats.

Want more inspiration? Check out the latest Bathroom Tile Trends and Bathroom Design Trends for Australian homes.

TL;DR: Creating design flow from your shower room floor tiles to the rest of your bathroom is easy with smart pairing. Use same-tile formats or complementary tones, and lean on natural-look finishes like matte or structured for safety and style in one.

Ross’s Shower Tile Range – Trusted Choices for Safety & Design

Looking for shower floor tiles in Perth? At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock hundreds of bathroom tiles in a wide range of styles, sizes, and slip-rated finishes—ready to go when you are. Whether you’re looking for tiles for a walk-in shower, a standard shower cubicle, or a family bathroom, we can help you choose floor tiles that meet safety ratings and suit your space.

We’re a trusted local tile supplier, recognised for our competitive prices, in-stock products, and honest advice. Visit our Guildford showroom or shop online 24/7 to find the right tile for your shower renovation—without the wait.

Conclusion

Choosing the right floor tiles for showers is more than a design decision—it’s about keeping your bathroom safe, dry, and functional for years to come. From selecting the best tile material (such as porcelain) to choosing slip-resistant finishes (P4 or higher), and understanding proper slope and layout, this guide covers everything you need to know.

At Ross’s, our wide range of in-stock, safety-rated tiles gives Perth renovators the confidence to build better bathrooms. Whatever the size or finish you’re after, you’ll find it here and in stock.

Drop into our Guildford showroom or browse our entire tile range online to start your bathroom upgrade the right way.