Stone, glass, ceramic and more tile types explained – plus where to use them in your house
Tiles tie a room together. They’re durable, versatile, and perfect for Perth’s warm climate, plus they come in an almost endless range of styles, sizes and colours.
Here in Perth, you’ll generally find tiles made from 6 types of material. Each has unique properties and advantages. So, how do you know when to use stone-look tiles and when to choose ceramic? Let’s dive into the different tile types.
1. Porcelain tile
Porcelain looks refined and delicate but is actually incredibly hardy and virtually waterproof. A centuries-old style of ceramic tile originating in China, porcelain is produced using fine clay, fired at high temperatures.
The result is a hard, dense tile perfect for:
- Feature flooring
- Bathroom tiles
- Kitchen splashbacks or entire kitchen walls
- Fireplaces
- Outdoor terraces
Porcelain tiles can be glazed or unglazed (matt) depending on your preference. One of the most popular styles in Perth is concrete-look tiles made from porcelain.
2. Ceramic tile
Pick a room in the house, and you can find a place for ceramic tiles. Those famous subway tiles that have been trending for years? Ceramic. The splashback you’ve saved to your “Kitchen Inspiration” Pinterest board? Ceramic.
While not quite as hardy as porcelain, traditional ceramic tiles suit decorative applications like accented splashbacks and bar walls through to hardier uses like shower floors and laundries.
3. Glass tile
Although the mosaic method goes back some 4,000 years to Mesopotamia, glass tiles give the artistic style a modern update. Glass tiles are made by attaching thin pieces of glass to a tile (usually ceramic tile). Then, a translucent glaze is applied over the top, resulting in a sheen after firing.
You’re probably most familiar with small glass tiles arranged in a mosaic. Glass tile mosaics make fantastic accents in kitchen splashbacks, bar walls and showers.
4. Marble tile
Marble is not just used by Italian sculptors. A type of natural stone quarried around the world, marble is a favourite among the stone look tiles available in Perth. Marble is hardwearing, stays cool in summer and adds elegance to any room, especially large marble tiles in large rooms.
Many alternative stone-look tiles do an excellent job emulating natural ‘marbling’ (the colourful veins running through the stone). They may not be marble, but they can be a budget-friendly renovation alternative.
5. Granite tile
Another natural stone quarried in large slabs, granite is harder than marble, featuring unique flecks that give a charming character.
Granite makes an enviable kitchen benchtop. But the natural stone works even better as:
- Entry floor tiles
- Outdoor paving (unpolished granite)
- Wall cladding
- Wet area flooring
- Kitchen flooring
Granite is nearly waterproof, incredibly resistant to chips and cracks, and less porous than other stones, making it one of the most hygienic stone-look tiles.
6. Other natural stone tiles in Perth
Marble and granite are only two of many stone look tiles available in Perth. Western Australia abounds with limestone, sandstone and quartz, which have all been used as stone tiles for centuries.
Stone tiles add a rugged (yet refined) accent to bathroom walls or work as durable and slip-resistant flooring in outdoor areas. Limestone around the pool edge is a Perth classic.
Where to find your favourite tiles in Perth
But before you get too far down the tile aisle, choosing colours that complement your towels or kitchen décor, check that your tile is made of the right stuff.
You can browse our extensive tile ranges online, including concrete-look tiles, natural stone, glass mosaic and much more. Or contact the Tile Clearance Outlet team directly for advice, sales and support.
