Materials, Finishes & Slip Ratings Explained
Choosing the right tile involves more than selecting a colour or pattern - it’s about understanding the material, finish, and slip rating that best suit your space. These three factors affect how a surface looks, feels, and performs.
Whether you’re renovating a home or specifying for a large-scale project, this guide explains what each term means and where they’re best used.
Tile Materials
Tile materials refer to the base composition of the tile - what it’s made from and how it’s manufactured. Each material offers different benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, cost, and appearance.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are dense, durable, and resistant to moisture, stains, and wear. They’re suitable for both residential and commercial spaces, indoors and outdoors.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor living, and high-traffic
areas.
Benefits: Hardwearing, water-resistant, low maintenance, and
consistent in finish.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are crafted from natural clay and fired at lower temperatures than porcelain. They’re lighter, easier to cut, and often used for walls or low-traffic areas.
Best for: Indoor walls, splashbacks, and light-traffic floors.
Benefits: Lightweight, cost-effective, and available in decorative designs.
Natural Stone
Each natural stone tile is unique, offering variation in tone and texture that adds character and depth. Options like marble, travertine, and limestone bring warmth and luxury to a space. Regular sealing and maintenance help preserve their beauty.
Best for: Luxury bathrooms, feature floors, and architectural interiors.
Benefits: Natural variation, timeless appeal, premium finish.
Laminated Natural Stone (Porcelain-Backed)
Laminated stone combines
a thin layer of real stone with a porcelain base. This achieves the authenticity of natural stone with added strength, stability, and ease of installation - ideal for large-format designs or commercial builds.
Best for: Feature walls, large panels, and commercial interiors.
Benefits: Real stone surface, lightweight, strong, and easy to handle.
Tile Finishes
A tile’s finish affects its texture, reflectivity, and feel - influencing both the appearance and practicality of the surface. Choosing the right finish depends on where the tile will be used and the look you want to achieve.
Soft Honed
Soft honed tiles have a smooth, velvety surface with a subtle sheen. They feel refined and tactile without being glossy.
Best for: Bathrooms, living areas, and feature walls.
Benefits: Elegant appearance, smooth touch, low maintenance.
Honed
A honed finish offers a
satin-like surface that’s smooth and flat but not reflective. It strikes a
balance between gloss and matt.
Best for: Internal floors and walls. (Check slip rating for suitability)
Benefits: Modern, easy to clean, and soft in appearance.
External / Non-Slip
These tiles are specifically designed for areas exposed to water or outdoor conditions, providing extra traction and durability.
Best for: Pool surrounds, walkways, and commercial entrances.
Benefits: High slip resistance, long-lasting, and weatherproof.
Gloss
Gloss tiles have a reflective, light-catching surface that can make smaller spaces feel brighter and larger.
Best for: Walls and splashbacks.
Benefits: Brightens spaces, easy to wipe clean, adds visual depth.
Matt
Matt tiles offer a soft, non-reflective finish that feels natural and understated. They’re ideal for contemporary interiors.
Best for: Floors and walls in homes and commercial spaces.
Benefits: Subtle look, good traction, and hides marks or water spots.
3D Honed
3D honed tiles feature
gentle textural depth, highlighting the natural variations within the material.
This adds visual interest and dimension.
Best for: Feature walls and architectural surfaces.
Benefits: Adds texture and tactility, enhances material character.
Slip Ratings
A slip rating measures how much traction a tile provides underfoot, especially when wet. It helps ensure safety and compliance in both residential and commercial spaces.
Slip resistance is tested and classified as P2, P3, P4, or P5 - the higher the rating, the more
slip-resistant the surface.
Some tiles include dual ratings such as P3 (Dry) / P4 (Wet) - meaning they offer greater slip resistance when wet, making them ideal for spaces that transition between indoors and outdoors.
Indoor, dry areas. Suitable for bedrooms and living rooms; not for wet areas. |
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General internal floors. Common in kitchens and bathrooms with moderate slip resistance. |
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Outdoor and wet zones. Great for outdoor entertaining areas, bathrooms, and light commercial use. |
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High-risk or commercial areas. Maximum slip resistance for pool surrounds, ramps, and public spaces. |
How to Choose the Right Combination
- Kitchens & Living Areas: Porcelain or laminated stone, honed or matt finish, P3–P4 slip rating.
- Bathrooms: Porcelain or natural stone, soft honed or in/out finish, P3–P4 slip rating.
- Outdoors: Porcelain or natural stone, non-slip or in/out finish, P4–P5 slip rating.
- Commercial Projects: High-durability porcelain, natural or laminated stone, appropriate slip rating for traffic level.
For guidance on the best combination of material, finish, and slip rating for your project, our team is here to help.