Tiles Melbourne Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Tiles for Any Room

Entering a room which has been beautifully tiled can make you feel an entirely different attitude about a room. It could be as simple as the coolness on your feet in the summer morning when you step on the porcelain floor or it can be as wholesome as the terracotta your kitchen floor sounds and how inviting it makes you feel. In case you are seeking tiles in Melbourne there are some really amazing ones available and I am here to guide you through the list.

We have been working years at Joshua Tiles to assist homeowners and designers to discover what they are looking to. The thing with the selection of tiles is that it is not only about picking something pretty. You have to consider in the long run, durability, service, the purpose of the room and how all this fits in with your overall design outlook.

A Guide to Your Tile Choices

I would like to begin by dissection of the key types of tiles you will be able to find when you go shopping of tiles Melbourne suppliers have to offer. Materials possess their characters and functionality.

Most likely, people think of ceramic tiles. And they are versatile, cheap, and exist in unlimited number of colors and patterns. The tiles are very appropriate in bathroom, kitchen, and living rooms. They are also resistant to stains, and relatively simple to clean since their surface is glazed and this is the reason why they have been so popular among the family homes.

Porcelain tiles are the harder version of ceramics. They are heavier and less permeable, and most importantly tough. Porcelain is usually the way to go in case you are tiling an outside space or in a high-traffic area. Of course they are more expensive that normal ceramic, but they will last decades and require minimum care.

Natural stone tiles are something special to every project. The character of marble, travertine, limestone, and slate is different. Stone tiles are not exactly the same and this makes your space a really one-of-a-kind. The trade-off here is that stone requires more attention and frequent sealing in order to maintain the appearance at its optimum.

Then there are the specialty options. Splashbacks and feature walls made of glass tiles make magnificent wall features owing to the light reflexion characteristics. Cement tiles are artistic and bold and give a real statement. Terracotta adds that Mediterranean coziness that will never be out of fashion.

Selection of Tiles to Various Rooms

People usually begin to tile their kitchen. In kitchen floors, you desire something that would be able to accommodate dropped pots, leaks of liquids, and constant human movement. Ceramic tiles made of high quality or porcelains are a great presence here. This is where you get to have a fun time as regards your splashback. You can be bold with patterned tiles, you can make one feature with subway tiles in an interesting pattern, or you can have it smooth with large-format porcelain.

Bathroom tiles must be able to provide moisture both daily and daily. In the case of a shower area, smaller sizes of tiles are, in fact, more effective since the additional grout line will give more foot hold. Porcelain is also the best kind of floor in the bathroom since it will not absorb the water. Wall tiles are also more decorative as they do not require to be as heavy-duty.

Residence places are all about the establishment of appropriate ambiance. Grout lines that you have to clean off can be minimized by using large-format tiles, which will make a room appear bigger. Timber-like porcelain tiles have gained tremendous popularity due to the fact that they provide the look of warm and natural appearance without the hassles of maintenance that real wood has.

The outdoor areas require the tiles which would resist the weather, which is variable in Melbourne. You require one that will have low rate of water absorption and a textured surface to be safe when wet. Porcelain pavers are also incredible with this and they are available in designs that replicate everything between natural rock and timber bucks.

Layout and Size Concerns

This is bigger than people thought that tile size can make a difference. Big tiles, e.g. 600x600mm or larger, will give a sleek, modern appearance with a reduced number of grout lines. They fit well in the modern minimalistic environment and in fact can make small rooms appear bigger. The disadvantage is that they need a very flat surface on which to install and might prove to be rather more difficult to manage.

The most versatile are standard tiles with a size of 300x300mm to 400x400mm. They are less difficult to maneuver around the barriers and can be used in rooms of all sizes.  Tiles Melbourne projects tend to be characterized with such middle-sized ones as they are aesthetically and practically balanced.

Tiles and mosaics can be made in smaller sizes to allow you to form curves and patterns and also make detailed designs which the bigger tiles are not able to bring about. They are bright on the shower floors, on feature walls and in giving visual interest to otherwise dull areas.

The pattern of layout that you use influences the whole atmosphere of a room. Straight lay is traditional and old fashioned. The diagonal patterns provide motion and enlarge spaces. Herringbone and chevron are sophisticated and interesting. The imperfections are covered more in brick bond or offset patterns than in grid layouts.

Color and Finish Selection

Mood The choice of colors defines the mood of your whole space. Whites, creams, and light greys are light colors that make the rooms appear open and airy. They capture the light of nature and give it a fresh clean look that does not go out of fashion. The lighter palettes are common in the Melbourne coastal look.

Beige, taupe and soft grey mid-tone colours are warm and do not dominate a room. They are also tolerant towards displaying dirt and work well on high traffic places.

Drama and sophistication is brought about by dark tiles. Dark greys, charcoals and blacks are very beautiful but need to be cleaned more often to maintain their appearance. Water marks and dust are more visible on dark surfaces.

As far as finish is concerned, there are lots of choices in mind. Glossy surface on polished tiles makes the tiles look luxurious. They can be used on low traffic walls and areas but are not very good when wet. Matte finishes are useful, contemporary and conceal flaws as well as offer enhanced slip resistance. Outdoor areas and shower floors are to be provided with grip with the help of textured finishes that introduce a natural and organic touch to the space.

Practical Considerations

We should discuss slip resistance since the question of safety is important. There is a P-rating system of tiles. P3 can be used in wet places such as bathrooms. P4 works for most indoor areas. P5 is what you need business premises or outdoor locations in Melbourne where rain can cause surfaces to be dangerous.

There is a vast difference in maintenance needs of tiles. We never fail to advise the customers to consider their lifestyle at Joshua Tiles. Do you have kids and pets? Do you love to clean or do you prefer doing something more on your weekends? Glazed ceramic and porcelain only require frequent sweeping and mopping once in a while. Natural stone needs to be sealed on a yearly or semi-annual basis and certain cleaning materials. Rough tiles would be more favorable to clean since they hold more dirt in their crevices.

The budget should consider not just the tiles. You will require adhesive, grout, spacers and trim pieces. The cost of professional installation will be different based on the complexity of the task. A plain flooring with huge tiles is cheaper to lay as compared to an elaborate mosaic design. Remember to add an additional ten percent in terms of cut and breakages.

Australia Melbourne Trending Styles

The design scene in Melbourne determines what individuals prefer in their houses. Currently, there is a high demand in timber-look tiles which mimic the look of wood but has the longevity of porcelain. They are also ideal to suit the climate of Melbourne where the real timber would not cope in terms of the changes in moisture.

Large scale tiles are still gaining popularity. These produce that hotel-like ambiance that make the spaces more luxurious. We are talking about 1200x600mm and larger tiles.

Terrazzo has resurged tremendously. Be it original terrazzo or porcelain tiles with the look of that speckled look, it is really the childish and artistic feel that people love. It is very well suited to contemporary and retro interiors.

The aesthetics of the natural stone are eternal. With porcelain tiles that imitate rock, even then, that natural, grounded sense is related with the nature of our own indoors. Tiles that resemble marble especially are elegant without necessarily being costly to maintain like actual marble.

Working with Joshua Tiles

When you are picking tiles Melbourne wide, you have a lot of choices but that can be overwhelming. We think that there should be time to know what you are attempting to accomplish at Joshua Tiles. Bring in images of spaces that you like, paint samples, colors of your cabinets, whatever will assist us in visualizing your vision.

We want individuals to bring samples home. The tiles will not be similar in the natural light of your house like in the showrooms. Live with them for a few days. Compare them with your current fixtures. Compare their appearance in daytime and in the evening.

Don't rush the decision. The investment in tiles is long term. You will be staring at them years decades maybe. It is better to spend an additional time and ensure that you are entirely satisfied with your decision.

Look at the big picture as well. How does the flow of your tiles go through the rooms? Everything does not have to match, but there must be some unity. Perhaps it is the use of a uniform color scheme or the reuse of the same size of tile in your house.

Installation Tips

The installation process is discussed even when you are getting professionals to do it. Preparation of the surface is very important. The substrate must be clean, flat and stable. Any upward or downward motion will ultimately lead to issues of your tiles.

Wet areas do not need to be waterproofed right. This is particularly so in the Melbourne homes where we go through heat waves, to the cold rainy winters. Cost-cutting on the waterproofing will cost big in the future.

The color of the grout is more important than one thinks. A combination of tile color and grout makes a perfect appearance. Grout contrasting tile pattern brings more emphasis to the tile pattern. Grout on high traffic surfaces is light, and hence the dirt is easily apparent. Black grout is capable of making an area busier.

Provide sufficient drying periods in between installation phases. Hurrying the curing time causes issues such as cracks on the tiles or grout failure to solidify. Your installer is expected to be aware of the correct timings but it is always good to know that the installation of tiles is not a one-day task.

Making Your Final Decision

Once all these have been put into consideration, trust to yourself. You have done the research and thought of practicality and considered your budget. That is now down to what you are delighted with when you see it.

It is important to remember that tiles are very tough. Tiles are a big commitment unlike paint which you can alter comparatively easily. Do not do something that is trendy at the moment, but something that you really love.

We have worked on many successful projects, in Melbourne alone, at Joshua Tiles and the projects that have worked best have always been the ones where the house owner was confident and excited about his or her decisions. We come to show you the technical side of things and avoid the pitfalls that other people tend to fall into, however, you are the one who is familiar with your space and your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?

The porcelain tiles are less porous and denser than the ceramic tiles as they are fired at a higher temperature. This renders porcelain more durable, water resistant and can be used outside. Ceramic tiles are less heavy and are simpler to cut and are in most cases cheaper. Most of the indoor activities do not offer a significant difference, although porcelain is more appropriate in an environment that is subject to moisture or heavy traffic.

What size tiles should I have in my room?

The size of the rooms certainly plays a role, however, not the sole one. Most often, larger tiles are suitable in larger areas and may help to make the small rooms seem bigger by minimizing grout lines. But extremely large tiles in the small bathrooms will be clumsy and will involve a lot of cutting. The rule of thumb is that the size of your tile must be no bigger than one-third the size of the smallest part of your room.

Are tiles appropriate in the climate of Melbourne?

Absolutely. In fact, tiles can be used during the changing weather in Melbourne. They cope with temperature variations, do not swell or shrink as timber and are not influenced by humidity. In the case of outdoor areas, all you have to do is to select frost-resistant tiles with a low rate of water absorption. Porcelain pavements are especially suitable in Melbourne.

How much will the tile a room cost me?

This differs greatly according to the type of tiles and the complexity of installation. Basic ceramic tiles may cost between forty and eighty dollars per square meter as a guideline and top-notch porcelain or natural stone may cost between one hundred and three hundred or more dollars per square meter. Installation normally involves an addition of fifty to a hundred dollars per square meter, and in more complicated patterns or tricky locations, even more.

Am I capable of laying tiles or ought I pay someone?

Simple tile installation such as a simple kitchen splashback can be a DIY project as long as you are skilled and willing to learn. Nevertheless, floor tiles, large format tiles, complex patterns, and wet areas are areas that are actually professional to be installed. Improper installation gives out cracked tiles, water leaks and protruded surfaces. To the majority of projects, more particularly those that require effective waterproofing like in Melbourne, the cost of having a professional tiler will save money in the long-term.

What is the expected duration of the tiles?

When well installed, quality tiles can last a period of fifty years and more. Grout may require refreshing within a period of ten to fifteen years in busy places and natural stones may require resealing after every couple of years but the tiles themselves are extremely durable. This is one of the reasons why tiles are a great investment in your home.

What is the most suitable tile in a shower floor?

In actual sense, smaller tiles are superior to use on the shower floors as they contain more grout lines, which are more slip-resistant. Popular tiles in the 50x50mm collection are in mosaic form. Ensure that what you purchase has a decent slip resistance with preferably a P4 or P5 rating. Slips are also avoided by use of textured finishes. And do bear in mind that it is vital to have good waterproofing under the tiles in shower rooms.

Do I need to seal my tiles?

It depends on the tile type. Tiles made of glazed ceramic and porcelain do not require a seal as the glaze serves to shield the surface. Sealing is certainly needed to prevent stain and moisture on natural stone tiles such as marble, travertine, and slate. Sealing even some cement tiles is needed. Any tile installation can have its grout lines sealed to help in avoiding staining and easy cleaning.

The selection of the appropriate tiles Melbourne homes is not necessarily a stressful one. When you have the right information and advice of seasoned suppliers such as Joshua Tiles, you will find an alternative that will suit your tastes or demands and will remain lovely in decades to come. Be patient, enquire and have fun at creating the spaces that you will be happy to reside in.