The Home Renovator's Ultimate Guide to Tiling

Renovating your home is an exciting (and sometimes intimidating) journey — you get to start from scratch with a blank canvas, using your creativity and personal style to bring your vision to life. At the heart of every renovation lies the big choice of what tiles to pick – with so many options on offer, finding the right balance of function and aesthetics is no mean feat. Whether you’re a reno rookie, qualified tradie or design guru, selecting tiles for your project can be both thrilling and overwhelming. That's where TileCloud comes to your rescue — we’re your trusted companion in this expedition of design.

This article will show you how our team can help you find your perfect tile match for a home renovation project. From advice for beginners through to maintenance tips, here’s the renovator’s ultimate guide to tiling.  

The TileCloud difference

So why choose TileCloud for your home renovation? Put simply, we believe that anyone has the power to be a renovator. You know what you want, you know what you like and you’re perfectly capable of creating the space of your dreams — we’re just here to provide the tiles (and support). As an Australian business founded by real-life renovators, we created a resource that we wished we had — an easy, fun and inspiring way to source quality tiles and try before you buy.

Modern Australian Sample Pack

We also understand that while trends have their place, timelessness will always win the day. Our selection of tiles has been curated to go the distance in terms of both quality and style, so the hardest part of the process will be choosing between all of your favourites. This all killer, no filler approach also gives us the capacity to focus on our next-level customer service and advice. You’re not just buying tiles online — you’re getting the same trusted tips you could expect from your handiest friend (who also has really great taste). 

Tiles: a cost-effective home renovation solution

Unless you’re very lucky, we know that a home reno often comes with a tight budget attached. Every dollar counts when you’re planning your dream home — but that doesn’t mean you have to cut corners with your tile selection. If you go into your renovation armed with a strategy based on the appropriate research, you don’t have to break the bank! Here are some of our top tips for budgeting with tiles:

• Plan and measure accurately to avoid over-buying
• Get quality tile samples so you can try before you buy
• Make sure your budget and wishlist are aligned
• When in doubt, go for a classic look
• Know your DIY limits (because fixing mistakes can be costly)

These are just a few pieces of advice for managing your money while planning your reno. You can dive deeper into the subject of luxury on a budget with our article on wallet-friendly tiling solutions for home renovators. 

Popular tile types for home renovators

There are so many different types of tiles out there that it can be tricky to decide which direction you want to go in. We’ve broken down some of the most popular tile types for home renovators, so you can make a decision based on your needs and preferences. 

Ceramic tiles

They’re the heroes of the tiling world — as an affordable, durable and versatile option, it’s no wonder that ceramic tiles are so popular. At TileCloud, we offer a huge variety of ceramic tiles — whatever size, shape, colour or style you can imagine, you’re bound to find it here. Whether you want to create the illusion of more space, add a little more brightness or just add some interest to a room, we have a ceramic tile to suit. 

Porcelain tiles

Another popular choice for homes due to their serious durability, porcelain tiles have remained an enduring classic for renovations. Like ceramics, they can be fashioned into endless shapes, sizes, colours and finishes. Porcelain’s low moisture absorption rate and high density make it perfect for wetter, messier areas of your home (think kitchens and bathrooms) as well as areas that see a lot of action (like a living room or hallway).

Stone-look tiles

Stone-look tiles have all the benefits of natural stone — minus the price tag and maintenance requirements. One of the key advantages of our stone-look tiles for home renovators is their versatility. Designed to mimic patterns found in nature, these beauties can work with all manner of aesthetics, from classic to contemporary. Their neutrality also means they can blend easily with different colour schemes and decor choices.

Byron Travertine Look Grey Matte and Coogee Antique Forrest Green Kit Kat Mosaic Tile

Still not sure which material is right for you? Check out our comparison of ceramic and porcelain tiles for more in-depth information.

Benefits of making the right tile choice

From aesthetics to functionality, opting to use tiles in your home renovation can yield a range of benefits you might not have even thought about! If you’re not sold on the idea of tiles yet, these extra advantages might just sway you.

Enhanced aesthetics

The tiles you choose play a significant role in defining the overall look and feel of a room. The right tile choice can elevate the visual appeal of your space, creating a cohesive and inviting ambience. 

Increased property value

High-quality and well-designed tiles can add significant value to your property. Potential buyers and appraisers often view tile selections as indicators of a well-maintained and stylish home.

Image by Costpark Creative featuring Adore Green Arch Tiles

Durability and longevity

Choosing durable and resilient tiles, such as porcelain or ceramic, ensures that your investment will withstand the test of time. These tiles are less prone to wear, fading and damage, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Allergy-friendly

Opting for floor tiles instead of carpet for your living area is a wise choice for your wellbeing. Tiles are hypoallergenic and inhospitable to dust mites, pet dander and other allergens. This means you reap the benefits of a healthier indoor environment, especially if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.

Read more about this in our benefits of using tiles for home flooring blog article.

Current tile trends in home renovation

If you’re a bit stuck for tiling inspiration, it can be useful to look at trending ideas in the interior decorating sphere. Here are some current tile trends for home renovations to help you ignite that creative spark!

Natural and organic textures

Tiles that mimic natural materials, such as stone and concrete, are gaining popularity. These tiles offer the aesthetic appeal of natural textures while providing the durability and easy maintenance of tile. Marble-inspired ceramics and concrete-look tiles are both good examples of this trend.

Bold geometric patterns

Geometric patterns are making a strong comeback in interior design. Tiles with intricate geometric patterns and bold shapes can add visual interest and a dynamic element to a room. These patterns can be used as feature walls, backsplashes or even on floors to create a modern and unique focal point.

Subway tiles with a twist

While subway tiles have been a classic choice for years, there's a trend toward adding a twist to this timeless look. Homeowners are experimenting with variations in size, colour and layout to give subway tiles a fresh and contemporary vibe. Herringbone patterns, coloured grout and larger format subway tiles are some creative ways to reinterpret this style.

Newport Gloss Subway Sage Green Tile

Terrazzo revival

Good news for those who love something a bit different — terrazzo-style tiles are experiencing a resurgence. This trend offers a playful mix of colours and textures, making it a versatile choice for a variety of spaces. Terrazzo tiles can be used for flooring, countertops and even backsplashes to add a touch of retro elegance to modern interiors.

These trends showcase a blend of traditional influences and modern interpretations, providing you with a range of options to create unique and engaging spaces. Remember that while trends can provide inspiration, it's important to choose tiles that align with your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your home. 

Ensuring longevity: tile maintenance and care tips

Want to make sure your tiles look stunning and last for as long as possible? It’s vital to take good care of them. Here are our top tile maintenance tips to ensure your tiles stay beautiful and functional:

Regular cleaning

It’s not the most glamorous tip, but it is the most important one! Establish a routine for regular cleaning to prevent dirt and grime buildup. Sweep, vacuum or mop all your tiled areas regularly to remove dust and debris. Use a soft mop or cloth to avoid scratching the surface.

Avoid harsh cleaners

Choose mild, pH-neutral cleaners that are specifically designed for tiles. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish and colour of your tiles over time. Always test a small, inconspicuous area before using a new cleaner.

Grout maintenance

Grout can accumulate dirt and stains, so it’s important not to neglect it in your cleaning routine. Regularly clean grout lines with a grout brush and a mild grout cleaner. Hot tip: sealing the grout lines can help prevent stains and make cleaning easier.

Stain prevention

Wipe up spills as quickly as possible to prevent stains, especially on porous tiles like natural stone. Use absorbent materials like paper towels or cloths to blot liquids rather than rubbing. Hot tip: stone-look tiles are a fantastic low-maintenance alternative to natural stone thanks to their non-porous surface. 

Protective measures

Use mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to help keep wear and scratches at bay. Pop mats at your entrances to minimise dirt and debris being tracked onto tiles. Also remember that tiles can chip or crack if you drop heavy objects on them — so be careful when moving furniture or other bulky items. 

Ventilation

Proper ventilation in areas like bathrooms and kitchens can help prevent moisture-related issues like mould and mildew, which can damage tiles and grout.

Avoid high heat

While most tiles can withstand heat, sudden extreme temperature changes can cause tiles to crack. Use trivets or cutting boards under hot cookware to protect any benchtop tiles.

FAQs about tiling for home renovations

Can I get samples of tiles to see how they look in my home?

You bet! That’s a huge part of what we do at TileCloud — we believe that seeing your desired tiles in situ can help take the stress out of committing to a full order that might not be your style. Check out our tile samples page for more information.

Where do your tiles ship from?

TileCloud HQ is based in Sydney, Australia. All tiles ship from our warehouse in New South Wales.

I don’t know where to start when choosing tiles for my home renovation. Can you help me?

Of course we can! If you’re still stuck on a vibe, you can take advantage of our free design appointments either in-store or online — we’ll go through any inspo and moodboards to guide you in the right direction for tile selection.

How do I choose my grout and silicone colour for my tiles?

Fear not — we’ve already thought of this. All of the tile product descriptions on our website have matching grout recommendations that have been chosen by our expert interior design team. We’ve also created videos to help you through the process — take a look at "Choosing Grout - 7 Steps to Tile Perfection" by our team. If you’ve got a design appointment booked, our interior designer can help you out with all things grout — they’ve got the expertise to guide you to your perfect match.

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Trust the home renovation tiling experts

No matter where you’re at in your home renovation, TileCloud is here to help. We’ve been in your shoes (many times) before, and helped people just like you to turn even the most ambitious visions into reality. Our focus is on creating a fun, exciting and easy-to-navigate process for your tiling journey, which is why we offer extra services like design appointments and sample packs. For even more ideas, you can take our free style quiz — just answer a few easy questions and we’ll help you pin down your aesthetic.

We can’t wait to help you create your dream space! To get the ball rolling, browse our selection of tiles online, call (02) 9557 6785 or send an email to sales@tilecloud.com.au.