Smart Tiling: Avoiding Common Reno Mistakes

Tiles might seem like a small piece of the renovation puzzle, but when they’re done right, they can completely transform a space. And when they’re not quite right, you may notice they feel just a little off every time you walk into the room. The good news is these common tiling mistakes are easy to sidestep when you know what to look out for.

Whether you're planning your dream bathroom or refreshing the kitchen or laundry splashback, this guide walks you through a few simple tile tips that will save you time, stress and second guesses later.

1. Choosing Style Over Function

We’re all for a beautiful tile moment. But in some rooms, function needs to lead the way. That gloss tile might look great on your Pinterest board, but if it turns your bathroom into a slip hazard, it’s not worth the risk.

Look for high-slip-rated tiles (P3-P4 or above) in wet zones like the main or family bathroom. In the kitchen, choose durable porcelain tiles that can handle splashes, sauces and spills. Porcelain also wins points for longevity and low maintenance. It can be a more sustainable choice long term. Learn how to make thoughtful, planet-friendly tile choices here.

2. Not Ordering Enough Tiles

This one’s a heartbreaker. You’ve found the perfect tile, the install has started... and you run out. Ordering more sounds simple, but even a small batch difference can throw off your whole look.

Always add 10 to 15% extra to your order. It covers cuts, breakages and future fixes, and helps keep your design consistent throughout. Use this guide to help calculate exactly how many tiles you’ll need.

3. Ignoring Grout Colour and Thickness

Grout might seem like a small decision, but it has a big impact. The colour and width you choose can either support or distract from your tile design.

Want a seamless look? Choose a grout colour that closely matches your tile. Want to make a statement? A contrasting grout will highlight pattern and shape. Don’t forget grout thickness. Rectified tiles suit 1.5 to 2mm spacing, while cushion-edged tiles need around 3mm or more. This grout size explainer can help you decide.

4. Picking the Wrong Tile Size for the Room

Tiles can completely change how a room feels. Too big in a small space can overwhelm. Too small in a large room can feel busy.

Larger format tiles help smaller spaces feel more open, while mosaic or smaller tiles add detail where you want visual interest. If you're unsure, check out our tile size guide to find the best fit for your space.

5. Skipping Professional Advice

We love a confident DIYer, but tiling involves more than meets the eye. A layout that looks simple to the eye will most likely need exact spacing and cuts to get right in real life.

Before you get started, have a chat with your tiler or book in with our design team. We can talk you through layout options, edging trims, even grout colour matching. For a bit of pre-read, here are 10 common renovation mistakes to avoid so you can head into your project fully prepared.

Getting these things sorted early means one less thing to stress about later. When your tiles are spot on, everything else falls into place. And if you’re still sorting through all the advice out there, this blog busts a few renovation myths that might be lingering on your feed.