Timeless tiles for every surface

The Ups and Downs of a tiled space, and how to make the most of this classic floor treatment.

Tiles – they need no introduction, hey?  

From flagstones as castle floors, to marble slabs in byzantine palaces and intricate ancient mosaics in Roman Villa’s, tiles are among the most popular and versatile surface coverings humanity has ever set our feet upon. A thousand years later and we still love them. But how can you reimagine this building material and make the most of them in your space?

When choosing tiles, two of the most common options are ceramic and porcelain, and here’s a breakdown of their differences:

Material and Manufacturing Process

• Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of natural clays, sand, and water, then kiln-fired at lower temperatures. This process results in a softer, more porous tile.
• Porcelain tiles are also made from clay, but a more refined and purified version. They are fired at higher temperatures, making them denser, harder, and more water-resistant than ceramic.

Applications

• Ceramic tiles are best suited for indoor applications where heavy moisture and traffic aren’t constant—such as walls, backsplashes, and low-traffic floors.
• Porcelain tiles can be used indoors and outdoors, on floors, walls, countertops, patios, and high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Appearance

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of styles, finishes, and colours. However:

• Ceramic tiles tend to have a glazed top layer and are available in vibrant colours and patterns, though the colour doesn’t run through the entire tile.
• Porcelain tiles can be glazed or unglazed and often mimic natural stone or wood convincingly.

Take Note: Full-bodied porcelain has colour throughout the tile, making chips less noticeable.

Cost

• Ceramic tiles are generally more affordable, both in terms of material and installation cost.
• Porcelain tiles, due to their durability and density, tend to be more expensive to buy and harder to cut, raising installation costs.

Beyond Floors: Where Else Can Tiles Go?

Tiles aren’t just for flooring. Other applications include:

• Kitchen backsplashes: Easy to clean and resistant to stains and grease
• Bathroom walls and showers: Porcelain works especially well in wet areas.
• Fireplace surrounds: Heat-resistant and stylish.
• Accent walls: Textured or patterned tiles add depth and character.
• Outdoor patios and stair risers: Porcelain’s water resistance makes it ideal here.

Top tip: We particularly like the idea of using the right kind of tile as an alternative to marble or composite countertops for kitchen workspaces…

Tiles, when done right, are absolutely timeless.

Tiles, particularly in neutral colours or natural stone looks, are timeless. While specific patterns (like Moroccan or terrazzo) may come and go in popularity, classic designs and colours ensure tiles never go out of style.

Timelessness that comes with longevity

With proper installation and care, porcelain tiles can last 50+ years, and ceramic tiles can last 20–40 years.

Take Note: Grout, however, may need to be refreshed every 10–15 years depending on wear and maintenance.

Get it right and you’re set for a very long time.

When laying tiles, avoid these common mistakes to make the most of your tiles.

• Incorrect surface preparation: Poor adhesion and uneven tiles result from unlevel substrates. Prepare the substrate to avoid future issues and ensure a level tiled surface.
• Using the wrong adhesive or grout: Not using waterproof or flexible grout in wet areas leads to cracks and moisture issues.
• Bad layout planning: If you skip dry-laying the tiles first, it can lead to awkward cuts or patterns that don’t align.
• Not accounting for expansion gaps: Tiles are durable but will react to heat and cold or ambient moisture levels This can lead to tiles cracking or buckling over time.
• Uneven spacing and levelling: Results in a crooked, amateur look.

DIY or Get-a-Guy?

DIY tiling is feasible for small, straightforward projects, like a backsplash, especially with the availability of peel-and-stick or click-lock options.

However, for floors, wet areas, large format or heavy tiles and outdoor tiling it is highly recommended to hire a professional. Mistakes can be costly to fix, and poor installation affects durability and enjoyment.

Pick the right tile for your lifestyle:

• Low maintenance tiles: Glazed porcelain and ceramic. These resist stains, need minimal sealing, and are easy to clean.
• High maintenance tiles: Natural stone (like travertine, marble, or slate) and unglazed terracotta. These require regular sealing and specific cleaning agents.

Cleaning and preserving your tiles.

For everyday/routine cleaning: Use a pH-neutral tile cleaner or mild detergent with a soft mop or cloth. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners.

Top tip: Avoid harsh scrubbing: Especially with glazed finishes, which can dull over time.

Get the grout right

Grout can make or break the look of your tiled surface. Match the tile for a seamless, modern look or contrast the tile to highlight pattern or layout (e.g., white tiles with black grout).

Consider dirt: Mid-tone grout colours (like grey or taupe) hide stains better than bright white.

A rule of thumb: for a subtle effect, stay within two shades of the tile colour.

Take Note: Grout maintenance: Clean with a baking soda and vinegar paste or a specialised grout cleaner. Seal grout annually in wet areas.

So what now?

Choosing between ceramic and porcelain tiles depends on your budget, application, and aesthetic goals. When installed correctly and maintained well, tiled surfaces can last decades, offering timeless style and easy maintenance—especially when paired with the right grout and layout. Whether you DIY a feature wall or hire a pro for a full-home floor job, understanding your options upfront ensures a beautiful, lasting result.

Want to know even more?

Educate yourself: The difference between indoor and outdoor tiles.

This comes down to understanding how the tiles will be used, what environmental conditions they must withstand, and how they need to perform in terms of safety, durability, and appearance.

• Indoor tiles are designed for lighter wear, while outdoor tiles are thicker, denser, and therefore more impact-resistant
• Indoor tiles have a moderate to high water resistance but no real frost resistance, while outdoor tiles are highly resistant to water and frost.
• Indoor tiles have generally smooth surfaces (may be slippery), not meant for rain or dew or splashed pool/hot tub water. Outdoor tiles on the other hand are textured or matte to reduce slipping
• Indoor tiles are not necessarily UV resistant, while outdoor tiles are usually treated to be UV resistant/

How to Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Tiles

Where Are You Installing the Tile?

• Indoors (bathroom, kitchen, living room):

Porcelain, ceramic, or vinyl tiles work well. Glossy or polished finishes are fine in low-traffic, dry areas.

• Outdoors (patio, walkway, poolside):

Use porcelain, natural stone, or textured outdoor-specific tiles, that must be non-slip and resistant to rain, sun, and temperature changes.

Top Tip: Consider the Climate. South African outdoor environments (e.g., Highveld summers and frosty winters) need tiles rated for weather extremes.

Go with the flow.

If your indoor space flows into an outdoor one (like a patio or entertainment area), choose coordinated tile ranges (many manufacturers offer indoor/outdoor versions of the same tile) If that isn’t an option, opt for similar tones or textures to maintain design flow, but with appropriate performance specifications.

Take note: indoor and outdoor tiles are not interchangeable.

Polished ceramic or glossy indoor porcelain will become dangerously slippery when wet and may crack in changing temperatures, while using overly rough outdoor tiles indoors: These can be uncomfortable underfoot and difficult to clean.

Pro Tip: If in doubt, look for tiles specifically marked for outdoor use or rated with an R-value (slip resistance rating).

• R9–R10: Low slip resistance (good for indoors)
• R11–R13: Higher slip resistance (suitable for wet outdoor spaces)

Get Slip Resistant savvy

What’s the bottom line?

Choose tiles based on the demands of the space. When in doubt, porcelain is a safe, versatile, and often suitable option for both indoor and outdoor use—provided you match the surface finish and rating to the intended use.