Choosing tiles for a shop, office, restaurant, school or public building involves more than finding the right design. Good commercial tiles must suit the expected foot traffic, moisture, cleaning routine, safety requirements and overall demands of the space.
There is no single tile that works for every project. A tile suitable for a retail wall may not perform well in a busy entrance or commercial kitchen. Before selecting commercial floor tiles, review how the area will be used and check the product’s technical information rather than relying on its appearance or material alone.
We will not cover commercial slip ratings as we have covered this subject in more depth with a selection of examples and options here.
Frequently asked questions
Are rectified tiles stronger?
Not necessarily. Rectification creates precise edges and can support a streamlined layout, but it does not measure strength, durability or slip resistance.
What is the best tile for commercial use?
There is no single best option. Porcelain is commonly selected for busy floors, while ceramic may suit walls and some lighter-duty applications. The best commercial tiles are those whose tested characteristics match the intended space.
Are porcelain tiles suitable for high-traffic areas?
Many porcelain products suit high traffic, but porcelain alone is not a guarantee. Check the intended application, wear information, slip resistance and complete technical data before selection.
What are commercial tiles?
These products have the construction, finish and performance required for a particular business or public environment, from shops and offices to hospitality venues, schools and outdoor spaces.
The right tiles for commercial use balance durability, safety, maintenance and design. Before comparing products, consider:
- expected foot traffic and wheeled loads;
- whether the area is internal, external, wet or dry;
- exposure to food, grease, chemicals or stains;
- required slip resistance; and
- cleaning and hygiene needs.
Matching the product to its setting helps identify commercial tiles that meet the actual conditions.
Porcelain or ceramic: which should you choose?
Porcelain and ceramic can both work in commercial projects. Porcelain’s density and low water absorption make it common for floors, wet areas and high-use environments, but not every product suits every commercial floor.
Ceramic tiles can suit walls, splashbacks and decorative features, while some are manufactured for floors. When comparing commercial floor tiles, check the manufacturer’s nominated applications and never assume a wall tile is suitable underfoot.
Surface finish, construction, format and installation also influence how well tiles for commercial use perform.
Glazed and unglazed tiles
Glazing adds colour, pattern and surface characteristics. Glazed porcelain can give commercial tiles the appearance of concrete, stone, terrazzo or timber while remaining practical.
For floors, the glaze must suit the anticipated traffic. Check the manufacturer’s wear information and recommended application, as a decorative wall tile may be unsuitable for heavy use.
Unglazed, full-body porcelain carries its colour through the tile, helping wear appear less noticeable. The Topcer range, for example, is designed for demanding areas such as commercial kitchens, cafés, schools and sports facilities. Learn more in our guide to glazed and unglazed tiles.
Check durability and technical performance
When assessing commercial tiles, look beyond “hard-wearing” claims. Compare documented characteristics such as surface abrasion, breaking strength, water absorption and stain or chemical resistance.
A PEI or manufacturer-provided wear classification may indicate where a glazed surface can be used, but one rating is not enough. Suitable commercial floor tiles must meet the combined demands of traffic, moisture and cleaning.
Water absorption matters in wet or external areas. Porcelain generally absorbs less water than standard ceramic, but the full specification should guide the choice of tiles for commercial use.
Choose the appropriate slip resistance
Slip resistance is essential for commercial tiles used on floors. The required surface depends on the location, its users and likely contaminants such as water or grease.
In Australia, AS 4586 classifies new pedestrian surfaces using recognised slip tests. The project designer, specifier or another qualified professional should confirm the appropriate classification.
Do not select commercial floor tiles from an “anti-slip” description alone. Request the test report and confirm that the result suits the location. Higher ratings are not always better because textured finishes can require more cleaning. Explore our slip-resistant tiles.
Consider cleaning, format and installation
The best commercial tiles should suit the planned cleaning routine. Textured finishes can provide grip but may hold more dirt, while tile size, grout colour and joint width also affect upkeep.
Large formats create fewer grout joints, while smaller tiles may work better with falls or curved areas. Rectified tiles have precise edges, but “rectified” does not indicate strength or slip resistance.
Even suitable tiles for commercial use can fail if the substrate, waterproofing, adhesives, grout or movement joints are incorrect. Follow product specifications and use an experienced contractor.
Commercial tile selection checklist
Before approving commercial floor tiles, confirm:
- the product is recommended for the intended floor or wall application;
- its wear and strength information suits the expected use;
- its slip test result is appropriate for the location;
- its water, stain and chemical resistance meet project needs;
- the finish suits the planned cleaning routine;
- the format works with the substrate and drainage requirements; and
- compatible installation products and methods have been specified.
For product ideas, browse the CTS commercial tile collection or view our commercial project gallery.
Some of Our Best Selling Commercial Tiles
