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Tile Trends: Subway Tiles 1

Tile Trends: Subway Tiles

By General, Architects & Builders, Bathroom Tiles, DIY, Kitchen Tiles, Subway Tiles, Trends

If you’re currently renovating your Perth kitchen, redesigning your bathroom or, you’re simply a lover of interior design – you would have stumbled across subway tiles. Subway tiles are growing in popularity, and taking platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram by storm. Once you discover the sheer class and sophistication of subway tiles, you can understand why they’re becoming a must-have for every Perth home.

Tile Trends: Subway Tiles 2

What are subway tiles?

Subway tiles have obtained their name from the iconic walls of the New York subway system.

Although at first the idea of “subway tiles” might suggest negative connotations (stifling underground train station perhaps?), you best cast those thoughts aside as subway tiles embody a classic vintage aesthetic that is incomparable. Generally, subway tiles are rectangle ceramic tiles laid horizontally with a 50% offset. However, over time, subway tiles have been modernised and experimented with to offer a great variety of design options for homes.

Explore more about subway tiles below.

How to include subway tiles in your Perth home

Extremely versatile, subway tiles can be incorporated in your home in countless ways. Our favourite ways to add subway tiles to your home… 

1, Kitchen splashback. A lot of time is spent in the kitchen – cooking, hosting and spending time with the family. You want to make sure your kitchen embodies just as much class and character as the rest of your home. Including subway tiles in your kitchen splashback makes for an eye-catching and impressive feature, making you feel confident hosting your next event.

2. Bathroom feature. The bathroom has been dubbed as one of the most important rooms of the house when it comes to design. It makes sense when you consider that every person that visits your home, is going to at one point or another, visit your bathroom. That’s why subway tiles are becoming an increasingly popular design feature for Perth home renovations.

Benefits of subway tiles

Subway tiles have a long list of benefits varying from their visually grabbing design to their easy installation. 

  • Subway tiles are available in many shapes, sizes, textures and colours. With such a great variety, you can create a unique subway tile feature that fits your home aesthetic.
  • Stain-resistant and easy to clean, you can use a white vinegar cleaning treatment or even spray and wipe to clean your subway tiles. Due to their easy-to-clean design, this makes subway tiles even more of an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. 
  • Affordable addition to your home interior. If you’re currently acquiring quotes for your home renovations, you will know how easy it is to exceed your budget. Subway tiles are fantastic as they’re not only high quality but also affordable.
  • Timeless design that never goes out of fashion. When making aesthetic choices for your home renovations, you want to make design decisions that last a life-time. Considering how quickly fashion trends change, this can be very difficult. One of the great benefits of subway tiles is that they never go out of style and always offer a classic feature to your home. 
  • Easy installation. Renowned for their stunning pattern, depending on the subway tile design you’re after they’re surprisingly easy to install. When it comes to installing ceramic tiles we always recommend hiring professional tilers. The last thing you want is your new tile design breaking or deteriorating due to poor workmanship. Invest in the installation and it will pay off in the long run.
Tile Trends: Subway Tiles 3
Tile Trends: Subway Tiles 4

Creative subway tile ideas

Since subway tiles were first installed in the New York subway, interior designers world-wide have played with the classic design. With a great selection of different patterns, you never have to worry about having the same design as your neighbour. Other variations of the subway tile include:

  • Herringbone
  • Double Herringbone
  • Chevron
  • Stackbond
  • Mosaic
  • Diagonal Herringbone
  • Vertical

Alongside choosing your subway tile pattern, you can also play with the colours and textures of the tiles. You can keep your design minimalist and classy with white or, you can add a splash of colour to match the interior of your home. Many people choose to mix and match colours, choosing different hues of blue or selecting two complimentary colours to add a pop to your room. The options are truly endless, browse our offerings and find your dream design.

How we can help!

Talk with our Ceramic Tile Supplies team today for expert advice and help for your tile needs. We’re only a phone call away and are always happy to answer any and every question.

View our range of tiles

The biggest tile trends of summer 2021 12

The biggest tile trends of summer 2021

By General, Architects & Builders, Trends

The arrival of summer often means new renovation projects, with many people finally having time and good weather on their side. If you’re looking to renovate your house but haven’t decided which tiles to consider yet, we’ve put together our top picks for summer:

The biggest tile trends of summer 2021 13

Stone Look Tiles

A current trend still growing in popularity, stone look tiles utilise the latest advancements in digital tile technology to achieve the aesthetic of stone tiles without encountering the hassles of real stone. Able to be used in both modern residential homes and commercial designs, stone look tiles are also both stain and slip resistant and require no sealing. These popular tiles provide the following benefits: 

  • Stylish: available in endless variation of colours, textures and sizes, there’s a stone-look tile option to suit everyone.
  • Versatility: applicable to various surfaces, stone-look tiles are highly durable, as well as being less porous and heavy than natural stone, meaning there are no limits for use.
  • Low maintenance: Great for high use surfaces and areas like bathrooms and kitchens, these tiles can withstand wear and tear, retain their original condition for longer and are moisture resistant. 
  • Affordable: great quality tiles at a low price, stone look tiles are less laborious to install and made from porcelain, resulting in both lower production and installation costs. 

Our top recommendations:

  • Roma Silver: a classic travertine look great for new bathrooms, main floors, shower walls and features.
  • Lime Quartz Grey: the perfect balance between stone and porcelain, used for main floors or bathroom walls.
  • Stream Bone: an accurate imitation of stone look and feel, great for main floor areas into bathrooms.
  • Stone Valley Sale: a multi-coloured complex layered tile that mimics aged stone, suitable for internal floor, wall and external applications.

Timber Look Tiles

Timber look tiles combine aesthetic appeal and practicality to provide a great alternative to natural hardwood. These unique tiles are becoming even more popular as people experiment with timber accents in new areas like bathrooms due to their waterproofing abilities and durability. Affordable and maintenance free, timber look tiles imbue a room with warmth and style, creating a modern take on a classic look.

Our pick this summer:

  • MyWood Miele: an affordable Italian tile that is both maintenance free and pet proof, while still providing a fresh and timeless look (also available in two other colours). 
The biggest tile trends of summer 2021 14
The biggest tile trends of summer 2021 15

Decorative Tiles

Decorative tiles are on the rise, with lots of customers looking for interesting textures, shapes or colours in order to create a room with a unique look. Great for feature walls and splashbacks, decorative tiles add dimension and flair to a space, also working as a statement piece. Here at CTS, we have a great range of mosaics, from ceramic and glass, to porcelain and stone. 

We recommend:

Artisan Snow Brillo or Artisan Snow Matte: a traditional handmade tile look, great for a feature wall in the kitchen or bathroom. Each tile’s random multi coloured shade ensures every project is different.

Perth’s Tile Specialists 

If you’re looking for the perfect tile for your home or project, get a jump start on the summer trends and browse our extensive range of quality tiles for inspiration. Contact us for more information or visit one of our showrooms in Wangara or Myaree to see our full range in person. 

View our range of tiles

Our Top 10 Best Selling Tiles 23

Our Top 10 Best Selling Tiles

By Commercial Tiles, General, Trends

Choosing a tile for your home can often be harder than it seems.

 

With so many tiles available in a variety of sizes, colours and textures, coming to a final decision is no easy task. Often overwhelmed with choice, new customers will ask us what our best selling tiles are. To help narrow it down, we’ve put together a list of our top ten recommendations below.

Our Top 10 Best Selling Tiles 24

1. Chorus White

A sophisticated replica of natural stone, this highly durable tile made by Keope is used regularly for main floors and bathrooms. The versatile Chorus series is suitable for both internal and external applications in both residential and commercial projects. 

  • Category: Floors 
  • Material: Glazed Porcelain, Rectified 
  • Available in: Matt, Textured, Anti-slip

2. Solid Nude Beige 

This slightly textured subway tile is best suited for kitchen and bathroom walls and is especially loved for splashbacks. If you’re looking to create a designer look, consider using a contrasting grout.

  • Category: Walls 
  • Material: Ceramic
  • Available in: Glossy

3. Downtown Grigio Lappato

One of our best sellers for main floors, this tile is both cost effective and looks great on bathroom floors and walls, as well as larger living areas. Authentic concrete inspired, this porcelain rectified tile is also stain proof and easy to maintain. 

  • Category: Floors 
  • Material: Glazed Porcelain, Rectified 
  • Available in: Semi Polished

4. Trend Plus Ocean Mix

Our number 1 pool water-line tile, this Italian glass mosaic is mounted on the Trend Plus backing system. This innovative technology is fully warranted for swimming pool use and makes installation faster and easier. 

  • Category: Pools 
  • Material: Glass Mosaic
Our Top 10 Best Selling Tiles 25
Our Top 10 Best Selling Tiles 26

5. New Ash Dust

This practical tile embraces the trend of light coloured flooring while still hiding the dust and dirt that usually shows up on white tiling. New Ash Dust is often used to flow from the bathroom into the main floor, keeping the whole house toned together. 

  • Category: Floors 
  • Material: Glazed Porcelain, Rectified 
  • Available in: Semi Polished

6. Timbre-Land Mapple

Our top timber tile, the Timbre-Land Mapple is mostly used in main floors. This great option is both pet proof and maintenance free, providing an excellent economical interior selection for your home. 

  • Category: Floors 
  • Material: Glazed Porcelain, Rectified 
  • Available in: Natural (Matt)

7. Trend Plus Surf Mix 1

Another option in our Trend Plus range, the Surf Mix 1 is a beautiful combination of white and pearl Italian glass mosaic. With soft, rounded edges, this bright tile is one of our top sellers for whole pools. 

  • Category: Pools 
  • Material: Glass Mosaic

8. Two Tone Solid Matt White

A light, rectangular tile range, The Two Tone Solid White Matte is well suited to various splash back lay patterns. We’ve found this great tile option has taken off in bathroom feature walls.

  • Category: Walls 
  • Material: Ceramic
  • Available in: Matt
Our Top 10 Best Selling Tiles 27
Our Top 10 Best Selling Tiles 28

9. Shade De Impressions

An industrial, shabby chic and decorative tile, Shade De Impressions has been used in the past as a feature wall in ensuites, as well as water line tiles and splashbacks. Create a standout feature with the subtle blue, grey and white tones of this beautiful tile. 

  • Category: Floors 
  • Material: Glazed Porcelain, Rectified 
  • Available in: Textured

10. Self More Décor 3

The Self More Decor 3 is a highly popular tile option, used for a variety of purposes including swimming pool water lines, feature bathroom floors and inlays of main floors and entries. 

  • Category: Floors 
  • Material: Glazed Porcelain
  • Available in: Matt

The best tiles in Perth

If you’re looking for quality tiles, look no further than Ceramic Tile Supplies. To learn more about our products, you can browse our range online, contact us with any questions you have or visit our Wangara and Myaree showrooms.

View our range of tiles

Carrara Hexagonal marble mosaics

Bring your kitchen project to life with mosaic splashback tiles

By Kitchen Tiles, Trends

For many homes, the kitchen splashback is the hero of the kitchen space. And it’s often one of the most deliberated design decisions in a home.

 

A new splashback is an easy and effective way to revive your kitchen. It’s an opportunity to express your personal style in a space often surrounded by neutral benchtops and cabinetry.

Tiles are a popular option, as they’re durable, wipe clean and are easy to install. Want to really make an impact with maximum colour and texture? Go for a mosaic tiled splashback.

Technology has come a long way with the design and manufacture of mosaic tiles.
Mosaic tiles are nowadays available in a wide variety of colours, textures, finishes and materials such as glass, ceramic, porcelain and stone. Striking patterns and beautifully detailed surfaces can be created in your kitchen, all with the use of mosaic tiles.

Bring your kitchen project to life with mosaic splashback tiles 36

Why are mosaic tiles great for your kitchen splashback?

Unique, stylish and on trend, mosaic tiles were made for the kitchen. Here’s why.

Mosaic tiles are easy to install

Despite what you may have heard in the past, fixing mosaic tiles isn’t as hard as you think. These days, most mosaic tiles come sheeted with mesh backing, so they are very quick and easy to install. To make your life easier design your cabinet heights to match in with what mosaics you are going to use.

Mosaic splashback tiles are simple to maintain

One of the reasons why mosaic tiles are great to use in your kitchen is that they are easy to keep clean. However, extra care must be taken when it comes to the grout so that it doesn’t stain.

Our tip: Use a grout sealant once the splashback is installed so you get maximum protection from stains. This also works for stone splashbacks to give extra life.

Mosaic tiles can protect your walls

Creating a tiled kitchen splashback helps protect your walls from everyday damage. Not only will investing in mosaic tiles add a splash of colour to your kitchen, it will also prevent your walls from coming into contact with grease, food and dirt. It’s a lot easier to clean a tiled wall than it is a stained wall!

Mosaic kitchen tiles are versatile

The good thing about mosaic tiles is that there are so many options to choose from. You can be bold and experiment with different designs to see which new look will complement your kitchen.

How to use mosaic tiles for your kitchen splashback

Traditionally, tiled splashbacks are fixed up to the ‘splash zone’ often ending at the cabinetry height or just below the rangehood. Increasingly, we’re seeing kitchen splashback tiles being installed all the way to the ceiling, creating a fresh new look.

Some popular mosaic kitchen splashback tiles include:

Bring your kitchen project to life with mosaic splashback tiles 37
Bring your kitchen project to life with mosaic splashback tiles 38

Glass mosaic tiles

The latest trend in mosaics are glass mosaic tiles. When applied, they create a reflective pearly finish, perfect if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your kitchen.

Stone mosaic tiles

There are many shapes and colours when it comes to Stone mosaic tiles. Popular designs are; stacked, fans, herringbone, cubes or squares and hexagonal.

Hexagonal mosaic tiles

Versatile and eye catching, hexagonal mosaic tiles make for a very stylish kitchen splashback. Blend the grout to the mosaic colours to give you a textural look or mix it up by contrasting the grout to compliment the style.

Kit-Kat mosaic tiles

Kit-Kat mosaics also known as finger mosaics or stick mosaics are gaining momentum in home interiors, especially with splashbacks to create the ultimate modern statement in the kitchen.

Explore our range of mosaic kitchen splashback tiles in Perth

Get inspiration from Perth’s kitchen tile specialists! Take a look at our photo gallery for ideas, browse mosaic kitchen tiles online, or view our mosaic splashback tile collection on display at our Myaree or Wangara showrooms.

View our range of Mosaic Tiles

  • Palladio Linktec Seashell Mix 25x25mm Glass Mosaic

  • Palladio Linktec Tallow Mix 25x25mm Glass Mosaic

  • Palladio Linktec Sofia Mix 25x25mm Glass Mosaic

  • Palladio Linktec Jewel Mix 25x25mm Glass Mosaic

  • Palladio Linktec Deep Blue Mix 25x25mm Glass Mosaic

  • Veneto Linktec Sandy Beach Mix 25x25mm

  • Veneto Linktec Torquoise Mix 25x25mm

  • Veneto Linktec Steam White 50x50mm Glass Mosaic 501

The essential tools checklist for DIY tiling 46

The essential tools checklist for DIY tiling

By DIY, Tile Installation

Taking on your own DIY tiling project? Got your tile choice, adhesive and grout sorted? Next step is making sure you have all the tools for the job to achieve a professional and long-lasting result. 

While most of the equipment you need may already be in your shed, there are a few essential tools you’ll have to invest in or hire. From prepping the walls or floor, laying down your tiles with absolute precision and cleaning the tiles when the job is done, here is our definitive list of tiling tools for your DIY project.

The essential tools checklist for DIY tiling 47

Preparing your workspace

  • Pencil
  • Dust sheet (if you need to cover up furniture)
  • Tape measure
  • Spirit level
  • Stanley Knife
  • Step ladder (for wall tiling)
  • Clean rags
  • Bucket
  • Safety goggles (for cutting tiles)

Fixing your tiles

  • Tile cutter
  • Tile nipper
  • Adhesive mixer (if you want to achieve the perfect mix)
  • Notched trowel
  • Rubber mallet (to gently tap the tile into place and ensure it bonds properly)
  • Tile spacers

Tile cutter

Unless your room is perfectly square, you’re going to need a tile cutter to cut your tiles to the required shape and size. There are 3 different types of tile cutters you can buy or hire:

  • Manual tile cutter – great for straight cuts in ceramic or porcelain tiles.
  • Electric wet saw – ideal for straight or angled cuts in ceramic, porcelain, glass and natural stone. Water is used to avoid the dust factor and keep the blade cool, which helps minimise chipping.
  • Angle grinder with a diamond cutting blade – an affordable and versatile cutting solution

Tile nipper

A tile nipper is great for slicing off small chunks of tile when you need to fine-tune a rounded edge or awkward spot. When using a tile nipper, make sure to file down any sharp or rough edges with a polishing pad for a perfect finish.

Notched trowel

Notched trowels are used for spreading tile adhesive onto the floor or wall. The straight edge of a trowel is used to evenly spread tile adhesive onto the surface you’re tiling. This ensures even coverage and thickness. The notched edge is used to apply ridges into the adhesive to support the back of the tile. Notches come in different sizes, so make sure you choose the best size based on your tiling project.

Tile spacers

Tiles spacers are a DIY tiler’s lifesaver! These little guys work to keep the spacing between all your tiles uniform. They also help to keep your tiles in place and maintain straight grout lines while the tile adhesive dries.

The essential tools checklist for DIY tiling 48

Grouting & finishing

  • Grout float
  • Grout sponge
  • Grout finisher
  • Dustpan and brush

Grout float

A grout float is a flat trowel with a rubber base that is used to spread the grout into the joints (gaps) between the tiles. The rubber ensures an even spread.

Grout sponge

A grout sponge is used to smooth over the grout joints (after applying grout with a grout float) and cleaning excess grout from the tile faces. Always use a proper grout sponge! While you might think an ordinary household sponge will do the trick, the sharp edges have a tendency to pull the grout from the joints. Grout sponges are bigger, denser and have rounded corners. 

Final thoughts

There’s nothing worse than having to stop-start a job because you don’t have a certain piece of equipment. Making sure you’ve got the right tools from the start will ensure you’re prepared, and result in professional looking tiles for your home or business. 

Perth’s tile specialists

Be inspired by Ceramic Tile Supplies’ range of quality tiles. Browse through our extensive range of floor and wall tiles online or visit our Wangara and Myaree showrooms to see the full range of tiles in Perth.

View our range of colours

How to make a statement with decorative tiles 53

How to make a statement with decorative tiles

By Architects & Builders, Trends

Have you ever considered decorative tiles in your home? Using decorative tiles is a great way to add dimension and spruce up your walls or floors, to give a room a unique look.

So, where and how should you use decorative tiles to achieve a stylish effect? While decorative tiles are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, don’t limit yourself to just these rooms. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can add character to any room.

How to make a statement with decorative tiles 54
Hero your kitchen beyond the splashback 

The most obvious place to add personality to your kitchen is with the splashback, but if you have an island, why not carry the decorative tiles through to the wall of your snack bar area? This is an area which often gets neglected, but by adding a decorative tile like Moroccan inspired tiles, it can make an even bigger impact to a space often reserved for shoe scuff marks. 

Add flair to your floor 

With the right choice of decorative tiles, you can dramatically transform a boring looking floor into the most talked about room in the house. For example play with the tiles amongst your main floor as a tile matt or try adding texture to a bathroom floor.

Something as simple as a geometric black and white pattern can make all the difference in a bathroom. Break the mould and experiment. Rather than keep to a repeating pattern or design, create an exciting floor space with tiles scattered in a non-repeating pattern, and have some of them creep halfway up the wall for a truly unique look.

Accentuate your ceilings

Add more texture to your bathroom by going floor to ceiling with your tiles. You can create an interesting feature wall using decorative tiles of any shape or size for dramatic effect. Tiling up to your ceiling will also add the feeling of height to your space!

Make small but impactful touches

When it comes to decorative tiles, sometimes less is more. Something as simple as creating a band of decorative tiles in an eye-popping colour or pattern in your wet areas, is all you need to add a little flair to a room. If using mosaic tiles, look for tiles already assembled in a pattern and secured to mesh sheets, to save on costs and installation. 

How to make a statement with decorative tiles 55
How to make a statement with decorative tiles 56
What about the grout?

While grout serves its purpose of filling the gaps in your tiles, it can be used as a decorative tool as well. If you want to make your tile design stand out, choose a dark or coloured grout to create contrast. A light or matching colour will blend in and make your tile design look uniformed.

Final thoughts

It’s all about getting the balance right. To avoid any style errors with decorative tiles, follow these simple tips:

  • Make sure you use colours that complement not clash (unless the design warrants it).
  • Avoid using different tile patterns in the same room as it will look too busy. Choose where to make your statement and then stick with neutral tiles everywhere else.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Decorative tiles are great for the imagination, so bring yours to life and showcase it in your home!

Perth’s decorative tile specialists

Be inspired by Ceramic Tile Supplies’ extensive range of quality decorative tiles. Browse online or visit one of our showrooms in Wangara and Myaree to see the full range of decorative tiles in Perth.

View our range of Decorative Tiles

Slip resistant bathroom tiles for aged care and disability 63

Slip resistant bathroom tiles for aged care and disability

By Architects & Builders, Bathroom Tiles, Slip Resistant, Slip Resistant Tiles
Slip resistant bathroom tiles

Reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls with non-slip bathroom floor tiles.

Slipping and falling is a major cause of home injuries for the elderly, children and people with reduced abilities. By installing non-slip floor tiles in wet areas such as the bathroom and toilet you can minimise the risk of injuries from these dangers without making your wet areas look like a 90’s hospital.

Slip resistant bathroom tiles for aged care and disability 64
Safe and modern slip resistant tiles for the bathroom

There is no need to compromise on tile selection when it comes to upgrading your bathroom to a slip rated floor. There are rectified tiles that have the modern look but still provide the required specifications. At Ceramic Tile Supplies, we stock a wide range of rectified and non-rectified, modern slip resistant tiles, great for making a bathrooms look fresh, modern and safe.

What to consider when choosing non-slip bathroom tiles

Commonly non-slip tiles are fully vitrified, glazed porcelain, due to their use in commercial applications. However now you can purchase a more cost effective standard glazed porcelain tile that will provide any domestic home with a floor that looks like a designer tile but is considered suitable for disability safe wet areas.

These tiles are available in all your normal tile sizes however installing smaller tiles can help provide even more traction. This is because they require more grout in between them, which adds to the overall texture of the floor and creates enhanced footing.

What makes a non-slip tile different from a normal tile?

Tiles come in various finishes, the non-slip varieties usually have an abrasive grip added to their glaze which is fired in when manufactured or the surface is textured in a particular way to create grip and friction when in use.

To determine the amount of grip or friction on the finish a tile can be graded with a slip-resistance test. There are 3 types of slip tests; Pendulum, Oil-wet inclining platform (or ramp) and Wet-barefoot inclining platform Test. All test the tiles friction against movement. 

As a guide for when selecting a slip resistant tile for residential bathrooms aim for P3 from a Pendulum test, R10 from the Oil-wet ramp test or B from a wet-barefoot ramp test. Just keep in mind anything with more grip will make life harder when it comes to cleaning your everyday bathroom.

Slip resistant bathroom tiles for aged care and disability 65
Slip resistant bathroom tiles for aged care and disability 66
Why choose non-slip tiles for your accessible bathroom design?

Porcelain tiles in general are waterproof, durable, cost effective, easy to clean and come in many different stylish options. A non-slip tile with a textured surface is just like any other quality tile, but with the added benefit of slip resistant properties, making it a safe and sensible floor solution for your home.

Upgrade your bathroom with the safest non-slip floor tiles in Perth

If you need to minimise slips or trips in the bathroom, speak to our experienced team today about our range of quality slip resistant bathroom floor tiles. Come visit us at our Wangara and Myaree showrooms or get in touch.

View our range of Slip Resistant Tiles

Tiled floors vs timber flooring – which is better? 72

Tiled floors vs timber flooring – which is better?

By DIY, Tile Selection, Timber Look Tiles

You’ve narrowed down your flooring options to tiles or floorboards. But how do you choose between the two? When building or renovating, selecting the right floor can be quite the challenge, as what you decide will have an enormous impact on the overall look and feel of your home interiors.

Some of the factors you should consider include how well the floor type will hold up in high traffic areas, do you want your wet areas to be consistent with the rest of the house and how much of a statement do you want to make?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of tiled floors and timber flooring to help you choose the right floor that suits your style and, in the end make you feel at home.

Tiled floors vs timber flooring – which is better? 73
Why you might consider timber flooring

Timber flooring is renowned for its aesthetic appeal. It adds warmth and character to a space not to mention:

  • It’s a tough and durable material
  • Timber is easy to clean and maintain
  • It’s a great insulator and comfortable underfoot
  • Unlike carpet, timber can’t trap dust or pollen
  • Timber comes in a variety of colours, finishes and styles
Disadvantages of installing natural timber flooring

A well maintained timber floor can last for decades, but it’s highly prone to scratches, dents and water damage – especially in the kitchen. Other factors to consider include:

  • Natural wooden floors are expensive compared to tiles and other flooring materials
  • It’s not recommended for wet areas – liquid spills can leave unwanted stains if not cleaned up immediately
  • Regular maintenance is required to prevent damage, this may include sanding, staining, waxing and polishing.
  • Can fade
  • Can be slippery
Why tiled floors are a great idea in your home

It’s hard to beat the natural beauty of timber flooring, and if you have your heart set on a timber floor, you can achieve the same look for less with timber look tiles. With the latest in inkjet technology, you can have a tiled floor that looks and feel like real wood – minus the scratches, staining and fading. By opting for timber look tiles, you get the look of real timber with the benefits of ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Other reasons why tiled floors work well in the home include:

  • Tile flooring options are endless – choose from ceramic, porcelain, granite, marble, slate or timber look in a variety of styles, colours, shapes and sizes
  • They are a strong material making them a great choice for family homes
  • Tiles are moisture and stain resistant therefore ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and in the laundry
  • Most types of tile are eco-friendly
  • Tiles are easy to lay and can be made to fit any space
  • Tiles are an affordable flooring solution
Tiled floors vs timber flooring – which is better? 74
Tiled floors vs timber flooring – which is better? 75
The drawbacks to having tiled floors

With any type of flooring you choose, there will always be a downside or two, but in the case of tiles you can easily overcome them.

Tiles are great underfoot in summer, but they can feel cold during winter – nothing a pair of uggies or a rug can’t fix! Wooden floors in general can be slippery, as can some types of tiles when they get wet. To combat this, make sure you choose a tile with an appropriate slip rating.

The grout between tiles can discolour over time, but the maintenance is minimal when compared to looking after natural timber flooring.

Final thoughts on flooring

To make a decision that’s right for you, make sure you consider your space and how it will be used, and if you need expert advice, our team is just a phone call or short drive away.

Get the best floor tiles in Perth at Ceramic Tile Supplies

Convinced that tiled floors are the right choice for you? Browse through our extensive range of floor tiles online or see the full range of tiles in Perth at our Wangara and Myaree showrooms.

View our range of Floor Tiles

5 tips for buying quality clearance tiles 84

5 tips for buying quality clearance tiles

By DIY, Tile Selection

If you’ve browsed through a tile store, you’ll know the selection of beautiful floor and wall tiles are never ending. But if you’re on a tight budget, it’s inevitable that the cost will be a deciding factor and limit your tile options.

However, if you know what to look out for, you can get a great deal on quality tiles to make your place look good, while still staying within your budget.

Clearance tiles are a great way to save on your tile project, but the key is not to jump straight in and buy the cheapest tile you see first, as there are many poorly manufactured tiles out there. Low quality tiles may not stick to the adhesive well, or they might crack easily, which will end up costing you even more down the track.

Here are 5 tips for finding high quality clearance tiles in Perth.

5 tips for buying quality clearance tiles 85
Tip 1: Find a reputable Perth tile supplier

As mentioned, cheapest isn’t always the best. Do some research and find out which tiles are high quality, best for your use and then find a tile supplier in Perth who stocks a good variety of that style.

Tile suppliers that sell high quality tiles, will often have to make way for new stock. This is when they put their end of line tiles on sale, and when you can get your hands on high quality clearance tiles at a fraction of the original price.

Tip 2: Get your measurements right

Before you even start looking at tile options, do your homework and measure out your space so you know exactly how much you’ll need. This will avoid setting your heart on a product there isn’t enough of or opens up options you didn’t think you could consider.

Tip 3: Know which tile to choose

Which tile will give you the most bang for your buck? For the budget conscious, the type of tile material you choose will make a huge difference to the overall cost. In general, ceramic tiles are the most affordable, but you can find clearance tiles in all sorts of formats if you time it right. Of course, you still want to make sure you’re choosing the right tile for the space you’re working with. If in doubt, seek expert advice.

Tip 4: Shop around

To find the best deals on clearance tiles, you should do some comparison shopping. The best place to start is to search online, but then make sure you head out to visit the store or warehouse, as often you won’t see the full range of clearance tiles available.

5 tips for buying quality clearance tiles 86
5 tips for buying quality clearance tiles 87
Tip 5: Save more by going DIY

Another way you can save on your tile project is by laying your own tiles. If you’ve never done this before, it pays to speak to a professional first. Although installing tiles is a fairly simple process, there are things you need to know to help ensure your project doesn’t end up in jeopardy.

Take a look at our range of high quality clearance tiles in Perth

We’re constantly sourcing the latest and innovative tile products on the market. To make way for new stock, we have a limited supply of end of the line tiles available at heavily discounted prices. Browse some of our clearance tiles or check out our range of clearance tiles in Perth at our Wangara showroom and now available to view at our Myaree showroom.

View our range of Clearance Tiles

Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles 88

Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles

By DIY, Kitchen Tiles, Tile Selection

The kitchen is one of the biggest investments you’ll make when building or renovating your home, so you want to make sure you get things right – tile selection included!

One of the key areas to think about is your kitchen splashback. For a while, glass and acrylic splashbacks stole the show, but kitchen splashback tiles are making a resurgence. They’re more affordable and the design possibilities are endless, with so many different materials, colours, sizes and shape of tiles to choose from.

To help steer you in the right direction, here’s our mini guide to choosing the right kitchen splashback tiles in Perth.

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What’s your style?

Are you going for a contemporary minimalist look or maybe you prefer a more traditional country style? If you’re not sure on the style of your kitchen, then a good place to start is by looking for inspiration. Pinterest and Instagram, design blogs, visiting Perth display homes, cafes or restaurants are full of ideas to help you visualise and lock in the style you like, and then put your own spin on it.

What’s your budget?

You may find you’ve decided on the style, only to get the quotes and discover it’s completely out of reach. Do your sums so you know what you’re up against, and what’s going to work with your budget to achieve the look you want.

Kitchen tile colours 

Do you want your kitchen splashback tiles to stand out as a feature or blend into the background, while another element – such as your benchtop takes the limelight? To create a pop of colour and aesthetic appeal, choose a tile colour or pattern that contrasts with the rest of the kitchen. Alternatively, select a similar tone to the other elements to  create a more subtle and consistent look.

Tile size

The smaller the tile, the more grout lines you’ll have, which inevitably will require more maintenance down the track. Sealing the tile grout will help to protect it from food stains, but if you’re after a no fuss solution, then consider a larger format tile. Not only are they easier to maintain, but they’re also quick and easy to install.

Types of kitchen splashback tiles

Ceramic and porcelain are the most common options for kitchen splashback tiles. Ceramic tiles are readily available and affordable. They’re made from a mixture of clays baked at high temperatures, then glazed so they become hard and resistant to water. 

Porcelain tiles are similar to ceramic tiles but they’re fired at even greater temperatures. This makes them practically non-porous and much tougher than ceramic tiles, which is why they do tend to carry a higher price tag.

Don’t be afraid to try one of these popular tile styles for your kitchen splashback design.

Subway tiles

Subway tiles are hands down the most popular choice for kitchen splashbacks. For a timeless classic look, you can’t go past the white subway tile stacked horizontally to give your décor versatility. Try going for a black grout for an edgy look or choose a black subway tile for understated elegance. If you want to make your splashback a feature, opt for a coloured Subway tile. 

Geometric tiles

Black and white geometric designs for splashbacks are very eye catching and are great if you’re going for a contemporary minimalistic style. While a colourful geometric patterned splashback will add vibrancy to your kitchen.

Mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles come in so many different shapes and vibrant colours. A mosaic tile splashback can really bring your kitchen to life. Kitkat mosaics – otherwise known as finger tiles are one of the most popular mosaic tiles right now that can suit a range of styles.

Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles 90
Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles 91
Glass splashback tiles

Glass tiles and mirrored glass tiles give off an amazing luminous effect and have the ability to bounce light around the room. They’re naturally non-porous, stain-resistant and a great alternative to conventional glass splashbacks. 

Metallic Tiles

Metal look tiles create a dramatic looking splashback. Great to make that kitchen style lean towards the industrial or minimalist style design. For example rusty metal look tiles can really make your kitchen pop when complimented with copper, brass or black matt tapware and accessories. 

Marble look tiles

Nothing exudes luxury and opulence more than marble, and you can recreate this modern interior design trend for less on your kitchen splashback with marble look tiles.

There are many other tile materials you can use for kitchen splashback tiles, including travertine, natural stone and cement. If you choose a porous material, such as cement or marble, make sure the tiles are sealed to protect them.

Done properly, your splashback can make quite the statement in your kitchen. Retrofitting a kitchen splashback though isn’t much fun, so make sure you choose something that won’t date too quickly. It can be costly and difficult to change, so it pays to do a little research before you dive right in.

Speak to the kitchen tile experts in Perth

No matter what style you’re after, you can choose from a wide range of kitchen splashback tiles at Ceramic Tile Supplies. Browse online for inspiration, or discover the full range of kitchen tiles in Perth at our Wangara and Myaree showrooms.

View our range of Kitchen Tiles

Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles 96

Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles

By DIY, Kitchen Tiles, Tile Selection

Finding the right flooring for your home – especially the kitchen, is one of the most critical design choices you’ll need to make when building or renovating. 

Flooring can influence how your space looks and functions, and it impacts the overall flow of your home. Many Perth flooring experts and interior designers will tell you it’s best to start from the bottom, then work your way up when fitting out your house. 

Tile floors are a natural choice for kitchens over carpet or timber. They’re hard and durable, water-resistant and virtually stain proof. Kitchen floor tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic and everyday wear and tear, and with so many options on offer, you’re sure to find a tile to match your interior style.

So, what are some of the key things to consider when selecting a kitchen floor tile to ensure it will do its job for years to come? Let’s take a look at some expert tips from our Perth tiles team.

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The type of kitchen floor tile you choose matters

The 3 main types of tiles are porcelain, ceramic and stone. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are similar, which is often where the confusion lies for many Perth homeowners.

Both are made from clay mixtures fired at high temperatures to produce a hard and durable tile, but ceramic tiles tend to be softer than porcelain. People make the mistake of choosing ceramic tiles for kitchen floors because they’re cost effective, but the ugly truth is they aren’t hard enough to withstand the heavy use your family dishes out.

Porcelain floor tiles on the other hand are a mixture of clay and sand. They’re made using heat and pressure to produce a tile that’s harder, denser and less porous than your regular ceramic tile, making it a perfect choice for kitchen floor tiles.

Whether you choose a porcelain, stone or ceramic kitchen floor tile, here’s what you need to think about:

Durable kitchen floor tiles

Is your tile choice going to be tough enough to withstand everyday wear and tear? Check with your tile supplier that the tile has a high resistant glazing and will not wear off over time or easily chip.

What about texture?

Slip resistant tiles naturally make a floor less slippery, but they can be harder to clean and are usually reserved for commercial kitchens. Consider matt or lappato (semi gloss) tiles that you like the feel of or add mats in key areas such as the front of the sink.


How much maintenance is required?

Many Perth homeowners choose tile kitchen flooring because it’s easy to clean. As the space where you prepare and cook your meals cleanliness should always be top of mind. Ask us about which tiles are easy to clean and won’t stain or crack immediately upon impact.

Kitchen floor tiles that complements your space

It pays to plan ahead with your cabinetry selections to ensure your tile choice blends in seamlessly with the design of your kitchen. The cabinet finish can help determine your kitchen floor tile choice as together they create the right feel for your kitchen. You can play with cabinet samples in our Wangara or Myaree showroom when you are looking at the tiles to ease your selection process.

 

The right tile choice will enhance your kitchen floor and look great for years to come.

Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles 98
Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles 99

Kitchen floor tile experts in Perth

Need a hand with selecting the right tile for your kitchen floor? We have a wide range of kitchen floor tiles to suit your home. Explore our full range of tiles, visit one of our Perth showrooms, or get in touch for expert advice on your kitchen floor tiles.

View our range of Kitchen Tiles

5 bathroom tile makeover ideas trending right now 104

5 bathroom tile makeover ideas trending right now

By Bathroom Tiles, DIY, Tile Selection

Stuck on how to take your bathroom design to the next level? The answer lies in your tile choice! And in 2021 it’s all about bathroom feature wall tiles. 

Looking beyond the functional benefits of bathroom tiles, adding a stylish feature wall is a great way to enhance a key element in your bathroom such as your vanity, shower wall or a freestanding bathtub. 

To give you some design inspiration, here are our top 5 trending feature wall bathroom tiles in Perth homes.

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Timber look tiles

You’re probably used to seeing timber look tiles on floors, but they’re also perfect for bathroom feature walls. Creating a natural style in bathrooms is all the rage right now, and the rich earthy tones of timber tiles do it justice. Stone look tiles are also growing in popularity and is another way you can nail a natural looking bathroom design.

Matt finish bathroom tile

For a soft look that makes an impact, you can’t go past a matte finish as the bathroom tile of choice for your feature wall. We’re increasingly seeing more Perth homeowners opting for a matte style tile in the bathroom, and why not – it looks classy and modern, and they’re still easy to maintain.

Patterned bathroom tiles

Patterned or decorative tiles proved quite popular in 2020, and we predict this trend will follow through for months to come. Whether you’re going for an urban look, boho style, art deco or vintage feel in your bathroom, the wide choice of patterned tiles available makes it easy to create that wow factor for virtually any interior style. To ensure they really stand out in your bathroom, only apply them to a single wall, or for something different you can also consider laying them on your floor. The end result? Nothing but impressive.

Bathroom mosaic tiles

Want to make a real statement in your bathroom? There are so many different ways you can add interest to your bathroom feature wall when using mosaic tiles. Firstly, they are available in different materials such as natural stones, porcelain, metallic and glass. To make your decision even harder, mosaic tiles come in a wide variety of stylish shapes, colours and patterns including hexagon, fishscale (fan), herringbone, penny round, chevron and lantern. You can create interesting effects depending on how you lay them. 

Of course, installing mosaic bathroom tiles as a feature wall will take a bigger chunk out of your budget, but it’s well worth it when you see the finished product.

mosaic tiles perth
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Metallic look bathroom tiles

Add a touch of luxury and glamour to your bathroom with a metallic tiled feature wall. Metallic look bathroom tiles draw the eye in with its mirrored motif, rich tones and decorative appeal, making it ideal as a standout feature wall. Want next level? Try 3D shaped metallic tiles for extra dramatic effect.

Perth’s bathroom tile experts

Whether you’re after a natural, traditional or contemporary style, you can choose from hundreds of bathroom feature tiles at Ceramic Tile Supplies. Browse online, drop us a line or check out the full range of bathroom tiles in Perth at our Wangara and Myaree showrooms.

View our range of Bathroom Tiles