When renovating a bathroom, homeowners often focus on main fixtures like vanities, toilets, and bathtubs, overlooking one of the most important choices: tiles. Unlike fixtures that can be easily swapped out, tiles are built to last, shaping the space for years. Their durability, water resistance, and low maintenance make them a long-term commitment, making it crucial to choose wisely from the start.
Because tiles stay in place for so long, even small mistakes in selection or installation can have lasting consequences. A colour that looked perfect in-store might feel overwhelming at home under different lighting. One way to avoid this is by ordering sample tile packages, which we’ll guide you through later in this article.
We’ll also cover the most common tile mistakes and how to avoid them, helping you make choices that not only look great but also leave you satisfied and confident in your home renovation.
1. Picking tiles that don’t suit your bathroom size
For starters, measuring your bathroom size is the first step before choosing your tiles. It helps you determine the right quantity, preventing shortages or excess tiles. Here’s a simple and easy way to measure your bathroom correctly.
Step 1: Measure the Floor Area
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Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the bathroom floor.
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Multiply these two numbers to get the total floor area in square metres (m²).
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Example: If the floor is 2.5 metres long × 2 metres wide, the total area is 5m².
Step 2: Measure the Wall Area
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Measure the height of the wall from the floor to where the tiles will stop.
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Measure the width of the wall.
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Multiply the height by the width to get the area for one wall. Repeat for each wall and add the totals together.
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Example: A wall measuring 2.4m high × 2m wide has a total tile area of 4.8m².
Step 3: Subtract Any Untiled Areas
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If there are windows, doors, or built-in vanities, measure their area and subtract it from the total to get a more accurate tile quantity.
Step 4: Add Extra for Wastage
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Always order 10-15% extra tiles to allow for breakages, cuts, and future replacements.
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Example: If your total tile area is 22.2m², adding 10% extra means you should order around 25m² of tiles.
Step 5: Consider Tile Size and Layout
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Large tiles can make a small bathroom feel more spacious, but too many cuts can affect the overall design.
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Smaller tiles create more grout lines, requiring additional cleaning.
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Ordering all tiles at once prevents colour variations between batches and avoids delays if you need to reorder.
These simple steps make it easy to measure your bathroom size at home. However, if you’re unsure or want to be extra precise, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional tiler to ensure accurate measurements.
Measuring your bathroom size correctly ensures you order the right quantity of tiles, preventing waste and unnecessary expenses. More importantly, miscalculating can result in ordering too few tiles, causing delays while waiting for extra stock. If the new batch has slight colour variations, your walls or floors may not match perfectly, affecting the overall look of your bathroom. Ordering all your tiles at once guarantees colour consistency and keeps your project on schedule. Proper measurement is a simple step that saves time, money, and frustration in the long run.
2. Selecting a Slippery Finish for the Floor
Slip ratings help determine how safe a tile is for walking surfaces, especially in humid areas like bathrooms. In Australia, slip resistance is measured using two main rating systems: the R-rating and the P-rating.
R-Rating (Ramp Test) - Common for General Tile Use
The R-rating measures slip resistance based on a ramp test, where a person walks on a tile coated with oil at an increasing incline. This test is mainly used for commercial and outdoor applications, but it’s also helpful for choosing residential bathroom tiles.
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R9: Low slip resistance - suitable for dry indoor areas but not ideal for bathrooms.
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R10: Moderate slip resistance - acceptable for residential bathroom floors but not the best for wet areas like showers.
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R11: Good slip resistance - suitable for bathroom floors, including areas near showers.
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R12 - R13: High slip resistance - ideal for commercial wet areas but may feel too rough for a home bathroom.
For bathrooms, an R10 or higher is recommended, depending on how wet the area gets.
P-Rating (Pendulum Test) - Preferred for Wet Areas
The P-rating, also known as the Pendulum Test, is widely used in Australia to assess slip resistance in wet environments. It’s the most relevant test for bathrooms since it measures how a tile performs when water is present.
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P0 - P1: Very slippery when wet - only suitable for walls.
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P2: Low slip resistance - not recommended for bathroom floors.
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P3: Moderate slip resistance - suitable for general bathroom floors.
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P4: High slip resistance - recommended for high-moisture areas like showers.
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P5: Maximum slip resistance - ideal for commercial spaces but may feel too rough for home use.
For bathroom floors, P3 is the minimum recommendation, while P4 is ideal for extra safety, especially in high-moisture areas like showers.
When selecting tiles, always check their manufacturer specifications to ensure they meet the right slip resistance for your bathroom. While aesthetics are important, safety should never be overlooked, choosing the right slip rating can prevent accidents and create a more functional space.
3. Not Ordering Tile Samples to Test at Home
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is choosing tiles based on showroom lighting or online images without seeing them in their actual space. Tiles can look completely different under natural and artificial light in your home, and factors like texture, colour variations, and finish might not be as expected once installed.
Ordering tile samples before committing allows you to see and feel the tiles in your bathroom setting. Many retailers offer tile samples, making it easy to test how they look with your existing fixtures, lighting, and overall design. By placing samples on your bathroom floor or against the walls, you can check how the colour changes throughout the day and whether the texture meets your expectations.
Another advantage of ordering tile samples is avoiding costly regrets. A tile that seems perfect in-store may clash with your vanity or look too bold in a smaller space. Testing a sample first helps you make an informed decision, ensuring your chosen tiles complement the rest of your bathroom.
How to Order a Tile Sample:
Most tile retailers offer samples online or in-store. Look for retailers that provide sample-sized cuts or small tile pieces, so you can test them before making a full purchase. Some retailers may charge a small fee, while others offer free samples or refunds on samples when you place an order.
How We Do It at Austpek
At Austpek, we make it easy for you to explore our tile collections with affordable sample options. Our samples start as low as $5 and can be fully refunded or credited when you place an order. Plus, we offer free shipping on sample orders, so you can shop with confidence and find the perfect fit for your space.
When selecting samples, choose a few options in different colours, finishes, and textures to compare. If you’re torn between a matte and glossy finish, or between light and dark shades, getting both will help you decide.
How to Test Tile Samples at Home
Once you receive the samples, follow these steps to see how they work in your bathroom:
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Check the Colour in Different Lighting - Place the tiles in your bathroom and observe how they look in natural daylight and under artificial lighting at night. Colours can shift depending on the light source.
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Test Against Your Fixtures - Hold the tile next to your vanity, benchtop, and tapware to see if it complements the overall colour scheme.
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Feel the Texture - Walk on the tile sample with bare feet to check if the surface is comfortable. If testing for the shower area, see if the texture provides enough grip when slightly wet.
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Consider Maintenance - Light-coloured and glossy tiles may show water spots and dirt more easily, while textured tiles may require more cleaning effort.
If you’re struggling to choose between different tile styles, colours, or finishes, consulting your trusted tradie can make the decision easier. Experienced tilers work with various tile types daily and can offer valuable insights on which options will work best in your space. They can assess factors like lighting, layout, and practicality, helping you avoid choices that may look good in-store but don’t translate well in your bathroom. If you’re unsure how a tile will look once installed, they can provide expert advice on tile placement, orientation, and design flow. Their professional input can save you from costly mistakes and give you confidence in your final choice.
Taking the time to order samples before making a final purchase can save you from expensive mistakes, unexpected colour mismatches, and last-minute changes. It’s a simple step that gives you confidence in your tile selection, helping you create a bathroom that looks exactly how you envisioned.
4. Failing to inspect tiles for defects before installation
Before tiling begins, it’s essential to check all tiles for defects such as chips, cracks, colour inconsistencies, or warping. Many homeowners assume that every tile in a batch will be identical, but variations can occur during manufacturing, especially with natural stone or patterned tiles.
Installing damaged or mismatched tiles can lead to an uneven finish, and once they are set in place, replacing them becomes much harder and more costly. To avoid this mistake, inspect each tile upon delivery and separate any defective ones. If you notice a significant colour variation between batches, consult your supplier before installation.
Taking a few extra minutes to check your tiles before installation can save you from future headaches and ensure a flawless bathroom finish.
5. Overlooking Grout Choice and Maintenance
Grout plays a bigger role than many homeowners realise. It affects not just the look of the tiles but also their durability and ease of cleaning. While the choice of grout is typically decided by the tiler, homeowners should still ask questions if the colour or type seems unusual or doesn’t match the tile style. A mismatched grout colour can change the entire look of the bathroom, while using the wrong type - such as standard grout in wet areas instead of epoxy grout - can lead to long-term maintenance issues.
Once the tiles are installed, regular upkeep is essential to keep the grout clean and in good condition. Grout is porous and can absorb moisture, dirt, and soap residue if not properly cared for. To keep it clean and long-lasting, regularly wipe down tiled surfaces, use a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid harsh chemicals that can break down the grout over time. Sealing grout (if required) can also help prevent stains and water damage.
Tiles are one of the most permanent features in a bathroom, so avoiding mistakes from the start is essential. Overlooking factors like tile size, slip resistance, grout selection, or proper testing can lead to costly regrets, installation delays, or extra maintenance down the line. Simple steps like measuring correctly, ordering samples, and discussing details with your tiler can make a big difference in the final result. Taking the time to make the right choices now ensures your tiles not only look great but also stand up to daily use for years to come.
