What Tiles Are Best for Bathroom Floors?

Choosing bathroom floor tiles isn’t just about looks — it’s about performance. Bathrooms deal with water, steam, daily foot traffic, and cleaning products, so your tiles need to handle all of it without becoming slippery, stained, or damaged over time.

At Ceramica Homes, we help homeowners, builders, and renovators choose bathroom tiles that are practical, durable, and timeless — not just on trend today, but still looking good years down the track.

Here’s what actually matters when selecting bathroom floor tiles.

1. Slip Resistance Matters More Than You Think

Bathroom floors get wet — it’s unavoidable. That’s why slip resistance should always come first.

Matte or lightly textured tiles are the safest option for bathroom floors. While glossy tiles may look sleek, they become extremely slippery when wet and are better suited to walls, not floors.

Tip: Look for tiles designed specifically for floor use, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and ensuites.

2. Water Resistance & Porosity

Bathroom floor tiles must be highly water-resistant. This comes down to porosity — how much water a tile absorbs.

Low-porosity tiles prevent moisture from penetrating the surface, protecting the tile itself and the substrate underneath. This helps reduce issues like lifting, mould, and long-term damage.

This is why materials like porcelain perform far better in bathrooms than timber, laminate, or highly porous stone.

3. Durability for Everyday Use

Bathrooms are high-traffic spaces, especially in family homes. Your floor tiles should resist scratching, chipping, and wear.

The P rating (abrasion resistance) is a useful guide:

P 2–3 is suitable for most residential bathroom floors
Higher ratings are better for heavier use areas

If you’re unsure, this is something we always help clients assess before ordering.

4. Easy Maintenance (Including Grout)

No one wants a high-maintenance bathroom.

Large-format tiles generally mean fewer grout lines, which makes cleaning easier. Smaller tiles or mosaics increase grout lines — great for grip, but more upkeep.

Non-porous tiles resist stains and clean easily with standard bathroom cleaners. Choosing the right grout colour also makes a big difference to long-term maintenance.

Best Types of Bathroom Floor Tiles

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain is the most popular choice for bathroom floors — and for good reason.

It’s dense, hard-wearing, low-porosity, and extremely durable. Porcelain handles water, traffic, and cleaning with ease, making it ideal for both family bathrooms and ensuites.

Best for: Long-term durability, low maintenance, modern or classic designs

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are a cost-effective option and easier to cut, which can reduce installation costs.

Ceramic tiles are generally used for bathroom walls due to their lighter weight and suitability for vertical applications. They are easier to install than porcelain, which can help with labour efficiency while still performing well in wet areas when installed correctly.

Glazed ceramic tiles are resistant to staining and moisture and are available in a wide range of colours, sizes, and finishes, making them ideal for full-height bathroom walls, feature walls, and splash zones.

In some designs, porcelain or natural stone may also be used on walls, however ceramic remains the most common and practical choice for bathroom wall tiling.

Best for: Budget-conscious projects and lighter-use bathrooms

Marble & Natural Stone

Marble delivers undeniable luxury, but it does require commitment.

As a natural stone, marble is more porous and needs regular sealing to protect against moisture and staining. It’s best suited to bathrooms where appearance is prioritised and maintenance is understood.

Best for: Feature bathrooms and design-focused spaces

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaics are ideal for shower floors and areas that need extra grip.

Because they have more grout lines, mosaics naturally provide better slip resistance. They’re commonly supplied on mesh sheets, making installation easier despite the smaller tile size.

Best for: Shower bases, floor wastes, and wet zones

How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Bathroom

The best bathroom floor tile is the one that suits how you live.

Busy family homes: Matte porcelain or textured ceramic tiles in mid-tones like grey, beige, or stone look
Small bathrooms: Light-coloured tiles and larger formats to visually open the space
Design-led bathrooms: Combine a neutral floor tile with mosaics or feature materials in the shower