Bathroom Tiles NZ: How to Choose Floor, Wall and Shower Tiles
Choosing bathroom tiles is exciting, until you're standing in a showroom with 400 options. The tile you love in the showroom isn't always the right tile for a shower floor. This guide covers the practical side of choosing bathroom tiles in New Zealand: which materials work where, slip resistance, sizes, and the styles Kiwis are choosing right now.
Porcelain vs ceramic: which is better for a bathroom?
Porcelain
Water absorption: 0.5% or less
Strength: Very dense and hard-wearing
Best for: Floors, showers, high-traffic areas
Cost: Usually higher
Ceramic
Water absorption: Higher (varies)
Strength: Softer, easier to cut
Best for: Walls, splashbacks, feature areas
Cost: Usually lower
The Building Code acceptable solution E3/AS1 says shower floor and wall tiles must not absorb more than 6% water, and tiles at 3% or less are preferred. Most porcelain tiles easily meet this, which is why porcelain is the go-to choice for shower floors.
Bathroom floor tiles: slip resistance matters
A wet bathroom floor is one of the most common places for a fall at home. When choosing bathroom floor tiles, ask for the tile's slip rating:
P ratings (wet pendulum test, P0–P5): higher numbers are more slip resistant. For a wet bathroom or shower floor, look for P3 or higher.
R ratings (ramp test, R9–R13): also common on imported tiles. R10 or R11 is a sensible range for bathroom and shower floors.
Matt, textured or "grip" finishes are safer underfoot than polished tiles.
Smaller tiles on a shower floor give more grout lines, which adds grip.
Bathroom wall tiles
Walls don't need slip resistance, so you can choose almost anything, including gloss ceramic, handmade-look zellige or a feature mosaic. Wall tiles should still be rated for wet areas inside the shower.
Shower tiles: size and layout
Small tiles and mosaics suit showers with a central drain, because they bend easily to the four-way slope of the floor.
Large tiles (600mm+) work best with a linear drain, where the floor only falls in one direction.
Plan the layout so cuts fall in corners and grout lines line up with the niche, shower mixer and glass panel.
Popular bathroom tile styles in NZ right now
Subway tiles: laid vertically, stacked or in herringbone for a fresh take on a classic.
Zellige tiles: glossy, handmade-look tiles with natural colour variation.
Terrazzo tiles: speckled and playful, popular in ensuites and powder rooms.
Travertine (and travertine-look porcelain): warm, natural stone tones. Porcelain gives the look with less maintenance.
Mosaic tiles: finger mosaics, penny rounds and hexagons for shower floors and feature walls.
Large-format porcelain: marble or concrete looks with very few grout lines.
How many tiles do I need?
Measure each area in square metres, then add 10–15% extra for cuts and breakages. Add more for herringbone or diagonal layouts. Buy all your tiles from one batch so the colour matches, and keep a few spare for future repairs.
Natural stone in bathrooms
Marble, travertine and limestone are beautiful but porous. They need sealing and gentle, pH-neutral cleaners, and they can etch with acidic products. They also need careful handling and an experienced installer.
Need help choosing bathroom tiles?
All About Tiles has tiled bathrooms across Wellington, the Hutt Valley, Kapiti and Wairarapa for over 20 years, from mosaics to large-format porcelain and stone. Bring your tile samples to your free on-site quote and we'll tell you honestly what will work. See our bathroom tile installation service or request a quote.
Slip ratings are a guide. Always check the manufacturer's data sheet for the tile you choose.
