How to Choose the Right Tiles for Your Bathroom Renovation in Brisbane or Gold Coast

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When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, picking the right tiles isn’t just about what looks good. The right tiles can make your bathroom safer, easier to clean, and even feel more spacious. At HEW Projects, we’ve completed hundreds of bathroom renovations across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, so we know exactly what works in real Aussie homes.

As founder Wale Makinde often says, “The best bathroom tiles are the ones that fit your lifestyle and last the distance.” In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose tiles that are practical, stylish, and built to last in our Queensland climate.


How to choose the right tiles for your bathroom renovation
How to choose the right tiles for your bathroom renovation

1. Start with Your Bathroom Space

Your tile choice should match the size and layout of your bathroom. For example, in small bathrooms like ensuites, large tiles can reduce grout lines and create a more open look. We recently renovated a compact bathroom in a South Brisbane townhouse where we used 600x600mm porcelain tiles on both the floor and walls. It made the space feel twice as big.

On the other hand, if you have a large family bathroom on the Gold Coast with zones for the shower, tub, and toilet, you can play with a mix of tiles to define each area.

Key Tip: Always measure your space and think about how the tile layout will affect the feel of the room.

Another example of large format tile being used

2. Know Your Tile Types

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular tile materials:

  • Ceramic Tiles: Great for walls. They’re affordable, easy to clean, and come in heaps of colours and styles. Best for light-use areas.
  • Porcelain Tiles: A step up in durability and perfect for floors. These tiles handle water, foot traffic, and Queensland heat like a pro.
  • Natural Stone Tiles: Think marble, slate, or travertine. Luxurious but need sealing and regular maintenance. Better for adult bathrooms or high-end designs.
  • Glass Tiles: Popular for feature walls or splashbacks. Reflect light beautifully but can chip, so not ideal for floors.

If you’re unsure, Wale and the HEW Projects team can walk you through what will work best based on your lifestyle. Book a consultation here.

3. Prioritise Safety and Function

In any bathroom, especially one used by kids or elderly parents, safety matters. Look for slip-resistant tiles with a P3 or P4 slip rating for the floor. In one Gold Coast renovation, we used textured matte tiles for a couple in their 60s to help reduce slips without sacrificing style.

Also consider water resistance. Wet zones like the shower need fully glazed or porcelain tiles. Don’t skip this – we’ve had to fix too many DIY jobs where the wrong tiles were used, leading to leaks and mould.

Large format tiles make the room bigger

4. Get the Size and Shape Right

Large format tiles (e.g. 600x600mm or bigger) are trending, and for good reason. They make small spaces feel bigger and are quicker to clean. But don’t be afraid to mix things up. For example:

  • Use mosaic tiles in shower niches or around mirrors.
  • Try vertical subway tiles to add height to short walls.
  • Consider hexagonal tiles for a modern, geometric style.

The HEW Projects team often uses a mix of shapes and sizes to create a high-end look without blowing the budget.

5. Choose the Right Colour and Style

Neutral colours like white, grey, and beige are timeless and work well with almost any style. But if you want something more unique, try:

  • A dark charcoal tile paired with timber-look vanities for a contemporary feel.
  • A soft green or pastel blue for coastal bathrooms in Burleigh or Mermaid Waters.
  • Patterned encaustic-look tiles on the floor for a vintage or boho vibe.

Just make sure your feature tiles don’t clash with the rest of your palette.

Smaller tiles give the room a more playfull character

6. Don’t Overlook Grout

Grout colour affects how your tiles look over time:

  • White grout = clean and classic, but harder to keep clean.
  • Grey grout = modern and practical.
  • Black grout = bold and hides dirt, but can feel heavy in small spaces.

Our tip? Match your grout to your tile or use it as a contrast for added drama. Just don’t forget to seal it if needed.

7. Set a Realistic Budget

Tiles come in a wide price range, from $20/m² up to $150/m² for premium options. When planning your budget:

  • Factor in extras like delivery, adhesive, and waterproofing.
  • Allow 10% extra tiles for cuts and spares.
  • Talk to your builder about installation costs.

At HEW Projects, we help our clients choose smart combinations of high- and low-cost tiles to stay on budget without compromising on style.

8. Test Before You Buy

Tiles look different in natural light vs store lighting. Always take a few samples home and test them in your space. One client in Logan loved a matte grey tile in the showroom, but at home, it looked too blue. We swapped it for a warm grey and it made all the difference.

Sub Way Tiles use din a recent renovation

9. Get Expert Help

Choosing tiles can be overwhelming. That’s why working with experienced renovators like HEW Projects is so valuable. We guide you through every step, from design to install, and ensure your bathroom renovation is built to last.

Whether you’re in Slacks Creek, Beenleigh, or anywhere on the Brisbane Southside, or planning a coastal update in Robina or Surfers, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to Start Your Renovation?

Let HEW Projects help you design and build a bathroom that works for your lifestyle. Reach out to Wale Makinde and the team today for a no-obligation consultation and quote.

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