What is Compare My Build?

An interactive comparison platform for home buyers to evaluate builders, plans, and inclusions in their region side-by-side.

When does the tile selection appointment happen?

The tile selection appointment typically happens after your contract is signed and before construction begins. Your builder's colour or selection consultant will schedule it. You'll usually have one appointment that covers tiles, flooring, paint colours and other finishes, or it may be split into separate appointments depending on the builder.

How much do tile upgrades typically cost?

Tile upgrade costs vary significantly between builders, states and tile specifications. Floor tile upgrades can range from $30–$80+ per square metre over the standard allowance, while feature tiles and large format tiles can cost more. Always request a full tile upgrade price schedule from your builder before the appointment.

What's the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?

Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous and more durable than ceramic tiles. They're better suited to high-traffic floors and wet areas. Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive and often used for walls. Both come in a wide range of styles, sizes and finishes.

Should I choose matt or gloss tiles?

It depends on the room and your priorities. Gloss tiles are easier to clean and reflect light, making them popular for kitchen splashbacks. Matt tiles offer better slip resistance and hide water spots, making them better for bathroom floors. Many buyers mix both — gloss for walls, matt for floors.

Can I use the same tiles indoors and outdoors?

Yes, but outdoor tiles must have an appropriate slip rating (typically R11 or higher). Using the same or similar tiles indoors and out creates a seamless flow, but you need to ensure the outdoor tile is rated for exterior use and that the threshold between indoor and outdoor is properly designed.

Tiles, Flooring & Finishes — Selection Guide for Australian Home Buyers

Free for home$Spot costly upgradesCompare real builder

Free for home buyers$Spot costly upgradesCompare real builder inclusions

Home›Build Knowledge Hub›Tiles, Flooring & Finishes

Tiles, Flooring & Finishes

Your complete learning centre for tile and flooring selections. Prepare for your appointment, understand upgrade costs, compare tile types, and avoid the mistakes that cost buyers thousands.

13 guides 4 categories Independent & builder-neutral

The tile and flooring selection appointment is where every surface in your new home is decided — kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls and floors, entryways, living areas, laundries and outdoor alfrescos. These choices affect both your daily enjoyment of the home and your upgrade budget. This learning centre brings together independent, builder-neutral guides on every aspect of tile and flooring selection, from understanding the appointment itself to comparing porcelain and ceramic, choosing grout colours, planning layout patterns, and budgeting for upgrades.

Featured Guides

Start here — the most important reads in this learning centre

Selection Appointments & Costs

3 guides

Tile Types & Materials

3 guides

Design, Layout & Finishes

5 guides

Room-by-Room Tile Guides

2 guides

Best Bathroom Tiles

Slip ratings, water absorption, sizes and textures for wet areas.

6 min read

Best Kitchen Tiles

Splashback, floor and feature tiles for durability and cleaning.

6 min read

Helpful Checklists

Tile Selection Appointment Checklist

A room-by-room checklist to take to your tile appointment.

Electrical Appointment Checklist

Printable checklist for the electrical appointment.

All Checklists

Browse every checklist on Compare My Build.

Related Learning Centres

Kitchen & Cabinetry Bathroom & Plumbing Lighting & Electrical Upgrade Costs Guide Product Guides Building Process Checklists Building Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Continue Your Build Journey

Kitchen & Cabinetry

Your kitchen is the most-used room in the house. Prepare for your kitchen selection appointment with guides on benchtops, cabinetry, sinks, taps, splashbacks, lighting and appliances.

Explore Kitchen & Cabinetry Compare Builders Free

Tiles, Flooring & Finishes

Featured Guides

Tile Selection Appointment Explained

Tile Upgrade Costs Explained

Flooring Options Explained

Selection Appointments & Costs

Tile Selection Appointment Explained

Tile Upgrade Costs Explained

Flooring Options Explained

Tile Types & Materials

Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles

Large Format vs Standard Tiles

Matt vs Gloss Tiles

Design, Layout & Finishes

Floor-to-Ceiling Tiles

Feature Tiles

Tile Layout Patterns

Choosing Grout Colours

Indoor to Outdoor Tiles