Stone Tiles

If you are comparing broader hard surface finishes, start with ArchiPro's Tiles & Stones range, then narrow by material, size, finish and application. For stone and tile projects, it is worth shortlisting products early so your builder or designer can confirm substrate preparation, waterproofing, slip resistance and set-out before installation begins.

Natural stone tiles can suit many spaces, but the surface finish and stone type matter. Dense stones often handle busy areas better, while softer, more porous stone may need extra sealing and care. Use the application to guide your shortlist:

• Floor tiles: choose stone floor tiles with the right thickness, wear rating and slip resistance for entries, kitchens, living zones and commercial spaces.
• Wall tiles: stone wall tiles add texture to bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, feature walls and exterior facades.
• Mosaic tiles: small-format stone mosaics suit shower floors, niches, splashbacks and curved surfaces where larger pieces are harder to set out.
• Decorative tiles: use stone patterns, mixed finishes or carved profiles where the tile is a design focus.
• Ceiling tiles: consider weight, fixing systems and access requirements before selecting any stone-effect ceiling finish.
• Tactile indicators: select compliant products for public access areas, transport entries and commercial circulation zones.

Natural stone has genuine variation in colour, veining and texture. It can be honed, polished, brushed, tumbled or split-faced, depending on the design intent. It may also need sealing, specialist cleaning and careful installation to manage staining and movement.

Stone look tiles are usually porcelain or ceramic tiles made to imitate marble, limestone, travertine, terrazzo or slate. They are a practical alternative when you want the appearance of tile flooring natural stone with lower maintenance. A stone look tile can be a strong fit for rental properties, busy family bathrooms, commercial floors and areas exposed to frequent cleaning. For some projects, combining natural stone and tile products works well: genuine stone on a feature wall, with matching stone look tiles on high-use floors.

Finish affects both appearance and safety. Polished stone reflects light and can feel formal, but it is often less suitable for wet floors. Honed stone has a smoother matte surface and is common in bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces. Tumbled stone gives a softer edge and aged feel. Split-faced or stacked stone tile is mainly used on vertical surfaces because the raised surface can be difficult to clean underfoot.

For outdoor stone tile areas, ask about slip resistance, heat underfoot, salt exposure and suitability near pools. In wet areas, the tile selection must work with the waterproofing system, falls to waste and drainage. Ask suppliers for slip test information, including AS 4586 results where relevant, especially for bathrooms, entries, ramps, balconies and commercial spaces.

Most natural stone tiles need sealing after installation, and some need resealing over time. Porous stones such as limestone, sandstone and travertine generally need more care than granite or dense slate. Sealers help resist staining, but they do not make stone maintenance-free. Confirm compatible cleaners before handover, as acidic products can etch marble, limestone and travertine.

• Batch variation: request current samples or photos from the available batch, not only catalogue images.
• Tile thickness: confirm transitions to timber, carpet, concrete or existing tile flooring.
• Edge detail: check whether stair nosings, pool coping or matching skirting pieces are available.
• Lead times: imported stone tiles, large-format pieces and special finishes can need longer ordering windows.
• Installer experience: natural stone needs correct adhesives, movement joints, cutting and sealing.

Use ArchiPro to compare stone tiles by material, finish, colour, size and supplier. Shortlist products for your architect, designer, builder or tiler, then confirm technical data before purchase. The right stone and tile choice should suit the space, meet practical requirements and still look considered years after installation.