Tiles remain a popular choice for Australian kitchen splashbacks, offering both functionality and style. However, selecting the right tiles requires careful consideration of various factors. We've prepared a brand new technical bulletin that explores three essential aspects of tile selection and installation: types of tiles, tile layouts, and grout. (Members, you'll find the bulletin here.) In this feature, we share five of our favourite stylish tile splashbacks to inspire your next design.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are thin slabs made from clay or other inorganic raw materials. Pressed tiles are produced from a compacted paste formed using a high-pressure press, while extruded tiles are created by forcing the raw materials (in a paste-like form) through a special tube. The resulting strip of clay is then cut into individual tiles. After this, both pressed and extruded tiles are dried and fired at high temperatures to achieve the necessary properties.
Ceramic tiles shrink during the firing process, and a slight variation in size must always be anticipated. The larger the tile, the greater the potential for size variation. Tight grout joints, particularly when the grout is of contrasting colour, will highlight these variations. (Refer to the 'About Grout' section of the technical bulletin for more information.)
Ceramic tiles can be either glazed or unglazed. They are incombustible, which makes them suitable for splashbacks behind gas cooktops, and they are unaffected by light.
Zellige Tiles
Zellige tiles, also known as Moroccan tiles, are a type of ceramic tile. The art of making zellige is passed down through generations in Morocco, making them a stunning choice for lovers of handcrafted décor. The production of these tiles is labour-intensive. Natural clay, usually sourced from Fez, Morocco, is mixed with water, hand-shaped, dried, and kiln-fired. Enamel glazing is then applied to the fronts of the tiles by hand. Like prized goods in other parts of the world, such as Champagne and Belgian linen, Morocco has recently mandated that authentic zellige tiles be made from clay free of lime or iron, both of which can damage the tiles, and be labelled accordingly.
Kerrie Neale of BBOT Designs (Brunswick, Victoria) gave this kitchen some zing with zellige. The Arabian Mint tiles, made in Morocco, are the superstar of this stunning space, making it a standout entry in the KBDi 2024 Design Awards.
Porcelain Tiles
Adelaide's Sophie Doumbiotis (Sophie Katina) used Japanese-inspired, glazed porcelain tiles to evoke handcrafted character in this striking kitchen. The Italian-made wall tiles offer stunning light reflection and unique pattern-making qualities, making them the perfect design solution for this truly beautiful space.
ACT designer Jo Tuck-Lee of Marble & Muse Interiors used the full-bodied colour of porcelain tiles to add a turquoise treat to this beautiful kitchen.
Natural Stone Tiles
Australian Standard 3958 (Installation of ceramic and stone tiles) references international standards EN 12057 and EN 12058 as guidelines for natural stone tiles. It specifies packaging requirements, stating that the documentation must include the product name, petrographic classification, country of origin, nominal and working sizes, nature of the surface finish, and other relevant details. The Standard indicates that before installing natural stone, tiles should be inspected for consistent dimensions, colour range, aesthetics, surface finish, and absence of flaws. The stone should then be compared against any reference sample and specifications and submitted to the relevant stakeholders for approval.
Melbourne's Olivia Cirocco (GIA Interiors) used beautiful concave mosaic travertine tile in this timeless kitchen. The warm, natural tones of the tile, combined with gorgeous green cabinetry and micro cement features, create an earthy appeal, making this kitchen a favourite of the KBDi crew.
Mosaic Tiles
AS 3958 defines a mosaic tile as ‘a tile that can fit into a square with sides less than 7 cm’. Mosaic tiles may be glazed or unglazed ceramic, natural stone or glass. To allow ease of handling, mosaic tiles are assembled as sheets with tesserae (separate pieces of tile) face-mounted, back-mounted or edge-connected. Face-mounted mosaics have paper or a plastic film attached to the face of the tiles. Back-mounted mosaics have nylon adhesive strips, nylon fabric net, paper lattice or other mesh material glued to the back of the tiles. Edge-connected mosaics are attached to one another with compressible polymeric materials. (For important considerations related to tiling curved walls with mosaics, refer to the Wall Tile Layouts section of the bulletin.)
The dynamic pattern of the Chevron Marble Mosaic tiles adds movement and magic to this magnificent kitchen designed by Brisbane's Marilena Baynes (Marilena Baynes Interior Design Studio).
Among the many stylish options available, ceramic tiles offer versatility, with variations like handcrafted Moroccan zellige adding artisanal charm. Porcelain tiles provide enhanced durability and water resistance, making them a robust choice for kitchens. Natural stone tiles bring timeless beauty, though proper inspection and installation are crucial for maintaining quality. Finally, mosaic tiles allow for intricate designs, adding dynamic patterns and textures to splashbacks.
From classic ceramics to luxurious stone and eye-catching mosaics, the right splashback can transform a kitchen's look and feel. Whether you prefer a handcrafted touch or sleek modernity, these five stunning tile options showcase today's endless design possibilities.
Members, don’t forget to add our new bulletin to your resource library. Log in and download your copy here.
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