Choosing tiles for coastal homes on the Bellarine and Surf Coast

A home near the water asks more of its tiles. Floors get sand tracked across them every day, bathrooms see wet feet and wetsuits, and outdoor areas take salt spray, wind and strong sun. Here is how to choose tiles that look good and stay that way, whether you are in Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads or Queenscliff, Torquay or Jan Juc, or around the bay in Portarlington and Drysdale. You can see every look mentioned here at our Geelong showroom.

Start with porcelain

Porcelain absorbs very little water, resists scratching and, when glazed, does not need sealing. That makes it the best all round choice for a coastal home, and especially for holiday houses that sit empty for weeks at a time. Natural stone is beautiful, but it needs sealing and more care where sand and salt are constant.

Colours and looks that hide sand

The single most useful tip for a beach house is to choose a floor tile close to the colour of the sand you live near. Pale, plain white tiles show every grain; very dark tiles show dust and salt marks. The sweet spot is a warm, mid toned, gently patterned surface.

• Travertine look: warm, soft and naturally varied. Perfect for relaxed coastal living areas and bathrooms.
• Limestone look: calmer and more even, a good match for white walls and timber joinery.
• Stone look: greys and taupes that suit modern coastal homes with black or gunmetal tapware.
• Terrazzo look: flecks hide sand and crumbs in kitchens and laundries.
• Timber look: the feel of boards without the worry of water and sand scratching the finish.

Finish and slip resistance

Wet bare feet are part of coastal life, so the finish matters as much as the look.

• Bathroom floors and showers: choose a matt tile with a slip rating that suits wet areas. Smaller tiles and mosaics on a shower floor add grip through extra grout lines.
• Decks, outdoor showers and pool surrounds: use a textured or grip finish. Look for a P4 or P5 rating where it is listed on the tile, and confirm what your area needs with your builder.
• Walls: wall tiles can be gloss. Gloss tiles bounce light around a small bathroom and are easy to wipe clean.

Our outdoor tiles and slip ratings guide explains the P and R ratings in plain English.

Indoor to outdoor flow

Many coastal homes open the living area straight onto a deck or courtyard. Indoor and outdoor matching ranges come in two finishes of the same tile, a smoother one for inside and a grippier one for outside, so the floor looks continuous. For pool surrounds and paths, 20mm pavers are tough and can be laid on sand, gravel or pedestals. See the pool tiles range and our pool tiles and coping guide.

Wall tiles with a coastal feel

For bathrooms, laundries and splashbacks, a little texture or colour goes a long way:

• Subway tiles in white, soft green or sea blue, laid in a stack or brick bond.
• Handmade look tiles with an uneven glaze that catches the light.
• Fluted and three dimensional feature tiles behind a vanity.

Grout matters more near the beach

Choose a grout colour close to the tile so sand and wear blend in. For showers and floors that see a lot of water, ask your tiler about an epoxy or a high performance cement grout, which resists staining better. Our grout colour and type guide has the details.

Tapware and fittings to suit

Salt spray can mark any metal finish, so plan for a quick wipe as part of your routine. Brushed and PVD finishes such as warm brushed nickel and brushed gold hide water spots well. Pair warm finishes with travertine and timber; pair matte black or gunmetal with cooler stone looks. See caring for tapware finishes.

Bring samples home

Coastal light is bright and changes through the day. Take samples home from the showroom and look at them morning and afternoon, wet and dry, before you decide. Tiles are call to order, usually ready for free pickup from Geelong in 2 to 4 days, or delivered to your door on the Bellarine or Surf Coast.

Common questions

What is the best floor tile for a beach house?

A matt porcelain in a warm, mid toned travertine, limestone or stone look is a great all rounder. It hides sand, does not need sealing when glazed, and can carry a suitable slip rating.

Do I need special tiles for an outdoor shower?

Use a tile with a grip or textured finish and a slip rating that suits wet bare feet, and make sure the area drains well. Confirm the rating with your builder.

Can I use the same tile inside and outside?

Yes, if the range comes in both an indoor and an outdoor finish. Many of our indoor and outdoor ranges are designed to match.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, or book a renovation consult, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days. See all the areas we serve.