Floor tiles for Northcote homes: halls, bathrooms, kitchens and courtyards

Northcote homes range from period cottages with long central halls to modern apartments and townhouses. Floor tiles have to suit the way each space is used, and a good choice can tie the whole house together. This guide works through each room, with links to our tile shop page for Northcote and our Northcote tile buying guide.

Start with the whole floor plan

Before choosing a single tile, look at how rooms connect. If the kitchen, laundry and back living area flow into each other, one floor tile across all of them makes the space feel larger. Where tiles meet timber floors in the hall, plan the junction so heights match and the transition is neat. Your tiler can advise on levels after the measure.

Bathroom floors

• Choose a matt finish for grip when wet.
• Smaller tiles or mosaics make falls to the waste easier in the shower.
• Larger 600x600mm tiles suit the main floor area with fewer grout lines.
• Terrazzo looks hide water marks and suit both period and modern homes.

Kitchen and living floors

Kitchens take spills, dropped pans and constant foot traffic. Porcelain is dense and hard wearing, which is why it is the usual choice. Large formats such as 600x1200mm look calm in open plan spaces. A mid tone stone look hides crumbs and dust far better than very light or very dark tiles.

Laundries

A laundry floor should be durable and easy to mop. Many Northcote laundries are small, so a light floor tile helps. If the laundry opens to the back yard, consider using the same tile as the kitchen or courtyard for continuity.

Courtyards, decks and alfresco areas

Outdoor tiles need a suitable slip rating and must be rated for exterior use. Indoor and outdoor ranges let you match the inside floor with a textured outdoor version, so the living area flows into the courtyard. Read outdoor tiles and slip ratings before you choose.

Hallways and entries

In period homes the hall often keeps its timber boards, but in some renovations a patterned or classic tile at the entry adds character. Hexagon, chequerboard and encaustic looks suit older homes. Make sure entry tiles are hard wearing and not too slippery when wet shoes come in from the rain.

Sizes, grout and layout

Bigger tiles mean fewer grout lines, but they need a flat subfloor. Smaller tiles follow uneven floors more easily. A grout colour close to the tile gives a seamless look. Layouts such as straight lay, brick bond or herringbone change the feel of a room. Our tile sizes guide and choosing floor tiles cover these in more detail.

How much to order

Order enough for the floor area plus an allowance for cuts and breakage, more for herringbone or diagonal layouts, and keep a few spare tiles from the same batch for future repairs. Our free measure takes the guesswork out of quantities.

Caring for tiled floors

Porcelain floors are low maintenance. Sweep or vacuum regularly and mop with a pH neutral cleaner, avoiding harsh acids that can damage grout. Sealing grout in kitchens and entries helps it resist stains. Felt pads under chairs protect both the tiles and the grout lines.

See floor tiles in person

Our Reservoir showroom is about 15 to 20 minutes from Northcote by car, or a short walk from Reservoir station on the Mernda line. Tiles are call to order, so choose from samples and we order them in, usually ready for pickup in 2 to 4 days. Installation by our qualified trades is available as a paid service and is always quoted.

Close to Thornbury, Preston and Northcote

Our Reservoir showroom is minutes from the inner north. See our local pages for bathroom tiles and tapware near Thornbury, bathroom renovations near Preston and the tile shop near Northcote, or browse all areas we serve.

Common questions

What is the best floor tile for a Northcote bathroom?

A matt porcelain tile with a suitable slip rating is a practical choice. Terrazzo and stone looks suit both period and modern Northcote homes.

Can I use the same tile inside and in the courtyard?

Yes, if you choose a range with matching indoor and outdoor versions. The outdoor tile has more texture for grip.

Do you measure floors in Northcote?

Yes. We offer a free measure in Northcote so your tile quantities are right.

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, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, 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.