The finish of a tile changes how it looks, how it feels underfoot and how safe it is when wet. Polished and high gloss tiles reflect light and look glamorous, while matt and super matt tiles look calmer, hide marks better and are usually the safer choice for wet or busy areas. Here is how to choose.

Polished tiles

A polished finish is smooth and shiny, with a mirror-like effect that makes marble, onyx and stone designs look especially rich.

• Pros: reflects light and makes rooms feel bigger and brighter, and gives a luxurious look.
• Cons: shows fingerprints, footprints and dust more easily, and can be slippery when wet.
• Best for: living rooms, hallways, feature walls and bathroom walls.

High gloss tiles

High gloss tiles have a very shiny, glazed surface. They bounce light around a room and make colours look deeper and more vivid.

• Pros: bright, dramatic and easy to wipe clean, which makes them popular on walls and in small rooms that need more light.
• Cons: show water marks, smudges and scratches clearly, and are generally not the best choice for wet floors.
• Best for: bathroom and kitchen walls, splashbacks, feature walls and statement areas.

Matt tiles

Matt tiles have a soft, non-reflective surface with a natural, modern look.

• Pros: hide marks and dust, feel more natural underfoot, and are generally more slip-resistant.
• Cons: can look flatter in small, dark rooms.
• Best for: kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, hallways and family homes.

Super matt tiles

Super matt is an even softer finish, with almost no shine and a smooth, velvety look. It gives rooms a calm, contemporary feel.

• Pros: a very modern look, minimal glare, and fingerprints and footprints are much less visible.
• Cons: textured or very matt surfaces can take a little more effort to clean, so choose a suitable cleaner.
• Best for: modern living spaces, open-plan kitchens, bedrooms and large-format floors.

What about slip resistance?

A beautiful tile is only a good choice if it is safe for the room. Always check the product’s slip rating.

• R ratings (R9 to R13) are used for areas where shoes are worn. A higher number means more grip.
• Pendulum test value (PTV) is common in UK specifications. A result of 36 or above is generally considered to give a low slip potential in wet conditions.
• A, B and C ratings are used for areas where people walk barefoot, such as shower floors.
• For wet rooms, shower floors and outdoor areas, choose a higher grip level and ask us for the technical data before you buy.

If the slip rating is not on the product page, contact us and we will check it for you.

Which finish is right for each room?

• Bathroom floor: matt or super matt
• Bathroom walls: polished, high gloss or matt, depending on the look you want
• Kitchen floor: matt or super matt
• Kitchen splashback: high gloss or polished
• Living room: polished for a bright, formal look, or super matt for a relaxed one
• Hallway or entrance: matt, as it copes better with wet shoes

Keeping them looking good

Use a neutral cleaner that is suitable for porcelain. Avoid abrasive pads, and wipe polished and gloss tiles dry to avoid streaks. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning advice.

How to see a finish before you buy

Light changes how every finish looks. Check the tile in daylight and under artificial light, and compare the finish photos on each product page. You are also welcome to visit our showroom or message us for more photos and information. You can browse our full range of finishes in the Tiles section and filter by finish: polished, matt, high gloss and super matt.