Renovating your home is an exciting (and sometimes intimidating) journey — you get to start from scratch with a blank canvas, using your creativity and personal style to bring your vision to life. At the heart of every renovation lies the big choice of what tiles to pick – with so many options on offer, finding the right balance of function and aesthetics is no mean feat. Whether you’re a reno rookie, qualified tradie or design guru, selecting tiles for your project can be both thrilling and overwhelming. That’s where the Jatana team comes to your rescue — we’re your trusted companion in this expedition of design! 

Tiles: a cost-effective home renovation solution

Unless you’re very lucky, we know that a home reno often comes with a tight budget attached. Every dollar counts when you’re planning your dream home — but that doesn’t mean you have to cut corners with your tile selection. If you go into your renovation armed with a strategy based on the appropriate research, you don’t have to break the bank! Here are some of our top tips for budgeting with tiles:

Plan and measure accurately to avoid over-buying

Always get quality sample tiles so you can try before you buy

Make sure your budget and wishlist are aligned

When in doubt, go for a classic look

Know your DIY limits (because fixing mistakes can be costly)

Popular tile types for home renovators

There are so many different types of tiles out there that it can be tricky to decide which direction you want to go in. We’ve broken down some of the most popular tile types for home renovators, so you can make a decision based on your needs and preferences. 

REPRODUCTION 

They’re the heroes of the tiling world — as an affordable, durable and versatile option, it’s no wonder that Reproduction Encaustic Tiles are so popular. At Jatana, we offer a huge variety of Reproduction Tiles — whatever size, shape, colour or style you can imagine, you’re bound to find it. Whether you want to create the illusion of more space, add a little more brightness or just add some interest to a room, we have a tile to suit. 

MOROCCAN

Another popular choice for homes due to their serious durability, Moroccan Tiles have remained an enduring classic for renovations. Like Reprodution Tiles, they can be fashioned into endless shapes, sizes, colours and finishes. They are fantastic for bathrooms, splashbacks and so much more! 

BENEFITS OF MAKING THE RIGHT TILE CHOICE

From aesthetics to functionality, opting to use tiles in your home renovation can yield a range of benefits you might not have even thought about! If you’re not sold on the idea of tiles yet, these extra advantages might just sway you.

ENHANCED AESTHETICS

The tiles you choose play a significant role in defining the overall look and feel of a room. The right tile choice can elevate the visual appeal of your space, creating a cohesive and inviting ambience. 

INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE

High-quality and well-designed tiles can add significant value to your property. Potential buyers and appraisers often view tile selections as indicators of a well-maintained and stylish home.

DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY 

Choosing durable and resilient tiles, such as Reproduction Encaustic or Moroccan, ensures that your investment will withstand the test of time. These tiles are less prone to wear, fading and damage, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

ALLERGY FRIENDLY 

Opting for floor tiles instead of carpet for your living area is a wise choice for your wellbeing. Tiles are hypoallergenic and inhospitable to dust mites, pet dander and other allergens. This means you reap the benefits of a healthier indoor environment, especially if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.

CURRENT TILE TRENDS FOR HOME RENO 

If you’re a bit stuck for tiling inspiration, it can be useful to look at trending ideas in the interior decorating sphere. Here are some current tile trends for home renovations to help you ignite that creative spark!

NATURAL AND ORGANIC 

Tiles that enhance a sense of organic naturalness, such as Terracotta, are gaining popularity. These tiles offer an earthy appeal with their natural texture while providing the durability and easy maintenance of tile. 

BOLD PATTERNS 

Patterns are making a strong comeback in interior design. Tiles with patterns and bold shapes can add visual interest and a dynamic element to a room. These patterns can be used as feature walls, backsplashes or even on floors to create a modern and unique focal point. Take a look at our Reproduction and Antique Tile range!

ENSURING LONGEVITY 

Want to make sure your tiles look stunning and last for as long as possible? It’s vital to take good care of them. Here are our top tile maintenance tips to ensure your tiles stay beautiful and functional:

REGULAR CLEANING 

It’s not the most glamorous tip, but it is the most important one! Establish a regular cleaning routine to prevent dirt and grime buildup. Sweep, vacuum or mop all your tiled areas regularly to remove dust and debris. Use a soft mop or cloth to avoid scratching the surface.

NO HARSH CLEANERS 

Choose mild, pH-neutral cleaners that are specifically designed for tiles. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish and colour of your tiles over time. Always test a small, inconspicuous area before using a new cleaner.

GROUT MAINTENANCE 

Grout can accumulate dirt and stains, so it’s important not to neglect it in your cleaning routine. Regularly clean grout lines with a grout brush and a mild grout cleaner. Hot tip: sealing the grout lines can help prevent stains and make cleaning easier.

STAIN PREVENTION

Wipe up spills as quickly as possible to prevent stains, especially on porous tiles. Use absorbent materials like paper towels or cloths to blot liquids rather than rubbing. 

PROTECTIVE MEASURES 

Use mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to help keep wear and scratches at bay. Pop mats at your entrances to minimise dirt and debris being tracked onto tiles. Also remember that tiles can chip or crack if you drop heavy objects on them — so be careful when moving furniture or other bulky items. 

VENTILATION

Proper ventilation in areas like bathrooms and kitchens can help prevent moisture-related issues like mould and mildew, which can damage tiles and grout.

AVOID HIGH HEAT 

While most tiles can withstand heat, sudden extreme temperature changes can cause tiles to crack. Use trivets or cutting boards under hot cookware to protect any benchtop tiles.