There are many different tile surface finishes. Surface finishing refers to the process of a tile in order to achieve certain textures such as roughness or smoothness. Each finish is appropriate for particular applications and some finishes are highly inappropriate for other applications.

Here are the various surface finishes and where they work/ don’t work:

Polished Finish

This type of finish is highly reflective, very smooth and is achieved by being polished with multiple heads. It’s an impressive finish, especially in large areas such as hallways but is rather slippery in nature. 

Works well in: Interior public spaces, lounges, hallways, dining rooms.

Doesn’t work in: Entryways, especially in commercial areas. Showers and outdoors, especially around pools – too slippery.

Lapatto Finish 

This type of finish is semi-polished and is achieved by being polished with an abrasive wheel but not long enough to achieve the same level of sheen of actual polished tiles.

Works well in: Lounges, dining rooms, hallways.

Doesn’t work in: Outdoors or entrance areas exposed to weather. 

Matt Finish

A matt finish is an all-round good finish. It is smooth and natural looking but has a non-reflective surface and better non-slip properties. 

Woks well in: Entryways, lounges, dining rooms, kitchens & bathrooms.

Can be used outdoors but not ideal.

Bush Hammered Finish

With natural stone tiles this finish is achieved with tools such as a chisel in order to obtain a rustic, rough surface. With ceramic and porcelain tiles the texture is pressed into the tile body. A bush hammer finish tends to be a consistent bumpy surface across the tile which improves anti-slip properties.

Works well in: Outdoors, entryways, lounges, dining rooms, kitchens & bathrooms.

Doesn’t work well in: Kitchens and bathrooms because dirt can accumulate, and mould can form.

Textured finish

This type of finish is similar to Bush Hammered and tends to emulate the material it resembles so wood-look tiles are pressed with a wood grain, rock-look tiles, like slate will be pressed with natural variations resembling the stone. Textures can be generic, the same texture pattern on all tiles or in-register meaning that the texture exactly matches the design of each tile.

Works well in: Outdoors, entryways, lounges, dining rooms, kitchens & bathrooms.

Doesn’t work in:  Kitchens and bathrooms can be high maintenance if using this finish.