20 Years of Transformation: How Tile Design & Installation Has Changed

The tile industry has changed dramatically in the past two decades, both in design trends and the technical side of installation.

1. Tile Sizes

   20 years ago, 300x300mm tiles were common. Today, 600x600mm and even 1200x600mm formats are mainstream. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, giving a more open, modern look — but they require more precision in laying and substrate prep.
   
   

2. Printing Technology

   The move from basic patterns to digital inkjet printing has allowed manufacturers to create ultra-realistic timber, marble, terrazzo, and concrete looks. You can now get the beauty of natural materials with the durability and ease of maintenance of porcelain.
   
   

3. Installation Tools

   The rise of tile levelling systems, decoupling membranes, and improved adhesives means better finishes and longer-lasting installations, especially over tricky substrates like timber floors or balconies.
   
   

4. Grout and Adhesives

   Grout technology has improved significantly, with epoxy and stain-resistant options more widely used. Similarly, adhesives now offer better flexibility and bonding strength for large format tiles and challenging environments.
   
   

5. Trends

   Designs have shifted from traditional beige tones to concrete greys, matte blacks, terrazzo, and bold colours. Vertical stacking, herringbone layouts, and kit-kat mosaics are now staples in designer homes.

In short, the industry has moved from functional to fashionable, and the possibilities are now broader than ever — but so is the skill required to get it right.