COMPARISONS

Tile & Waterproofing Comparisons

Side-by-side comparisons to help you make confident decisions about the materials and systems used in your tiling project.

Quick Answer

How do I choose between common tiling materials and systems?

The right choice depends on where the tile or system is used and how demanding the conditions are. Porcelain and epoxy grout suit wet, high-traffic areas; ceramic and cement grout suit lower-demand spaces. Wedi boards integrate waterproofing into the structure, while fibre cement relies on a separate membrane. These comparisons explain the best use case for each option.

Wedi vs Fibre Cement

Wedi boards have a waterproof core, while fibre cement sheet is an absorbent backer that relies on a separately applied membrane.

Wedi

Best for: Fast, integrated waterproof wet-area construction and renovations.

Fibre Cement

Best for: Traditional builds where waterproofing is applied as a separate coat.

Read the full guide: Wedi systems

Epoxy Grout vs Cement Grout

Epoxy grout is highly durable, water-resistant and stain-resistant; cement grout is more economical but more porous.

Epoxy Grout

Best for: Wet areas, pools, kitchens and high-traffic or staining-prone surfaces.

Cement Grout

Best for: Budget-conscious projects and drier, lower-demand areas.

Read the full guide: Epoxy grout

Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain is denser and less porous, making it harder-wearing and better for floors and wet areas; ceramic is lighter and often more affordable.

Porcelain

Best for: Floors, wet areas, outdoor and high-traffic spaces.

Ceramic

Best for: Walls and lower-traffic areas where cost and variety matter.

Read the full guide: Tile glossary

Liquid Membrane vs Sheet Membrane

Liquid membranes are applied in coats and conform to complex shapes; sheet membranes offer consistent thickness and fast, reliable coverage.

Liquid Membrane

Best for: Detailed areas, penetrations and irregular shapes.

Sheet Membrane

Best for: Large, regular areas where consistent thickness is a priority.

Read the full guide: Membrane systems

Large Format Tiles vs Standard Tiles

Large format tiles create a seamless modern look with fewer grout lines but demand a very flat, stable substrate; standard tiles are more forgiving.

Large Format

Best for: Modern, minimal interiors with fewer grout lines.

Standard

Best for: Curved surfaces, smaller spaces and more forgiving installation.

Read the full guide: Bathroom renovations

Bathroom Renovation vs Bathroom Refresh

A full renovation rebuilds the wet area including waterproofing; a refresh updates surfaces and fittings without re-engineering the structure.

Full Renovation

Best for: Dated, leaking or poorly built bathrooms needing a fresh start.

Refresh

Best for: Sound bathrooms that simply need a cosmetic update.

Read the full guide: Bathroom renovations

Walk-In Shower vs Shower Tray

A tiled walk-in shower offers a seamless, custom look built on-site; a prefabricated tray is faster to install and simpler to waterproof.

Walk-In Shower

Best for: Custom, level-entry designs and a premium finish.

Shower Tray

Best for: Faster installs, tighter budgets and simpler waterproofing.

Read the full guide: Wedi systems

Related Guides

Not sure which option is right for you?

Nova Tiling will recommend the best materials and systems for your specific project and budget.

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