24 October 2026
Tile Finishes Explained: Matt, Gloss, Lappato, Honed, Polished and Grip
Short answer: the finish is the surface of the tile. It changes how much light the tile reflects, how it feels underfoot and how it cleans. Gloss and polished finishes are the most reflective, matt and honed are flat with little or no shine, lappato sits in between, and grip (also called external or anti-slip) finishes are textured for outdoor and wet areas.
Matt
A matt finish has a low sheen. It doesn't show water marks and footprints as readily as gloss, which is why it is a common choice for bathroom, laundry and living area floors.
Gloss
A gloss glaze reflects light and wipes clean easily. Gloss tiles are mostly used on walls, such as kitchen splashbacks, shower walls and feature walls. Many gloss tiles are rated for walls only, so check the "Suitable for" line on the product page before using one on a floor.
Lappato (semi-polished)
Lappato tiles are partly polished, giving a soft sheen that is less reflective than a full polish. They are often used in living areas where you want some lustre without a mirror shine.
Honed
A honed surface is ground smooth and flat, with no shine. The term is most often used for natural stone, and for porcelain that copies it.
Polished
Polished tiles have the highest shine. They suit indoor areas that stay dry. Polished surfaces are usually more slippery when wet than matt or grip finishes, so check the slip rating.
Grip, external and anti-slip finishes
These finishes have a textured surface that gives more traction, especially when wet. You will usually find them on outdoor tiles, pavers and pool surrounds. Some ranges, such as SurfaceTec, are sold as anti-slip finishes for both indoor and outdoor use.
Finish and slip rating
The finish affects grip, but the slip rating is what tells you how a tile actually tested. In Australia slip resistance is tested to AS 4586 and shown as a P rating from P0 to P5. As a general guide, P3 is common on residential bathroom and laundry floors, and P4–P5 outdoors and around pools. Your builder or certifier can confirm what your project needs. See tile slip ratings explained.
See it before you buy
Finish is hard to judge on a screen. Order a sample from any tile page and see it in your own light.