Italian vs cheap tiles. The real price (and cost) breakdown

Who this is for:

- Christchurch homeowners comparing Italian tiles with cheaper imports, trying to understand what they actually pay for and what risks come with each choice.

‍

Typical price ranges (Indicative Only)

‍

• Cheap or entry ceramic (often Chinese): usually $45-$65 per square metre. Works in laundry rooms, rentals, or low-traffic areas. Higher chance of warpage, colour variation, fading and chipping.
• Mid-range porcelain (mixed origins): usually $65–$85 per square metre. Suitable for most floors and walls, with mixed consistency in batches. Still risk of short lifespan with basic design.
• Italian porcelain (premium, rectified): usually $80–$120+ per square metre. Best for main floors, bathrooms, and feature spaces. Offers consistency, precision, and design depth.

‍

Installation across Christchurch often runs another $75–$110 per square metre, depending on tile size, substrate prep, layout, waterproofing, and detailing. A “cheap” tile that takes longer to install can quickly erase the saving on materials.

What drives the price difference

‍

1. Tile body and firing process: Italian porcelain is denser and fired hotter, giving lower water absorption and higher strength.
2. Tolerances: Premium tiles are cut and calibrated with greater precision, which speeds up installation and reduces lippage. Budget tiles can vary widely, slowing installers down with also larger grout lines.
3. Surface technology and design: Italian factories invest in richer textures with the practicality and everyday use in mind, multiple print faces, and rectified edges for minimal grout lines. Cheaper tiles often repeat the same print.
4. Quality control: Stricter checks in premium factories mean fewer odd batches and more consistent stock if you need extra later.

The hidden costs over time

‍

• Extra install hours caused by inconsistent calibration.
• Higher risk of rework if tiles warp or show shade variation.
• Greater wear and staining on cheaper glazes.
• Aesthetic fatigue, obvious pattern repeats or “budget” finishes age faster.
• Resale value: premium finishes are noticeable to buyers.

‍

A small upfront saving on tile can easily be wiped out by extra labour hours or even one re-do of a problem area.

‍

When cheaper tiles make sense?

‍

• Secondary rooms such as laundries or spare bathrooms.
• Short-term rentals where longevity isn’t critical.
• Projects on very tight timelines where aesthetics are less important.

‍

When Italian tiles are worth it?

‍

• Main floors and open-plan living areas where wear and tear is heavy.
• Bathrooms or feature walls where you want a premium finish.
• Large format installations, where consistent calibration really matters.
• Projects where avoiding rework is worth more than a small upfront saving.

‍

Availability in Christchurch

‍

• Italian imports often require eight to ten weeks if special ordered, though many showrooms also carry some stock of popular lines.
• Cheaper imports are often available immediately, but shade and batch consistency can be hit-and-miss.

‍

How to judge tile quality in a showroom

‍

• Ask for the water absorption rating, true porcelain should be 0.5% or less.
• Check calibration by dry-laying several tiles: do the edges line up?
• Place two tiles face to face to test flatness.
• Run a coin across the surface to see if it scratches.
• Look at how many unique patterns are printed, fewer faces means repeats.
• Confirm slip ratings match the area (especially bathrooms and outdoor spaces).
• Check that all boxes are from the same batch.
• Ask your installer which tiles they prefer to work with, they’ll give you the honest answer!

‍

Common questions

‍

Is Italian just a brand premium?
No. The difference shows up in tolerances, finishes, and long-term consistency, not just the logo.

Are all Chinese tiles poor quality?
No. Some factories make excellent tiles, but budget lines can vary a lot. The risk is in inconsistency.

Can I mix Italian and cheaper tiles?
Yes. Many people use Italian tiles in key spaces and budget tiles in less visible or less important rooms.

What about lead times?
Plan ahead. Italian stock can be available immediately if in stock locally, or within a few weeks if ordered in.

‍

Key takeaways for Christchurch homeowners

‍

• Focus on total installed cost, not just the square-metre price of tiles.
• Ask for full quotes with labour, prep, trims, and waterproofing listed clearly.
• Think about longevity—saving now may mean replacing or regretting sooner.
• Decide which rooms deserve the premium look and performance of Italian tiles, and where budget options are fine.

‍

If you’d like to explore authentic Italian tiles right here in Christchurch, you’re always welcome at Naturally Tiles.
Visit us at naturallytiles.co.nz or drop by our showroom, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect tiles for your project.

‍

Don't forget to try our  FREE Tile Price Guide tool giving you a clear understanding of what to expect when budgeting for tiles.