Let’s face it—tiles have had their moment. Glossy white squares? Great in 2003. Grout lines that collect enough grime to qualify as a science experiment? Not so great. At NZ Grinders, we’re here to make a bold statement: Polished concrete beats tiles in almost every way. Yes, even in your bathroom, where things get a little… steamy.
If you’re weighing up whether to go for tiles or polished concrete in your reno or new build, you’re in the right place. We’re pulling back the (shower) curtain and laying out the facts. Spoiler alert: it’s not even a close fight.
Maintenance Showdown: Grout vs. Greatness
Tiles come with grout. And grout comes with headaches. It stains, it cracks, it harbours mildew, and unless you’re the kind of person who scrubs floors with a toothbrush on Sundays, it’s going to look tired fast.
Now let’s compare that to polished concrete. Once it’s sealed and hardened, it’s basically a low-maintenance dream. A quick mop, and it’s back to looking showroom-ready. No cracks. No grubby corners. No grout. Just glorious, seamless shine.
So unless you enjoy scrubbing mould with baking soda and vinegar (and hey, if that’s your thing, we won’t judge), polished concrete is the clear winner.
Style Points: Modern Minimalism for the Win
Tiles are fine. They’re… functional. But polished concrete? That’s designer-level stuff. It’s sleek, modern, and timeless. It works in industrial lofts, country kitchens, beach houses, and everything in between. You want high-gloss luxury? We’ve got that. Prefer a matte, earthy finish? We do that too.
And let’s be honest—when was the last time someone walked into a room and said, “Wow, those grout lines are gorgeous”?
We’ve helped countless clients across Tauranga, Rotorua, and Wellington turn boring floors into absolute showstoppers. Polished concrete doesn’t try to be fancy—it just is.
Durability: This Floor Isn’t Going Anywhere
Tiles might look tough, but one dropped bottle of shampoo and boom—chip city. Or worse, crack town. And don’t get us started on lifting tiles or dodgy underlays.
Polished concrete, on the other hand, laughs in the face of heavy foot traffic, kids, pets, parties, and the occasional DIY disaster. Once we’ve done our grind, densify, and polish routine, that slab is set to outlast everything. Including your couch.
At NZ Grinders, we’ve polished concrete in high-traffic shops, busy homes, and commercial kitchens. It doesn’t just survive—it thrives.
Bathroom Approved: Slip-Resistant & Waterproof Options
We know what you’re thinking—“But can concrete really work in bathrooms?” Yes. And not just work. Shine.
Polished concrete with the right finish isn’t slippery. In fact, we can tailor the sheen and texture for wet areas to balance beauty with safety. Add a penetrating sealer or a polyurethane topcoat, and you’ve got a completely waterproof, hygienic surface.
Plus, without grout, there’s nowhere for mould to hide. Your bathroom just became a whole lot easier to clean—and a whole lot nicer to look at.
Eco-Friendly Bonus: Green, Lean, and Built to Last
Tiles need mining, firing, packaging, and a heap of energy to produce. Then you have to glue them down with adhesives and grout. Concrete? It’s already there under your feet. We just reveal it, enhance it, and protect it.
Polishing your existing slab is one of the most sustainable flooring choices you can make. Less waste. Less material. Less guilt when you post that dreamy bathroom shot on Instagram.
At NZ Grinders, we’re proud to help clients make beautiful, long-lasting choices that are better for the planet. Because stylish floors shouldn’t cost the earth.
Design Freedom: Colour, Stone, and Shine Control
Tiles limit you. Concrete sets you free.
Want exposed aggregate for that natural stone look? Done. Keen on adding a dye or stain for a dramatic finish? Absolutely. Prefer a low-key industrial vibe? We’ve got just the polish level for that.
We can even incorporate decorative saw cuts or borders for that custom designer finish. You can’t exactly cut your tiles into geometric masterpieces mid-install—trust us, we’ve seen people try.
The Verdict: Ditch the Tiles, Call NZ Grinders
Let’s break it down one more time:
| Feature | Tiles | Polished Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | High (hello, grout!) | Low |
| Durability | Chips & cracks | Built like a tank |
| Aesthetic | Dated fast | Timeless & modern |
| Cost over time | Repairs add up | Long-term savings |
| Eco-friendliness | High impact | Low waste |
| Wow factor | Meh | WOW |
So, are tiles totally terrible? Not necessarily. But when it comes to performance, longevity, and that jaw-dropping finish, polished concrete just wins. Every time.
Let’s Polish Off Your Project (Literally)
At NZ Grinders, we’ve helped homeowners and builders across New Zealand choose smarter, more stylish floors—without sacrificing function. Whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen, or full-house fit-out, we know how to take your concrete from basic to breathtaking.
So if you’re still tile-curious, we’d love to show you some real-life examples. Come visit us in Tauranga, or check out our portfolio online. We’ll happily talk you through the process and help you choose a finish that fits your home (and your budget).
Your floor deserves better than grout. Let us show you what it’s really capable of.
For project-specific advice or information, please give us a call, North Island Glen 021-434-199, South Island Mike 027-281-8815 or email Ian, our sales manager.