How to Select Tiles For Your Home Renovation or Improvement
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing tiles for your home renovation? Here we provide the essential tips to help you make the right choices for a beautifully transformed space. Addressing three key questions—where the tiles will be installed, whether they will be used on walls or floors, and the desired aesthetic—will steer you in the right direction.
Embarking on a home renovation or improvement project can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to selecting tiles. With countless options available, it's easy to feel lost. Don't worry, we're here to help! This guide is here to steer you through the key questions, ensuring you make the right choices for a beautifully renovated space. Let's make your tile selection journey a smooth and enjoyable one!
Answer These 3 Key Questions First
Before diving into the world of tiles, start by addressing three essential questions:
1. Where will the tile be installed?
Bathrooms: Consider functionality and safety, especially for wet areas like wetroom floors. Finding a tile with the right amount of "grip" is important. You can find out more about tile slip ratings in our
"Slip Ratings Explained" blog. Size matters too, with options for both large and small spaces. Big tiles can give that seamless and contemporary look and can be incredibly impactful.
Standard formats are typically from 600x600mm to 600x1200mm, where as the
largest slabs can come up to 3000x1500mm. Smaller
decorative tiles can give that cosy and warm feel and bring fantastic flourishes in colour.
Kitchens: Prioritising practicality and maintenance is often key for such a crucial entertaining and family space. Porcelain tiles are ideal due to its low porosity and durability. They are incredibly hard wearing and very difficult to stain. Larger formats minimise grout lines, reducing the chance of grout discoloration, as well as providing a wow factor of grandeur. Its also possible to soften up the look with stone effect in an opus pattern, like our
farmhouse collection, or achieve the homeliness of wood but with the practicalities of porcelain tiles with our
wood effect porcelain tile collection. Read our blog on "
7 reasons to choose wood effect porcelain tiles" to see the benefits.
Exterior: Exterior tiles need to withstand the elements and have excellent slip resistance, especially in areas prone to rain or snow. Frost-resistant tiles are a must for regions with freezing temperatures. Natural stone, porcelain, or some types of ceramic tiles are excellent choices for outdoor spaces, as they can withstand varying weather conditions. If you are laying onto a concrete base of at least 75mm, then a typical
6-12mm exterior tiles can be used as the substrate is providing the strength. However, if laying onto a compacted substrate or grass, a
20mm porcelain paver should be used to provide the additional strength required.
2. Will the tile be used on walls or floors?
Floor tiles: For high-traffic areas or spaces exposed to heavy footfall, select highly durable and impact-resistant tiles.
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for floor installations, offering both strength and style. Natural stone is also a beautiful material offering unlimited variation and uniqueness. Most
porcelain tiles are not exclusively for floor use only and can also be considered for wall use. With
natural stone, the tiles should be sealed after installation and a careful
maintenance regime should be followed.
Wall tiles: Explore a wide range of styles and materials to complement your interior design.
Ceramics,
porcelain tiles and
natural stone offer numerous options for creating stunning wall features in various rooms. Consider if the tile is going to be a feature, such as our
decorative tiles, or a simpler and practical wall covering. Although all porcelains and natural can be used on the walls, ceramics should only be used on the walls as they are not as strong and are likely to crack if installed on a floor.
3. What do you want your space to look like?
Aesthetic qualities: Consider the overall theme and ambiance you want to achieve. Whether you prefer a modern, classic, rustic, or contemporary look, there are tiles to suit every style.
Designs and patterns: Explore various designs and patterns to add personality and character to your space. Mosaic tiles, for example, can create eye-catching focal points in bathrooms or kitchens.
The wonderfully warm tones of Panama Mellow
Understand your Budget
While planning your home renovation, consider your budget when selecting tiles. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer great value for money, combining strength, durability, and affordability. If you're willing to invest more, natural stone tiles bring undeniable beauty to your space. We often have
end of line sales that can always help with keeping the budget in check.
Create Your Dream Space
Choosing the right tiles is a crucial step in transforming your home. With careful consideration and expert assistance, you'll achieve a space that exudes beauty, functionality, and comfort. We're here to help you create your dream space and bring your vision to life. Whether it's indoor or outdoor, we have the perfect tiles to elevate your home's style and functionality.
Our Expert Assistance
We're here to help throughout your project. With of 3 decades of experience, our professional team can provide you with advice and answer any tile-related questions. If you've found a design you love, simply share it with us, and we'll help you find similar options from our collections. We can also offer professional advice and installation products to help keep your tiles stuck and looking great for years to come.
Stay Informed and Inspired
Stay updated with the latest trends, newest ranges, and inspiration. Follow us on
Instagram and
Pinterest for the latest updates.
