Tiles: How to Choose for Floors and Walls Buying Guide & Online Shop
Kitchen and bathroom tiles are a popular choice in UK homes for good reason. They look smart, last well and are easy to clean, even in busy spaces.
That said, the right tile for a bathroom wall isn't always right for a patio or hallway floor. If you're buying online, the range can feel huge, but it can also save time, keep you up to date with interior design trends, widen your choice and make it easier to compare prices, colours, sizes and finishes from home.
This guide keeps things simple, so you can buy indoor and outdoor floor tiles and indoor wall tiles with more confidence.
Find Tiles Online
Start with where the tiles will be used
Looks matter, but location matters more. A glossy tile that suits kitchen tiles for a splashback may be a poor choice for bathroom tiles on a wet floor.
So, start with the room or outdoor area first. Think about moisture, foot traffic, grip, cleaning and weather. In other words, choose for daily use, then narrow down the style.
What to look for in indoor floor tiles
Indoor floor tiles need to cope with walking, spills and regular cleaning. In kitchens and hallways, hard wearing tiles with strength and stain resistance matter most. In bathrooms, grip and water resistant tiles move higher up the list.
Porcelain tiles are often the safest all-round pick because they are dense, hard-wearing and less porous. Ceramic tiles can cost less and work well in lighter-use rooms. Natural stone has character, but it usually needs more care and sealing.
For busy homes, matt or lightly textured floor tiles tend to be more practical than polished ones. They show fewer marks and often give better grip.
What matters most for outdoor floor tiles
Outdoor tiles need more than good looks. They must handle rain, mud, frost and sharp changes in temperature.
Porcelain designed for outdoor use is a strong option because it can be frost-resistant, tough and easier to maintain than some natural stone. Still, always check the product details. Not every porcelain tile is suitable outside.
Slip resistance is a big factor for patios and paths. Non-slip tiles are also better outdoors, because they need to cope with weight, weather and dirt without cracking or becoming unsafe.
How indoor wall tiles differ from floor tiles
Wall tiles are usually lighter than floor tiles. They don't need to carry the same load, so makers often focus more on finish, colour and splash protection.
That makes them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. Gloss wall tiles, like popular metro tiles, can brighten a small room because they bounce light around. Meanwhile, matt wall tiles give a softer look and can hide marks better.
> Floor tiles can often go on walls, but wall tiles should not usually go on floors.
Choose a tile style that looks good and works hard
Once you've matched the tile to the space, it's time to think about style. This is where many online shoppers get stuck, because a tile can look great in a photo but feel wrong in real life.
Picking the right material, finish and texture
Porcelain tiles suit most rooms because they're tough and low-maintenance. Ceramic tiles are often easier on the budget, especially for walls. Stone effect tiles, such as slate effect tiles, marble effect tiles or concrete-look options, give you the look of natural materials with less upkeep. Wood effect tiles provide a versatile alternative, while terrazzo tiles offer a modern design choice. Natural stone tiles feel unique, but they often need sealing and more regular care.
Matt finish tiles tend to be the most forgiving. Gloss finishes reflect more light, so they work well on walls and in smaller rooms. Textured tiles can improve grip, which helps on wet floors and outdoor areas, but they may hold more dirt in the surface.
Finding the best size, shape and colour for your space
Tile size changes how a room feels. Large format tiles can make a room seem calmer and more open because there are fewer grout lines. Mosaic tiles add detail and can improve grip in wet areas, especially on shower floors.
Colour also shapes the mood. Lighter tones can make compact rooms feel brighter, while darker tiles add depth and contrast. Shapes like herringbone pattern tiles or victorian tiles can add character, and patterned tiles work best when the rest of the room stays simple.
Don't forget grout colour. A close-match grout colour gives a smoother look. A contrasting grout colour makes each tile stand out more.
How to buy tiles online without making costly mistakes
Buying tiles online can be easier than visiting several shops. You can compare options side by side, check reviews and look at prices without rushing.
### Check the product details before you buy
Photos help, but they don't tell the full story. Read the specification page carefully before adding anything to your basket.
Check the size, thickness, material, finish and slip rating, especially for finishes like polished porcelain tiles. Also look for water resistance, suitability for wall tiles or floor tiles, and outdoor suitability where needed. A tile that looks perfect in the image may be too smooth for a bathroom floor or too thin for a patio.
Use samples, measurements and wastage to order the right amount
Samples are worth it because screens can shift colour and hide texture. A tile that looks warm beige on your phone may look grey in your home.
Measure in square metres, then double-check your figures. Most people also add extra for cuts, corners, breakages and future repairs. Around 10 per cent extra is common, and awkward layouts may need more.
Why buying tiles online can offer better value
Online shopping gives you more range in one place. That's useful when you want kitchen and bathroom tiles in a certain size, finish or shade and local stock is limited.
It also makes price comparison easier. You can weigh up cost against material such as low maintenance flooring, rating and reviews, rather than picking the cheapest tile and hoping for the best. On top of that, shopping from home saves time, which matters when you're planning a full room.
Final checks before you place your tile order
A good tile choice isn't only about the tile itself. The small details can affect cost, finish and how smooth the job goes.
Think about delivery, lead times and tile batches
Check delivery costs before checkout, especially for heavy orders. Also look at lead times if your fitter is already booked.
Batch matching matters too. Tiles from different batches can vary slightly in tone. If you order in stages, that difference may show once the tiles are laid.
Do not forget grout, adhesive and trims
Tiles are only part of the spend. You'll also need the right tile adhesive, grout and often trims for edges and corners.
These finishing items affect both the look and the life of the job. A well-matched grout can lift the whole room, while the wrong tile adhesive can cause problems later, particularly if you're installing floor tiles over underfloor heating systems.
Choosing tiles well comes down to one simple rule, match the tile to the space before you fall for the look. That means thinking about grip, wear, water and weather first for kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles or outdoor tiles, then comparing material, finish and style.
Buying online can make that process easier because you can compare more options, check details properly and shop at your own pace. Order samples, measure carefully and focus on value, safety and suitability, including popular choices like wood effect tiles for your floor tiles, then your final choice is far more likely to feel right every day.
Shop Tiles Online
Shop Electronics and Tech from Trusted UK Retailers
TV’s Mobile Phones Laptops Smart Watches
iPhones – iPads – Apple Watches – Macbooks
Looking to protect your purchase? Explore appliance and gadget insurance options here.
Home Appliances Insurance– Gadget Insurance – Phone Insurance
–
Explore More Buyers Guides & Money Saving Tip
For a list of our main buyers guides use the drop-down menu at the top of the page. Topics related to this article are:
Kitchen Appliances Buyers Guides
–
Comments
Post a Comment