Choosing the right tiles for your home…

With a wide range of choices available on the market, narrowing down your decision can prove somewhat difficult, especially if you don’t know where to begin. 

We spoke to Nicky Renwick of The Tile Depot on all of our questions, from essential first steps to finding the perfect tile for your space to trending tiles at the moment and also how to strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and practical considerations.

The first point of call is deciding where your tiles are going and their purpose. Each room has specific requirements; for example, kitchens would benefit from easy-cleaning tiles, and water-resistant and slip-resistant tiles are crucial for the bathroom. 

“Not all tiles are created equal, and many are designed with specific functions in mind. Thus, it’s imperative when considering tiles that you always discuss your project with tile retailers who can point you in the right direction from the outset,” explains Nicky. 

“There are tiles designed for use only on walls, only for residential floors and walls, and tiles that can be used indoors and out. There are even tiles with antibacterial surfaces that eliminate bacteria that come into contact with the tile surface.”

With two main types of tile on the market – porcelain and ceramic – understanding which material is best for your space is imperative. 

“Porcelain is crafted from higher-grade clays and fired at higher temperatures than ceramic. As a result, it is harder, denser and less porous than ceramic; it can be used in most areas and is more suited to high-traffic areas and a better option for use in wet areas, such as shower interiors. These days, most indoor and exterior floor tiles on the market are porcelain, with many wall tiles also being manufactured in porcelain.”

When choosing tiles, especially for areas that can get wet, such as bathrooms, laundries and entryways, slip resistance is crucial. Tile surfaces come with varying slip resistance ratings, each suited to different environments.

“The highest anti-slip-rated tiles are generally restricted to outdoor use as they are too rough and difficult to clean for interior use. In recent years, microgrip technology has been introduced, creating tiles with a matte, smooth-to-the-touch surface with high slip resistance. These can be used both indoors and outdoors whilst still being easy to clean,” explains Nicky.

“The primary consideration when selecting tiles for different areas is first and foremost: what area is to be tiled – residential or commercial, wall or floor, indoors or out, dry or wet area, heavy traffic or light? This is critical to selecting the right abrasion resistance, durability and function of the tile.”

Of course, one of the most important decisions when selecting tiles is the design, but balancing aesthetics with functionality is crucial because it ensures that your space is not only visually appealing but also practical and durable. Matching your preferred aesthetic is also essential for creating a beautiful, cohesive space. Considering not only the colour and pattern but also the size and finish, whether glossy or polished, will help you find the best tile that genuinely reflects your taste. 

“Glossy surfaces reflect light and can make spaces seem bigger and lighter; matte tiles have a more natural and organic look. Larger tiles have fewer grout lines and can make a space seem bigger; with smaller tiles, the grout lines can help create unique textural effects and patterns all of their own,” tells Nicky. 

“The glazing on ceramic and porcelain tiles is given a rating called a PEI rating. This measures the abrasion resistance of the glazing – i.e. how much wear it can take. This PEI rating ranges from 0 to 5. Tiles with a PEI 0 can only be used on walls and cannot handle any wear at all, whereas a PEI 5 is suitable for use on heavy commercial floors such as supermarkets, schools and malls.”

Most glazed floor tiles at the Tile Depot range from PEI 3 to 4, suitable for all residential interiors and light commercial floors. Identifying the right PEI for your space will help you achieve the right balance between aesthetics and utility, achieving a harmonious blend of beauty and practicality and ensuring your tiles remain attractive and functional for years to come.

Another way to ensure you’re happy with your choice is to keep up to date with the latest in stylish, contemporary spaces. Dig into your Pinterest boards or trust an expert in the industry to guide you through what people love at the moment that you may love too. 

“Porcelain floor tiles that look like natural stone are hugely popular, particularly those in light neutral tones or those with pressed edges that give a tumbled edge effect.”  

“Both cross-cut and vein-cut designs are equally popular, especially those that look like travertine. These are often used up walls and paired with a feature wall element in either mosaic or subway form.”

“Natural stone mosaics, finger mosaics and stacked subway tiles still dominate the wall tile trends as they add wonderful architectural textures to walls. Without a doubt, green is the most popular feature colour sought.”

Learn more about The Tile Depot on ArchiPro.