Tile Buying Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know

The exciting journey of designing a room begins with setting a goal regarding what the ambience should feel like to you, or even which theme you are looking for. One of the first steps towards implementing your vision is choosing the right tiles that can make your space look wow while being affordable. Tiles are an integral part of every room. They can make a space go from good to great!  When you are looking for those perfect tiles to spruce up your home, look for tile buying advice to get you started. Discover what you should know before purchasing tiles, especially if you are a beginner. Here are some things to keep in mind while shaping the future of your home!

1. Get to Know the Types of Tiles Available

The first checkbox in your tile shopping checklist is sure to read up on what kind of tiles are actually available in the market! Take a quick look at what you can expect when you are tile shopping. 

Ceramic Tiles  

Ceramic tiles are among the most popular choices for both residential and commercial spaces due to their strength, versatility, and ease of maintenance. However, one important factor to consider is their tendency to absorb water, which can make them less suitable for areas with prolonged moisture exposure. As a result, ceramic tiles are typically recommended for dry indoor areas, where their durability and design appeal can be best utilized without the risk of water damage.

Natural Stone 

The natural texture and feel of the stone add character to your space. Whether it is the veining or the rough look of the stone, it lends a rugged appearance to your space. The most sought-after natural stone tiles are marble, granite, and slate

Porcelain Tiles 

You may find yourself looking at your tile selection guide and wondering what the difference is between ceramic and porcelain tiles. Porcelain is also a dense material with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 per cent, making the tile water-resistant. These properties make porcelain tiles the perfect choice for outdoor spaces and areas that are often exposed to water, such as bathrooms.

2. Identify the Needs of the Space You Are Decorating

Perhaps the most crucial part of the “How to choose tiles for home” handbook is identifying the needs of the space you are decorating. For example, when decorating a bathroom, choose water-resistant and anti-skid tiles. Likewise, you can consider using vitrified tiles for outdoor spaces, considering their durability. One of the most common mistakes when buying tiles is overlooking the importance of tile size in relation to your space. For smaller areas, opting for larger tiles—such as 800x2400mm, 800x1600mm, 800x1200mm, or 800x800mm can help create the illusion of a more open and spacious room.  Another advantage of large tiles is fewer grouting lines, making the space look bigger. The layout pattern of tiles, especially for grained tiles like wooden tiles, can make a significant difference when recreating a theme. Even square formats like 1000x1000mm or 1200x1800mm add a modern, uninterrupted visual flow. Another great option is 600x1200mm, which offers versatility without compromising on the spacious feel.

3. Check the PEI Rating and Grading of the Tiles You Choose

The best way to determine the suitability of each tile for any area in the space is to check its technical grading and rating. One of the tile buying tips is that the tiles are categorised from PEI 1 to 5. The PEI or Porcelain Enamel Institute (USA) rating scale is not a measure of tile hardness. It indicates which category the tiles best fit into and where they can be effectively used. PEI 1 has the lowest resistance to wear, whereas PEI 5 has the highest resistance to wear.  Tiles are graded based on quality:

• Grade 1 - This is the highest quality with no visible effects, consistent colour, and thickness. 
• Grade 2 - Minor cracks or scratches, or other imperfections, which make it suitable for residential use. 
• Grade 3 - Easily noticed flaws which can be used for decorative purposes or a rustic effect. 

👉 To see how tiles are actually made, watch this video: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buyeogRirt8&t=361s[/embed] Always check for products certified by organisations like ANSI or ISO to ensure they meet international quality standards.

4. Additional Tile Ratings: Water Absorption and Slip Resistance

Additional ratings that can assist you with your purchase are the water absorption rate and coefficient of friction. Water absorption rate is a tangible way to determine which tiles are best suited for dry and wet areas.  Another critical factor in deciding which tile to buy is the coefficient of friction. COF measures slip resistance. COF ≥ 0.6 is generally safe for flooring in homes. For wet areas such as bathrooms, choosing tiles with higher COF values or textured finishes can provide extra safety. Considering these ratings alongside aesthetics and size will ensure you select tiles that are both beautiful and functional, tailored perfectly for each area of your home.

5. Choose the Right Finish, Colour, or Pattern for your Space

When you are looking at the tile size and material guide, there are some dos and don’ts to follow. Glossy and light-coloured tiles reflect more light, making the room brighter. However, these are not ideal for a kids’ bedroom as they can get slippery. You can consider anti-skid or matte finish tiles for kitchens. Patterns or designs should be chosen if the space is big; otherwise, it can look cramped or overwhelming. The finish, colour, and pattern affect any space. You can only learn how to choose tiles when you test out your theories!

Type	Best For	Features	Tips
Glossy Tiles	Living rooms, walls, and formal spaces	Reflect light, make the room look brighter and bigger	Avoid in bathrooms or kids' rooms – slippery when wet
Matte Finish Tiles	Kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas	Non-slip surface, soft and elegant look	Ideal for high-traffic areas or wet spaces
Anti-skid Tiles	Bathrooms, balconies, utility areas	Special textured surface for safety	Essential in homes with children or the elderly
Light-Coloured Tiles	Small rooms, dim-lit areas	Reflect light well, create an illusion of spaciousness	Use to make cramped spaces feel larger
Dark-Coloured Tiles	Large rooms, heavy-use areas	Add depth, hide dirt and stains easily	Pair with light walls to avoid a dull or closed-in feeling
Patterned Tiles	Large rooms, feature walls	Add artistic or dramatic effect	Avoid in small spaces – can make the area look busy or cramped
Textured/3D Tiles	Accent walls, modern decor setups	Offer tactile richness and modern visual appeal	Use sparingly as highlights or borders
Wood-look Tiles	Bedrooms, living rooms	Combine the warmth of wood with the durability of tiles	Great for a natural aesthetic with less maintenance
Stone-look Tiles	Entrance, outdoor pathways	Natural textures, robust finish	Choose slip-resistant variants for outdoor safety
Designer/Accent Tiles	Borders, highlights, decorative panels	Bold patterns, unique looks	Use for focal points or to break monotony in minimalist rooms

Conclusion: Enliven Your Space

Get on board the transformation train and choose your tiles to make your haven spectacular. Don’t just think about the tile durability and maintenance tips; enjoy the process of decorating your space with all the information at your fingertips. Invest in the future and invest in a lovely home with Orientbell Tiles. From cosy corners to grand entrances and living room spaces, you can find something for everyone and everywhere at Orientbell Tiles. Take charge of your life and make it better – shop Orientbell Tiles today!