{"id":25001,"date":"2025-08-14T11:19:49","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T05:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.orientbell.com\/blog\/?p=25001"},"modified":"2025-08-14T11:20:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T05:50:06","slug":"tile-buying-made-easy-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orientbell.com\/blog\/tile-buying-made-easy-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Tile Buying Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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 <\/span>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!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you are looking for those perfect tiles to spruce up your home, look for <\/span>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!<\/span><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Get to Know the Types of Tiles Available<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The first checkbox in your <\/span>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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ceramic Tiles\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ceramic tiles<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Natural Stone<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

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<\/span><\/p>\n

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Porcelain Tiles\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You may find yourself looking at your <\/span>tile selection guide and wondering what the difference is between ceramic and <\/span>porcelain tiles<\/span><\/a>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Identify the Needs of the Space You Are Decorating<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Perhaps the most crucial part of the \u201c<\/span>How to choose tiles for home\u201d 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 <\/span>vitrified tiles<\/span><\/a> for outdoor spaces, considering their durability.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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\u2014such as <\/span>800x2400mm, <\/span>800x1600mm, <\/span>800x1200mm, or <\/span>800x800mm can help create the illusion of a more open and spacious room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>1000x1000mm or <\/span>1200x1800mm add a modern, uninterrupted visual flow. Another great option is <\/span>600x1200mm, which offers versatility without compromising on the spacious feel.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Check the PEI Rating and Grading of the Tiles You Choose<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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 <\/span>tile buying tips<\/b> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tiles are graded based on quality:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Grade 1 – This is the highest quality with no visible effects, consistent colour, and thickness.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Grade 2 – Minor cracks or scratches, or other imperfections, which make it suitable for residential use.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Grade 3 – Easily noticed flaws which can be used for decorative purposes or a rustic effect.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \ud83d\udc49 To see how tiles are actually made, watch this video:<\/span><\/p>\n