Pick a colour or pattern you like, and get them installed. Is choosing floor tiles really as simple as that?
It’s not just about the look – there are a few pitfalls to steer clear of when it comes to selecting tiles for offices, homes, or retail spaces. We are talking about mistakes that might jeopardise your investment.
So in this article, we have outlined a few of these potential errors for you to watch out for.
Don’t be seduced by the pattern or colour you like. One of the biggest mistakes is selecting low-grade or cheap tiles without checking their specifications.
Poor quality tiles may come in varying thicknesses, have a weak glaze, a surface which is too hard, or poor water resistance.
Over time, low-quality tiles can chip, crack, or warp, especially under heavy foot traffic or in areas that see a lot of moisture.
Our recommendation? Always check for ratings like PEI (for wear resistance), water absorption rate (for bathrooms, kitchens or outdoors), and confirm that the tile is suitable for your intended use.
You can have a premium quality tile that looks the part, but if it is not bonded properly, it won’t do its basic job.
Buying the cheapest tile adhesive or assuming one type fits all is a no-no. Whether they are porcelain, ceramic or natural stone; tiles need the right adhesive to avoid delamination (when the tile splits from the surface underneath) or hollow spots.
Finding the right adhesive shouldn’t be a problem. Your supplier or installer can advise on the correct adhesive for the tiles you choose – including polymer-modified or flexible varieties.
Grout is the paste-type material that fills the gaps between tiles after they have been laid. It is not just filler; it is vital for structural support, and also affects the aesthetics.
Choosing exactly the right grout may make maintenance trickier, or, worse still, contribute to shrinkage or cracking over the mid-to-long term. The colour also comes into it, and we’ve put a guide together on how to choose the right grout colour to complement your tiles.
It might sound like a no-brainer, but tiling can be done badly by workmen who claim to be more experienced than they are.
Even with good materials, the necessary know-how is important to avoiding mistakes such as poor substrate preparation, insufficient levelling or inadequate sealing.
An inexperienced tiler might not allow for movement joints or expansion gaps, or fail to follow tile manufacturer guidelines. All it takes is some research. Always check references, view previous work, and verify that they understand your tile type.
Size matters in tile terms. The wrong tile size can complicate installation and produce an imbalanced look.
Choose a tile size that is appropriate for your room’s scale and layout. As a rule of thumb – very large tiles in small rooms may look awkward, and even lead to stability problems on uneven substrates. However, the opposite is also true – very small tiles on a large floor can look a bit too ‘busy’.
Mixing tile sizes is also best avoided in general, as aside from looking confusing, it can be a factor in misaligned grout.
Tiles are brittle materials, and rough handling may cause chips, cracks or edge damage. This is especially a risk if transporting many tiles at once, stacking incorrectly, or not protecting them during installation.
Damaged tiles may not always be replaced from the same batch. There might be colour differences, so minimising breakage is important.
Tiles must be matched to their environment. Wet zones such as bathrooms and showers need low absorption and slip-resistant finishes. Outdoor tiles may require UV durability and extra strength. High traffic areas need higher wear ratings. And for underfloor heating sones, you require tiles that can handle thermal expansion.
We hope this article has alerted you to the problem of buying substandard tiles. Even so, as with any purchase, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest tile (or adhesive) to save money.
If we are going to leave you with one message, it’s that cutting corners on materials or workmanship almost always leads to costly repairs further down the line. Think ahead, consult professionals, and invest wisely.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
