Choosing the right tile can completely transform a space—whether you’re renovating a bathroom, updating your kitchen backsplash, finishing a basement, or building a new home. Yet despite its popularity and versatility, tile shopping can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of styles, materials, colours, textures, finishes, and sizes to choose from, many homeowners find themselves unsure of what to look for.
Tile is not just a design element—it’s a long-term investment that affects the durability, maintenance, and overall value of your home. Making the right choice requires understanding not just aesthetics but also technical details such as tile ratings, slip resistance, water absorption levels, installation requirements, and the practicality of each material.
This comprehensive 3000-word guide breaks down everything you need to know before buying tile, ensuring you choose the right product for your needs, style, budget, and long-term goals. Whether you’re shopping at a large retailer, a boutique showroom, or a specialized Tile Store Scarborough, these tips will help you make informed, confident decisions.
1. Start With Your Project Needs: Function First, Style Second
Before choosing tile, the first step is understanding the space you’re tiling. Every room has unique functional and structural requirements.
A. What room are you tiling?
Different rooms require different tile characteristics:
- Bathrooms: Slip resistance, water absorption, mildew resistance
- Kitchens: Easy cleaning, stain resistance, heat tolerance
- Hallways & Entryways: Durability, scratch resistance
- Basements: Moisture resistance, flooring stability
- Outdoor areas: Frost resistance, anti-slip ratings, UV stability
- Commercial spaces: Heavy-duty tile capable of supporting higher foot traffic
Knowing the functional requirements narrows your choices and avoids potentially expensive mistakes.
B. How much traffic will the area get?
Tile durability varies widely. For floors, especially in busy areas, choose tiles that withstand daily use without scratching or wearing down.
General guideline:
- Low traffic: Guest bathrooms, closets
- Medium traffic: Kitchens, hallways
- High traffic: Entrances, commercial spaces
Prioritizing durability ensures your tile looks new for years.
C. Will the area get wet?
Moisture changes everything. For wet or humid environments:
- Use porcelain or ceramic with low water absorption.
- Choose textured finishes or anti-slip surfaces for safety.
- Avoid polished, slippery tiles where water frequently collects.
Tile must match the moisture level of the space.
2. Understand Tile Materials: Porcelain, Ceramic, Stone, Glass, and More
Different tile materials serve different purposes. Selecting the right one is essential for both performance and longevity.
A. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is considered the gold standard due to its:
- High durability
- Low water absorption
- Versatility
- Wide range of designs (including wood-look, marble-look, and concrete-look tiles)
- Scratch and stain resistance
Porcelain is ideal for almost every room, including high-moisture and high-traffic areas.
B. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic is:
- More affordable
- Easier to cut and install
- Perfect for walls and low-traffic floors
Though not as dense as porcelain, ceramic can be an excellent choice for budget-conscious projects.
C. Natural Stone Tile
Stone adds luxury and organic beauty. Options include:
- Marble
- Travertine
- Slate
- Limestone
- Granite
- Onyx
Stone tiles require sealing and more maintenance. Their natural variations create stunning uniqueness, but they demand proper care.
D. Glass Tile
Ideal for:
- Backsplashes
- Accent walls
- Decorative panels
Glass reflects light beautifully but should not be used in high-traffic floor areas due to slipperiness and fragility.
E. Mosaic Tile
Mosaics come in porcelain, glass, metal, and natural stone.
Perfect for:
- Showers
- Niches
- Accent strips
- Feature walls
Because mosaics are sold on mesh sheets, installation requires precision to maintain even spacing.
F. Large-Format Tiles
Large tiles (24×48, 32×32, 48×48) are trending for:
- Modern, seamless aesthetics
- Minimal grout lines
- Visual expansion of a room
These tiles require a flat substrate, skilled installation, and proper leveling systems.
3. Evaluate Tile Ratings and Technical Specifications
This section is where many homeowners feel overwhelmed—but these technical specs ensure you pick the right tile for your environment.
A. PEI Rating (Durability)
PEI ratings determine how much wear a tile can handle:
- PEI 1: Walls only
- PEI 2: Light foot traffic
- PEI 3: Moderate traffic
- PEI 4: Heavy residential & light commercial
- PEI 5: High traffic & commercial
Choose according to the usage level of your space.
B. Water Absorption Rate
Important for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and outdoor areas.
Categories:
- Non-vitreous: High absorption (walls only)
- Semi-vitreous: Moderate absorption
- Vitreous: Low absorption
- Impervious: Very low absorption (best for wet spaces)
Porcelain is typically impervious, making it ideal for wet or humid rooms.
C. Slip Resistance
Look for COF (Coefficient of Friction) values:
- Dry areas: Standard tiles are fine
- Wet areas: Choose textured or slip-resistant finishes
- Commercial spaces: Follow industry safety requirements
Safety should never be compromised, especially in bathrooms, mudrooms, and entryways.
D. Tile Hardness (Mohs Scale)
Higher numbers mean greater resistance to scratches. Stone tiles vary widely, while porcelain usually ranks high.
E. Frost Resistance
Outdoor tiles must withstand temperature changes without cracking. Not all tiles are intended for exterior use.
4. Consider Tile Design, Colour, Pattern, and Finish
Once technical factors are handled, the fun part begins: choosing style.
A. Tile Colour
Consider:
- Room size
- Lighting
- Surrounding décor
- Mood you want to create
Light colours make rooms look larger, while darker tones add depth and sophistication.
B. Tile Pattern
Popular options include:
- Straight lay
- Herringbone
- Chevron
- Staggered or brick pattern
- Basket weave
- Modular patterns
- Diagonal layouts
Some patterns require more waste and skill during installation.
C. Tile Finish
Options include:
- Matte: Slip-resistant, modern, easy to maintain
- Polished: Luxurious but can be slippery
- Textured: Ideal for wet or outdoor areas
- Satin: Soft sheen with balanced practicality
Choose finishes that match the space’s functional needs.
D. Tile Size and Shape
Tile size influences the room’s perception:
- Large-format tiles: Make small spaces feel more open
- Subway tiles: Timeless and clean
- Hexagon tiles: Trendy and eye-catching
- Planks: Wood-look tiles mimic hardwood
Think about how grout lines affect the overall look.
E. Tile Edge Type
Rectified tiles:
Machine-cut for sharp, clean edges. Allow for tighter grout joints.
Non-rectified tiles:
Softer edges, requiring wider grout lines.
Edge type impacts both appearance and installation complexity.
5. Don’t Overlook Grout—It Changes Everything
Grout colour can either blend or contrast with your tile.
Two common approaches:
- Matching grout: Creates a seamless, smooth look
- Contrasting grout: Highlights the tile pattern and layout
Also consider grout types:
- Sanded grout: Better for wider joints
- Unsanded grout: Best for wall tiles and narrow joints
- Epoxy grout: Stain-resistant, durable, but more complex to install
Grout also impacts maintenance—lighter colours show dirt more easily.
6. Calculate Tile Quantity Correctly
Buying too little tile can cause delays or mismatched batches. Too much tile wastes money.
General rule:
Always buy 10–15% extra to account for:
- Cutting
- Breakage
- Pattern matching
- Future repairs
Complex patterns may require up to 20% extra.
7. Compare Prices, But Don’t Base Your Decision on Price Alone
Cheaper tile might cost more in the long run if it chips, stains, or cracks easily.
Factors impacting tile price:
- Material type
- Brand reputation
- Country of origin
- Production technology
- Wear rating
- Finish quality
Investing in higher-quality tile pays off through durability and long-lasting beauty.
8. Examine Tiles in Person Before Buying
Pictures don’t always show:
- Texture
- Colour depth
- Gloss level
- Variation between pieces
- True finish quality
Always inspect tiles physically before purchasing. Ask for samples to take home—lighting varies room to room, and samples help you decide confidently.
9. Understand Shade Variation Ratings
Tiles, especially natural stone and printed porcelain, have shade variations.
Ratings include:
- V1: Uniform appearance
- V2: Slight variation
- V3: Moderate variation
- V4: High variation
High-variation tiles create dynamic, natural-looking floors but require careful layout planning.
10. Ask About Installation Requirements
Some tiles require advanced installation techniques:
- Large-format tiles need leveling systems
- Stone needs sealing
- Porcelain slabs require special tools
- Mosaic sheets need careful alignment
Incorrect installation ruins even the highest-quality tiles. Discuss installation before purchasing.
11. Verify Maintenance Requirements
Low-maintenance tiles include:
- Porcelain
- Most ceramics
Higher-maintenance tiles include:
- Natural stone
- Polished finishes
- Certain textured tiles
Ask how often the tile needs:
- Sealing
- Cleaning
- Special care
Maintenance should match your lifestyle.
12. Match Tile to Your Home’s Style
Consider:
- Modern homes: large-format, minimal grout
- Traditional homes: stone-inspired porcelain, classic subway
- Rustic designs: wood-look tiles, warm tones
- Industrial styles: concrete-look tile, matte finishes
- Luxury spaces: polished marble-look porcelain
The right tile enhances your home’s personality.
13. Buy From Reputable Stores With Knowledgeable Staff
Tile shopping is easier when experts guide you. Knowledgeable staff help with:
- Understanding tile ratings
- Choosing appropriate materials
- Calculating quantity
- Recommending installation supplies
- Offering design advice
- Matching batches and shades
A reputable tile retailer improves your entire buying experience.
14. Consider Lead Times and Availability
If your chosen tile is special order or imported:
- Lead times may range from weeks to months
- Delays can disrupt renovation timelines
Always verify availability before finalizing your choice.
15. Check Return and Exchange Policies
Not all tile stores accept returns, especially after batches are opened or if the product is discontinued.
Clarify:
- Return window
- Restocking fees
- Batch match guarantees
- Policies for defective tiles
Understanding policies helps avoid surprises later.
16. Think About Long-Term Aesthetics
A tile that’s trendy today might feel outdated soon. Consider:
- Timeless patterns
- Neutral colours
- Classic finishes
Since tile is a durable, long-term product, choose a style you’ll love for decades—not just months.
17. Prepare Your Budget Realistically
Tile costs go far beyond materials.
Factor in:
- Installation labour
- Mortar and grout
- Backer boards
- Waterproofing
- Leveling systems
- Sealing products
- Cutting tools
- Potential subfloor repair
Budgeting holistically prevents unexpected expenses.
18. Review the Entire Tile Lot Before Installation
Before tiling begins:
- Lay out several boxes
- Check for shade consistency
- Inspect for damage
- Verify sizing
This prevents issues mid-installation when fixes become difficult.
19. Plan Your Tile Layout Before You Begin
Good layout planning includes:
- Centering the design
- Avoiding awkward sliver cuts
- Positioning focal points
- Aligning grout joints
- Mapping patterns fully
Planning improves visual flow and reduces installation errors.
20. Don’t Forget the Extras: Trim, Accessories, and Finishing Pieces
Every project needs finishing pieces:
- Bullnose
- Pencil trim
- Thresholds
- Schluter trims
- Stair nosing
These complete the look and protect tile edges.
Conclusion: Tile Shopping Should Be Confident, Not Confusing
Tile is one of the most durable, beautiful, and transformative materials you can add to your home. With the right preparation, knowledge, and attention to detail, your tile purchase will enhance your home for decades.
By understanding tile materials, ratings, durability factors, aesthetic choices, installation needs, and maintenance requirements, you can shop with confidence and select the perfect product for your space.
Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, upgrading your kitchen, refreshing your hallway, or finishing a new build, use these tile shopping tips to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve a stunning, long-lasting result.a
