Tiles

When it comes to choosing the perfect tile, there’s no straightforward answer as to which is ‘best’. The right tile for your home should be one that suits the functional needs of your space whilst creating a unique look that matches your personal style. With such a huge variety of styles, materials, designs, shapes, and colours out there on the market, narrowing down the search can seem daunting.  

Fortunately, with a little inspiration and extra know-how, even those with minimal experience in the world of tiles can find their dream tile with ease. It’s all about planning out which properties and factors are most important for your chosen room.  

Don’t just consider how the end finish will look, make sure to think about the level of durability and practicalities your floor or wall will require too. Why not take a read through the handy guidance section below to gain a few extra ideas? 

The first step in planning your tile installation is to decide whether you are installing floor or wall tiles. Although some specific tile types can be used both ways, there are generally a few differences between tiles intended for your floor and those meant for wall fitting. 

Floor tiles are typically much thicker and more hard-wearing than wall tiles as they are specifically designed to withstand floor traffic. Many also have a certain texture and finish to help prevent slips and falls, especially in wet conditions. Wall tiles are much lighter and often easier to work with to create more intricate wall designs.  

So, would a tiled floor or walls be better for your home? The answer is, it’s really your personal choice. Many homeowners love the sturdy durability and high level of resilience that floor tiles offer, particularly in moisture-heavy areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. Wall tiles are also a trusted choice for these areas in the form of feature walls and splashbacks, providing a stylish finish and durable wall protection.  

If you are liking the positives that both bring to the table, why not pick both? Thanks to the vast variety of designs and materials on the market, you can pick two completely different styles for both your floor and wall without the fear of overusing or clashing.  

Perhaps opt for a chic decorative smaller wall tile to brighten up your sink space paired with a clean-cut white porcelain tile for a new base finish across the floor. The combinations are really endless.  

A hugely important question to ask yourself within the planning process is what do you actually need from your tiles? Do you live in a busy family home where accident-proofing the floor is vital? Or are you an avid chef who needs a splash-proof kitchen that is quick and easy to clean? Consider your household and lifestyle when weighing up the most important functionality requirements for your new tiles. 

Durability & Resilience 

Perfect for areas with high foot-traffic, many tile materials offer excellent standards of durability, strength, and resilience. They are crafted to withstand dirty shoes, smashed glasses, and endless hours of child’s play without succumbing to damage.  

If you live in a very hectic household, have pets, or just love to host regular dinner parties, picking a tile with hard-wearing durability will save you the hassle of unsightly chips, dents, and scratches down the line.  

Water-resistance  

Vital for moisture-heavy areas such as bathrooms and shower rooms, water-resistant bathroom tiles are specially crafted to withstand very high levels of humidity, pooling, and spillages without damaging. Ceramic and porcelain tiles for example, hold up brilliantly through steamy showers and splashy bath times without rotting or decaying in reaction to the exposure. 

Safety 

Safety is another key factor in tile design, especially if you live with young children or older, vulnerable people. Tiles are typically given an “R rating” which begins at R9 and finishes at R13. This R rating indicates the level of slip resistance that the tile provides. If accidental slippages and falls are a concern within your home, make sure to pick out a tile with a high ‘R’ rating to be safe.  

Cleaning & Maintenance 

After cooking up your favourite dish or jumping in a refreshing shower, the last thing you want to deal with is hours of strenuous cleaning. Smooth textured tiles crafted from a low porosity material will provide the highest level of stain and liquid resistance so will be far easier to maintain. 

For days when you just can’t find the time for cleaning, darker-coloured tiles in blacks and browns are also perfect for masking dirt and dust until the next clean.  

Underfloor Heating 

Many of the tiles we stock can be laid alongside underfloor heating systems to give your room that extra feeling of comfort and warmth. Make sure you double-check that your tile is suitable for underfloor heating installation before ordering. 

One of the greatest things tiles have to offer is their diverse style. As there is such a huge variation of tiles out there to choose from, you can create an eye-catching floor or wall design that is 100% unique to your space. 

Experimenting with Colour 

Whether you are a fan of the bold and bright or would prefer something more subtle and neutral, tiles come in virtually every colour you can think of. 

Create a sleek contemporary finish with chic tones of grey and cream to encapsulate a vision of luxury. For something a little cooler and retro, work with bright reds, blues or greens and contrast with bright white and black grouting to inject an exciting splash of colour into the home. 

Glossy or Matt? 

Typically floor and wall tiles are available in glossy or matt finishes. The finish you go for really depends on the type of look you want to create. A gloss surface reflects the light, acting almost as a mirror would to beautifully open up your space. Matt finishes produce a more subtle and modest appearance plus are practical for masking small stains and scratches.  

Playing with Texture 

If you are on the hunt for a tile finish that is truly unique, take a look at the chic selection of textured tiles available within the range too. Discover popular textured designs such as waved and mosaic tile to make your design stand out.  

Decorative Patterns 

Ideal for adding an artistic edge to a room, our decorative tiles incorporate elegant colours, interesting shapes, clean lines, and flowing curvatures to generate eye-catching patterns that match every aesthetic.  

Sizes & Shapes 

Play around with various tile shapes and sizes to maximise the layout of your room and add a fresh touch of your own style. Opt for large squared or rectangular to beautifully extend your floor and walls to new heights, or experiment with smaller diamond, hexagon, or subway tiles for an exciting and eye-catching design. 

Tiles aren’t just meant for the inside of your home; they can also make the perfect upgrade for your outside space too. Why not build your very own stunning patio and enjoy a stylish space for relaxing and socialising under the sun?  

To add that extra touch of luxury, utilise a durable porcelain tile to create a contemporary firepit or BBQ space for those hot summer days and cooler autumn evenings. 

Whatever your vision, we’ve got the perfect outdoor tiles within our range to bring your garden to life. 

Whether you are an experienced tiling expert prepping for the next installation or a crafty DIYer ready to take on a new project, ensuring you have the correct accessories, products and tools for the job is a must.  

Here at DIY Megastore, we stock a superb, high-quality range of tile accessories to make installation that little bit smoother. Choose from a wide range of tiling products including backing boards, grouting, adhesives, sealants, spacers, cleaners, and trims all available for highly affordable prices.