Choose well
Bathroom tiles: choose the system, not just the colour
Select bathroom tiles with attention to wet-area suitability, layout, preparation, waterproofing and the finishing details that shape the result.
A beautiful tile cannot compensate for an unsuitable substrate or poorly planned junction. In a bathroom, the tile is the visible part of a larger system. Discuss the room’s use and construction with the installer before narrowing the choice to a colour and size.
Identify the surface and exposure
Distinguish walls, ordinary floors and the shower area. Ask for the manufacturer’s suitability information and slip-resistance data relevant to the proposed use. A wall tile should not be assumed suitable for a floor. Consider cleaning, barefoot use and accessibility together, with professional advice where needed.
Plan the tile layout on paper
Mark corners, niches, drains, thresholds and fittings before ordering. Large formats can reduce the number of joints but make substrate preparation and awkward cuts especially important. Ask where small slivers would occur and whether a different starting point improves the pattern. Include trim profiles and exposed edges in the design.
Coordinate the hidden layers
Have the responsible installer specify compatible preparation, waterproofing, adhesive, grout and movement details. Falls and drainage must be designed for the actual shower arrangement. Do not treat grout or a surface coating as a substitute for a properly specified waterproofing system. Ask which stages should be inspected before they are covered.
Order for the complete job
Confirm quantities, batch consistency, delivery condition and an allowance for cutting and future repairs with the installer. Keep spare tiles labelled. View grout colours beside the tile rather than independently. This guide provides purchasing questions, not a do-it-yourself waterproofing method or a claim that a particular tile is safe in every wet area.
Your practical checklist
- Verify suitability for each surface.
- Approve the layout and visible edge details.
- Confirm the complete installation system.
- Keep labelled spares from the same batch.
