Choosing the Perfect Floor Tiles for Your Home

Choosing the perfect floor tiles is not just a matter of practicality - it reflects your personal taste and style. Tiles are a great flooring option for their versatility, range of choice, ease of maintenance, compatibility with underfloor heating, and durability. But, with so many textures, colours, patterns, sizes and materials to choose from, how do you find the perfect floor tiles for your home? 

Important Points to Consider when Choosing your Floor Tiles from Italtile

These are some of the factors to bear in mind to ensure you choose the best tiles for your flooring:

#1 - Budget 

Budget is a key factor as it will determine the types of tiles you can choose from, the quantity of tiles you can buy, and the area you can afford to tile. The larger the area, like living room floor tiles, the higher the cost. It's vital to balance your budget so you can find the best tiles that meet both your financial, aesthetic and functional needs. Italtile’s wide selection of the best floor tiles on offer cater to every budget, ensuring you won't have to compromise on quality or style.

#2 - Type of Room and Traffic

The type of room you want to tile and the amount of foot traffic it receives are crucial considerations in selecting the right floor tiles. 

• High-traffic areas like hallways, passages and kitchens require durable tiles that can withstand constant use. 
• Kitchen floor tiles and bathroom floor tiles should be durable and moisture-resistant to prevent water absorption. 
• In bathrooms, choosing non-slip tiles is essential for safety, preventing slips and falls on wet surfaces. 
• For outdoor areas, weatherproof, slip-resistant tiles are a must! Our wide range of outdoor tiles are designed to endure the elements - scorching sun, temperature fluctuations, downpours, hail, you name it. They are also slip-resistant, which is very important, especially around swimming pools.  

Selecting tiles that meet the specific requirements of the space ensures they’ll perform well and remain beautiful for years to come.

#3 - Types of Tiles

Selecting the right floor tiles means understanding the different types available and matching them with your needs. Different tile types come with different costs, durability and maintenance requirements. Here are some good of our quality floor tiles: 

• Ceramic Tiles: These are a budget-friendly option as they are less expensive than porcelain tiles. They are also easier to cut, so easier to install. Ceramic tiles can have textured surfaces for slip-resistance, and are generally durable and suitable for areas with moderate foot traffic.

• Porcelain Tiles: Known for their durability, porcelain tiles are ideal for high-traffic areas. They are less porous, offering better resistance to moisture. Many come with slip-resistant surfaces, making them a good choice for both indoor and outdoor use. While more expensive, their longevity and low maintenance requirements make them an excellent investment.

• Stone Tiles: Options like marble, granite, and limestone bring a beautiful natural aesthetic to your space. However, they are more susceptible to chipping and damage over time, and generally need to be sealed to ensure longevity. Marble and granite are particularly sought-after for their luxurious appearance, though they come with a higher price tag. So, though stone tiles require more maintenance, they are perfect if you’re looking for that luxurious, natural look in your home. 

#4 - Colour

Choosing the right colour/s for your floor tiles significantly affects the look and feel of your space. Dark tiles can bring elegance and sophistication, but can make a room seem smaller by absorbing light.

In contrast, light-coloured tiles can make a space feel more spacious by reflecting light. For a cohesive look, select colour tones for the floor that complement the walls and your overall decor palette.

Traditionally, bathroom wall and floor tiles were matched for a uniform look. However, though still popular, this is no longer a must. Modern design encourages mixing colours, patterns, and designs, both in bathrooms and throughout the house.

This allows for your personal taste and creative expression to come out. Unique combinations can really make your space stand out. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious balance that reflects your unique style while taking the room's size, lighting and ambience into consideration.

#5 - Style, Size, Shape and Finish

When selecting tiles, always consider how the style, size, shape, and finishes align with your personal preferences, the practical aspects of installation, and your overall design goals.

• Style: Choosing floor tile designs that you like depends largely on your personal taste. From the natural elegance of wood-look tiles to the luxurious versatility of vinyl floor tiles, our tiles come in a wide range to choose from. Patterned and mosaic tiles can add character and vibrancy. Always bear your overall colour palette in mind to ensure your choice complements that overall look. 
• Size and Shape: While unique tile shapes can add interest to a room, remember that odd tile shapes might be more challenging to install. 

• Larger tiles can make a small room appear bigger by creating an illusion of spaciousness. This is particularly useful in small bathrooms or kitchens where you want to make the space feel bigger. 
• Finish: The finish of your tiles can dramatically affect the look and feel of your room. Matte finishes have a soft, non-reflective look that hides smudges and watermarks, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Glossy finishes reflect light and brighten the room, but they do require more frequent cleaning. 
  
  
  
  

Steps to Ensure Perfect Tiling Results

Here are some easy steps to follow to ensure great tiling results:

• Determine your budget, which must include labour costs of installation. 
• Identify the traffic in the area you’re going to tile and then choose the material your tiles are made of accordingly. 
• Choose your tiles based on colour, style, shape, design and finish.  
• Make sure you buy the best tile adhesive and grout to ensure a good job. 
• Unless you’re a skilled tiler arrange to have your tiles laid professionally for the best results. 
• Enjoy your newly tiled floor for years to come! 

At Italtile, we understand that choosing the perfect floor tiles for your home involves a myriad of choices about colour, material, style, size, finishes, and price! We hope this guide will make it a bit easier by highlighting some key factors.

We encourage you to explore the wide range of high quality floor tiles available at Italtile. Also remember that our experienced and knowledgeable staff are always at hand to offer advice and guidance.