6 Things To Consider Before Buying Tiles
Understand what’s important when it comes to buying tiles for a successful renovation, covering your vision, lifestyle, tiler and more.
Setting out on a home renovation project can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so much to consider, the to-do list can occasionally feel never-ending. But don’t worry, if selecting the perfect tiles is a current task on your checklist, we are here to help make this process smooth sailing with expert advice about all the necessary considerations.
With countless options available in terms of style, material, and size, it's essential to consider several key factors before making your final decision. Buying tiles is an investment in your home's aesthetic appeal, and taking the time to evaluate your needs and preferences carefully can help streamline a successful renovation.
In this blog, we'll explore six crucial things to keep in mind when buying tiles for your home. From creating a design vision to understanding the practical aspects of tile selection, we'll guide you through the process of choosing tiles that not only look beautiful but also suit your lifestyle and budget. So, allow us to walk you through it; after all, a big part of a successful renovation decision is being prepared and informed about all of the specs so you can confidently make choices that best suit you and your home.
1. Bring to life your vision: Create a mood board
Before beginning the process of tile selection, it's essential to have a clear idea of the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your space. Creating a mood board is a great way to visualise your design vision and make sure your tile choices align with your overall vibe. Now is the time to pull out the Pinterest boards and interior design magazines or take our Style Quiz to discover your style. While it can be easy to get carried away with the pin button, to really cement a well-defined vision, you will need to consider some key factors:
- Colour palette
- Texture
- Pattern
Once you have created your ideal mood board, you can use it as a guide throughout the tile selection process.
2. Be sure of your choices: Order samples
One crucial step often overlooked is ordering samples. While a tile may look like the perfect fit in a showroom or online, it's important to see how it appears in your own space. Lighting plays a significant role in how a tile's colour and texture looks, so be sure to take a look at your samples in different lighting in your space. We recommend placing the samples in the room or rooms where they will be installed and keeping an eye on how they look during the day and night and under natural and artificial light.
While some tile companies can make it difficult to get samples of different styles, TileCloud makes it easy-breezy with our 5 samples for $15 option. This $15 sample fee is redeemable once you place your full order, making your samples free!
3. Customise your space: Consider your household lifestyle
You want a space that works for you, not one that creates more work for you. Some of the core considerations for choosing a tile selection that works for your lifestyle are durability, maintenance requirements, and slip resistance. For example, if you have young children or pets, you may want to select tiles that are easy to clean and resistant to scratches and stains. While light-coloured tiles can create an airy atmosphere, they require more frequent cleaning, and selecting a darker tile can be more forgiving. Additionally, consider the finish of your tiles – we recommend matte tiles for flooring as they provide a more subtle appearance and have better traction.
4. Achieve your vision: Pick your lay pattern
It’s not only your tile selection that determines the overall look of your space; the lay pattern also has a big impact. Discussing the lay pattern with your tiler in advance is important to make sure your vision (remember that mood board!) is achieved. Some popular lay patterns include herringbone, basketweave, or brick bond. Each design can create a distinct visual effect in your space.
Remember: Some lay patterns are more labour-intensive than others and can also require additional tiles, bringing up the cost of your project. So, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your tiler about the desired lay and confirm that they are the person for the job and have the skills to bring your vision to life. It’s also wise to mention your chosen pattern earlier in the process to make sure it aligns with your budget. Our Tile Patterns Guide is a great resource for exploring various lay patterns and finding inspiration for your space.
5. Nail your order quantity: Measure your space
While we personally think there’s no such thing as too many tiles, accurately measuring your space and calculating the required quantity of tiles is a good idea to avoid overbuying or, worse, running short during installation. Start by measuring the length and width of the area to be tiled, and don't forget to account for any nooks, crannies, or unique challenges in your space. This is another talking point to bring to your tiler, confirming they understand the measurements, tile size, and thickness, as well as any wastage allowances that may be required. Our blog post, "How Many Tiles Do I Need?" provides a helpful starting point for calculating your tile requirements accurately before buying tiles. 
6. Planning is key: Prepare your tiling timelines
Tiles look great, once they are installed that is. If you’re planning on buying tiles and having them delivered sometime before they go up, remember they'll need a place to live. Think about where you will safely store your tiles to prevent accidental damage and ending up with a ‘tile pile’ in your kitchen or bathroom. Tiles need to be stored in a dry space that won’t let in rain, tree fall, or anything else that might dirty or damage your future backsplash. Although tiles are tough, they are vulnerable to cracks and breakage before they are fixed to your wall or floor.
If you’re building, you already know, and begrudge, that logistics matter. Take note of when your tiles will arrive and plan accordingly so that way, you won’t get caught out when tile delivery day comes around the corner. Check your dates, and if there is a delay between delivery and installation, take the proper precaution and do yourself the favour of leaving your tiles aside and out of the way.
Buying tiles is an exciting part of any home renovation, and armed with this simple guide, you can make an informed decision about making the very best selection for your space. Remember to have regular chats with your tiler throughout the process, as their expertise can help save you serious time and money in the long run. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can select tiles that not only look stunning but also meet your practical needs and stand the test of time.
Tayla Nova
Tayla is a Brisbane-based freelance writer with a background in fashion design, a passion for sustainability and a knack for storytelling. As the host of one of Brisbane's Best Airbnb's ( Thanks Urban List), Tayla has a passion and talent for interior design and home improvement. This is something she picked up studying for a bachelor of fashion design at ESMOD in Paris, the world's first fashion school. A digital nomad — she can be found occasionally working from far-away surf camps with sunglasses on to combat the sun on her screen. When at home in leafy green Paddington, she's a table-setting aficionado and has one too many books on her bedside table.