A Guide to Choosing Tiles for your Bathroom

Congratulations on starting your renovation journey! The fact that you're reading this means that you've already made the right start in selecting us as your contractor to all things renovation related. I understand you’re excited as you begin selecting tiles and accessories, but before you make your choices, take a moment to consider how to choose the best tiles for your toilet. Here’s some guidance to help you out:

Large-Format Tiles

When advising homeowners, I generally recommend opting for large-format tiles in the toilet. Larger tiles reduce the number of grout lines (a mortar or paste for filling gaps between wall or floor tiles), which makes cleaning significantly easier. While we use high-quality European-brand grouts like Mapei, Laticrete, or Davco, which are water-resistant, it’s important to remember that grout is still cement-based. Cement is naturally porous, so over time, it can absorb water which may lead to mold and algae growth if not properly maintained. While tiles themselves can also absorb water, they’re much easier to clean. Fewer grout lines overall means less maintenance.

Based on years of being a HDB certified contractor experience, I suggest homeowners choose large-format wall tiles to minimize grout lines and make cleaning more efficient. For example, think about cleaning 600 x 1200mm wall tiles compared to mosaic tiles. The grout lines in mosaics are more than 40 times greater than those in large-format tiles. Polished tiles are particularly easy to maintain because their smooth surface prevents soap or dirt from settling in. A simple wipe is usually all it takes to keep them clean. However, keep in mind that watermarks will be more visible on polished tiles over time, while matte tiles tend to hide them better.

Floor Tiles vs Wall Tiles

Some homeowners opt to use the same tiles for both the floor and walls, but I generally advise against this. Floor tiles typically have a rougher surface for slip resistance. If these are used on the walls, soap residue can easily stain the walls, especially with dark-colored floor tiles, as stains become more noticeable.

For floor tiles, I recommend sizes like 300 x 300mm or 300 x 600mm. Smaller tiles are easier to install when creating the necessary gradient for proper drainage, helping to avoid lippage (uneven edges). Larger tiles may cause more noticeable lippage when adjusting the gradient. Also, floor tiles should have an R10 slip rating, as recommended by the Building Construction Authority (BCA) for wet areas. Some tiles may look rougher but may not be R10 because they weren’t tested. It’s important to note that not all tiles undergo this testing. Tiles that are too rough can trap dirt in their pores, making them harder to maintain, but R10-rated tiles typically avoid this issue.

Additionally, European tiles tend to have a slightly smaller working size than Asian tiles. For instance, a European tile with a nominal size of 300 x 600mm may actually measure closer to 297 x 594mm in practice. In contrast, Asian tiles usually maintain the nominal and working size, meaning a 300 x 600mm tile will actually be 300 x 600mm.

Conclusion

As a contractor, I always prioritize a balance between functionality over aesthetics. There’s no point in having a beautiful toilet if it’s a hassle to clean every week. Enjoy the process of selecting your tiles, but remember to balance both beauty and practicality!

Reach out to us today for a no-obligation consultation.