How to choose tiles for your bathroom

1. Check where the tile can be used

Check the product specification for wall or floor suitability and use in wet areas. A wall tile should not be treated as a floor tile unless its specification allows it. Ask your installer about the subfloor, waterproofing and adhesive required for the intended location.

2. Choose a finish and format

Large tiles can create a quieter backdrop with fewer grout lines. Smaller formats make it easier to introduce detail or work around changes of level. Matt and textured finishes give a different feel from polished surfaces; suitability for a bathroom floor depends on the product’s stated slip performance, rather than appearance alone.

Photographs are useful for a shortlist, but lighting and screens change colour. Where available, inspect a physical sample before making the final choice.

3. Work out the quantity

Example: a 6 m² area with 10% extra needs 6.6 m². At 1.44 m² per pack, 6.6 ÷ 1.44 = 4.59, so the starting estimate is 5 packs. Use the actual coverage shown on your chosen tile.

• Measure each wall or floor area in metres and calculate width × height or length × width.
• Add the areas together and confirm any deductions with your installer.
• Use the pack coverage stated for the selected tile, then allow for cuts and waste.
• A 10% allowance is a useful planning example; complex patterns and awkward rooms may need more.
• Round up to complete packs and check the calculation with your installer before ordering.

4. Plan the finishing details

Choose grout, trims and movement joints as part of the plan. Check the tile layout before fixing so cuts, edges and focal points line up as intended. Keep the tile details and any spare material for future maintenance.