Top quality tiles for flooring: how to choose the best options

Choosing the right tiles can literally make or break a renovation project, so it's vital to consider all your options. From the durability and style to your tile type and the maintenance involved afterwards, you'll want to pick the right option to transform your home and complement your lifestyle. So, how can you make a confident decision to choose floor tiles which will last for years to come? In my latest guide, I give you everything you need to know whether you plan to revamp a bathroom, renovate a kitchen, transform a hallway or update a bedroom.

Our Crosses Green Porcelain floor tiles are ideal to create a striking statement in a hallway. Patterned tiles are perfect for heavy traffic areas because they can help to disguise marks from muddy boots etc.

Why should you consider floor tiles for your home?

There are all sorts of reasons why tiles are beneficial underfoot, especially in high traffic areas:

Durability: Floor tiles are one of the most durable options and one of the strongest types are porcelain floor tiles. This floor solution is extremely hard and can resist wear and tear from chipping to scratching

Versatility: If you choose floor tiles, you can install them in every room in your home. They make a great choice if you have pets or a busy household

Easy maintenance: If you chose water-resistant tiles for flooring, they will stand the test of British weather and you can use a mop and some detergent to keep them clean. Porous materials such as marble will need to be treated regularly however, so why not consider marble effect if you're looking for low maintenance flooring?

Compatibility: Floor tiles are not only made from durable materials, but they offer you endless possibilities in terms of design and many are compatible with underfloor heating

Our new Designers Guild Laterza Blue tiles are made from porcelain, which makes them perfectly suitable for underfloor heating, with a matt finish for premium style in living spaces

Picking your tile material

Before you choose your tiles, check that they are actually suitable underfoot. We make this clear within our product details. However it's always good to discuss your needs with us, so we can help you make a more informed decision before you buy.

Ceramic tiles

Our new Abbey Fountains floor tiles look super-stylish in a Victorian-inspired pattern. Made in ceramic, they provide a striking alternative to traditional encaustic versions and they can be used on floors and walls

The material ceramic is renowned for decorative use on walls, however you can buy stunning floor tiles, which are designed for use underfoot. This can be due to their depth and the way in which they are installed, for example, but it's best to check where they can be used it the product details or with an expert first.

Porcelain floor tiles

If you're looking for a flooring option for busy areas, such as a family bathroom or hallway, porcelain floor tiles are ideal. These are cost-effective and hardwearing - they're pet-proof too, if this is on your wish-list! Porcelain floor tiles are also waterproof, which makes them the perfect choice for a wet room, for example.

Natural stone flooring

For fans of luxury living spaces, stone can offer an ideal flooring solution. This material is renowned for being hardwearing and you'll find it ages beautifully. Think limestone to create a chic, elegant space or slate for a striking aesthetic. These timeless looks will instantly add character to a classic-style living room with underfloor heating to add an element of cosy. Other options include the outside-in style where hard wearing stone tiles can be used to create a seamless transition from your garden to your kitchen, for example.

Quartz floor tiles

If stone appeals to you, why not consider quartz tiles? This material alone is non-porous, making it ideal for high humidity rooms, such as a bathroom or wet room. You wont have to worry about upkeep either - simply mop it and use a mild detergent - so there's no need to reseal it. You'll find a good variety of patterned designs and a diverse collection of colours, which offer a premium finish.

Marble tiles

If you prefer an opulent aesthetic, marble can offer a luxury flooring option with a variety of benefits. You'll enjoy a bespoke style, because each tile will have different veining and semi-polished or polished tiles will reflect light around the room. This look tends to work well in bathrooms, however you'll need to use a mop and cleaning detergent, which is suitable for marble, and keep it sealed to avoid staining.

Choosing your patterns and designs

If you really want to make a statement in your house, one way to do this is with top quality floor tiles - our new Sculpture Grande Porcelain Ceppo tiles could be perfect. If you're looking for on-trend, extra-large format tiles and a striking marble effect, these tick both boxes 

We offer a huge range of floor tiles, all of which come at an affordable price to match every budget. From classic to contemporary, you choose between patterned or plain tiles and from matt to polished versions.

Patterned floor tiles are a great way in which to unleash your creativity in a room. Designs vary from floral and geometric to abstract - the choice is yours. These are great for busy areas such as halls because patterns can mask any dirt and they can make a room appear bigger, too.

And, if you want to create your look for less, wood effect or slate effect tiles, for example, will offer all the beauty of the real thing, but with increased durability and lower maintenance at a fraction of the price.

Finishes & textures for tiles 

Our new Medina range of Zellige tiles are handcrafted from a unique blend of clay in Morocco. Showcased here are our Medina Raw Zellige Square tiles and each tile is unique with plenty of character thanks to distinctive texture, colour and surface variations

The finish you choose can be a great way for you to choose your own style. Consider polished or semi-polished floor tiles if you want to add an element of sophistication to your room design. Make sure you check the slip rating first because safety will be key. Matt tiles suit a contemporary or classic aesthetic and offer a practical choice. Textures on tiles are another option, which will instantly add depth to your design.

Maintaining your floor tiles

Ideal for adding a strong style to floors, our new Solstice Gibbous Porcelain tile offers a beautiful green and blue hue to this living room design in modern neutrals

Caring for your tiles is essential if you want them to look their best for years to come. Use a soft broom to remove dirt regularly and clean your floors with warm water and a mild detergent as mentioned. Don't use anything abrasive to keep your tile surface in pristine condition and dry your floors after you've cleaned them to avoid water spots. Some tiles require sealing to prevent stains from forming, so check this when you buy them then ensure this is done regularly according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Sticking to a budget

If you've got your heart set on a range of floor tiles, firstly factor in their price plus the cost of the grout, adhesive and labour. Some designs can be less expensive than others such as marble effect tiles when compared to the real thing. If you'd like underfloor heating don't forget to check your tiles are compatible then add this cost to your budget.

Layout planning and measuring

Our new Casino range features a striking Baccarat  tile, which is complemented by our Dealer Border and Dealer Corner tile in matt porcelain for timeless beauty with a contemporary twist in this elegant living room

Always allow for an extra 10% or so when working out how many tiles you'll need for your floor. Measure the space carefully to get the room length by the width then multiply this for the total square footage and factor in space for grout lines. We can give you advice on this to ensure you have plenty of tiles to complete the work efficiently.

Popular floor tile options for each room

In the kitchen, think floor tile materials, which will be easy to clean, such as porcelain. This space is one of those high traffic areas, which needs a hard wearing tile collection. For bathrooms, slip-resistance will be important so a matt or textured tile range could be ideal. In a living room, wood effect tiles for example, offer an easy way to keep your floor clean. They add a sense of warmth and are compatible with underfloor heating. With bedroom flooring, try a semi-polished tile, which will withstand this heating method and for hallways, durability and style will be key. So porcelain could be perfect.

Consider floor tile trends

This tiled floor (and wall) offers a stone effect flooring option which looks just like marble. Our new Himalaya Porcelain Matt Fjord tiles are also extra-large format with more colours available

If you love the idea of a floor with timeless beauty, marble effect floor tiles are proving popular. This is because they offer a luxury look for less, when compared to the real thing. The same can be said for wood effect floor tiles. There are some highly realistic versions available, which will be easy to maintain, too. Patterned floor tiles are still making their mark in design and tend to be top choice for maximalist influencers on the gram. Meanwhile, for the more minimalist designers out there, dark grey floor tiles are having a moment - think slate/slate effect or concrete effect for a sophisticated finish.

Ready to buy

Our new Jaipur range has been inspired by the traditional art of Indian block printing. These beautiful patterned tiles, Jaipur Akola, are made from porcelain and come in a variety of colours to suit your home decor

In this guide, I've shown you how to find super stylish and highly durable floor tile options for every room in your home. It just goes to show that you can create a space, which not only looks stunning but is practical too, if you pick the right, design, material and finish. And don't forget to plan your budget, taking everything into account from the installation through to floor tile maintenance. Then you're all set to enjoy your floor tiles for years to come.