Tiles are one of the most versatile and enduring materials in interior design. From kitchen splashbacks and bathroom walls to living room floors and outdoor terraces, tiles offer unmatched durability, water resistance, and design potential. With thousands of options available in terms of material, size, colour, and finish, choosing the right tiles — and the right company to supply and install them — is both an exciting opportunity and a significant decision.
The UK tile market encompasses an extraordinary range: ceramic, porcelain, natural stone (marble, limestone, slate, travertine), glass, mosaic, cement (encaustic), quarry, and terracotta. Each material has distinct characteristics in terms of durability, maintenance, appearance, and cost. The recent trend towards large-format tiles (60x60cm and larger) has transformed the look of modern interiors, creating sleek, grout-minimal surfaces that make rooms feel larger.
Professional tile companies offer a full service: helping you select the right material and format for your project, calculating quantities (including waste allowance), supplying matching grouts and adhesives, and providing expert installation. Skilled tiling is a specialist trade — the precision required for straight lines, consistent grout joints, and waterproof installations in wet areas demands experience and training.
HouseJester's directory features verified tile suppliers and tiling contractors across the UK, from high-street tile showrooms and online retailers to specialist natural stone importers and artisan tile makers. Browse, compare, and find the right company for your project.
Sustainability in tiling has advanced considerably. Many UK-available porcelain tiles are manufactured using up to 40% recycled content. Natural stone is inherently sustainable when responsibly quarried. Reclaimed tiles — Victorian encaustics, old quarry tiles — are prized for their character and environmental credentials. Low-VOC adhesives and grouts contribute to healthier indoor air quality.
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How Much Do Tiles Cost in the UK?
Prices per square metre, supply only:
| Tile Type | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic wall tiles | £10 – £25/m² | £25 – £50/m² | £50 – £100+/m² |
| Porcelain floor tiles | £20 – £40/m² | £40 – £80/m² | £80 – £150+/m² |
| Natural stone | £40 – £80/m² | £80 – £150/m² | £150 – £300+/m² |
| Mosaic tiles | £30 – £60/m² | £60 – £120/m² | £120 – £300+/m² |
| Encaustic/cement tiles | £40 – £70/m² | £70 – £120/m² | £120 – £250+/m² |
Professional tiling installation costs £30-£60/m² for standard work, £50-£80/m² for complex patterns or large-format tiles. Add £10-£20/m² for adhesive, grout, and preparation materials.
What to Look For When Choosing a Tile Company
- Showroom — View tiles in person. Colours, textures, and sizes look very different on screen vs in reality.
- Material expertise — Staff should advise on the right tile type for each application (wall vs floor, indoor vs outdoor, wet vs dry areas).
- Slip ratings — For floor tiles, check the anti-slip rating (R9-R13). R10 is the minimum for residential wet areas.
- Sample service — Take samples home to view against your room's lighting, cabinetry, and existing finishes.
- Quantity calculation — A good supplier calculates exact requirements including waste allowance (5-10% standard, 15% for diagonal patterns).
- Matching products — Ensure grout, adhesive, sealant, and trims are compatible and available.
- Installation service — Some suppliers offer in-house installation teams or recommended tilers.
- Lead times and stock — Confirm stock availability. Imported and artisan tiles can have lead times of 4-8 weeks.
- Warranty — Check manufacturer warranties on tiles and ask about guarantees on installation work.
- Reviews — Read reviews on HouseJester, particularly regarding product quality and installation standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?
Both are made from clay fired in a kiln, but porcelain is fired at higher temperatures (1200-1400°C vs 900-1100°C) using finer clay. This produces a denser, harder, less porous tile. Porcelain has a water absorption rate below 0.5%, making it frost-proof and suitable for outdoor use. Ceramic tiles absorb more water (3-10%) and are not frost-proof. Porcelain is generally more durable and suitable for floor and wall applications, while ceramic is lighter, easier to cut, and more affordable for wall-only use. For bathroom and kitchen floors, porcelain is the superior choice.
What size tiles should I use in a small bathroom?
Contrary to common belief, larger tiles can make small bathrooms feel bigger by creating fewer grout lines and a more continuous surface. Tiles of 30x60cm or 60x60cm are popular for small bathroom walls and floors. Alternatively, small mosaic tiles (2.5x2.5cm or 5x5cm) create visual texture and interest. Avoid medium tiles (20x20cm) in small spaces as they can make the room feel cluttered. Light-coloured tiles in any size reflect more light and enhance the sense of space. Using the same tile on both walls and floor creates seamless continuity.
How do I choose grout colour?
Matching grout to the tile colour creates a seamless, continuous surface that makes rooms feel larger — this is the most popular contemporary approach. Contrasting grout (e.g. dark grout with light tiles) highlights the tile pattern and creates a graphic, geometric effect. Mid-tone grey grout is a versatile choice that works with most tile colours and is more practical than white (which shows dirt). For wet areas, use an epoxy or cement-polymer grout with anti-mould additives. For natural stone, use grout specifically formulated for stone to prevent staining.
Do I need to seal natural stone tiles?
Yes. Most natural stone tiles (marble, limestone, travertine, sandstone) are porous and must be sealed before grouting and periodically thereafter to prevent staining and water damage. Apply an impregnating sealer that penetrates the stone without changing its appearance. Reapply annually in high-use areas (kitchen floors, bathroom walls) and every 2-3 years in lower-use areas. Granite and slate are less porous and may only need minimal sealing. Always follow the stone supplier's specific sealing recommendations.
Can I tile over existing tiles?
Yes, in many cases. The existing tiles must be firmly bonded to the wall or floor, clean, and free of damage. Lightly sand the surface to create a key for the adhesive, and use a flexible, high-bond adhesive designed for tile-over-tile application. This approach avoids the dust, time, and cost of removing existing tiles. However, it raises the floor level by approximately 10-15mm (affecting door clearance) and adds weight to the wall. For wet areas, ensure waterproofing is still intact. If the existing tiles are hollow-sounding, loose, or on a weak substrate, they should be removed rather than tiled over.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the HouseJester editorial team for accuracy and relevance.