How to choose tiles for bathrooms and kitchens
Choose bathroom and kitchen tiles by intended use, slip behaviour, water exposure, format, substrate and maintenance rather than appearance alone.
What you need to know
- Confirm that the tile is approved for the wall or floor where it will be used.
- Large formats need a flatter substrate and careful handling.
- In wet areas, tile choice does not replace the correct waterproofing system.
Start with the surface and use
A kitchen splashback, bathroom wall and shower floor do not face the same loads. On floors, verify suitability for foot traffic and the required slip performance. On walls, weight, cleaning and finish may matter more.
Format changes the installation
Large tiles reduce the number of joints but demand a flatter base and can be harder to cut and handle. Smaller formats adapt more easily to slopes and complex shapes, although they create more grout lines to maintain.
Wet areas need a complete system
For showers and other frequently wet areas, follow the manufacturer’s intended use and the applicable waterproofing method. The visible tile is only one layer of the assembly.
Calculate quantity by boxes, not only square metres
Measure the net area, add a realistic cutting allowance and then round up to full boxes. Keep spare pieces from the same batch for future repairs, especially with decorative ranges.
Final check
Before buying materials or carrying out the work, review the assumptions, product data and limits that apply to your real situation.
- Check wall/floor suitability.
- Verify slip and wet-area requirements.
- Plan cuts, profiles and grout before buying.
- Keep batch labels and spare pieces.
Keep a short job record
Record tile dimensions, intended wall or floor location, substrate condition and the manufacturer’s slip-resistance and water-exposure guidance. Check actual shade and calibre on delivered boxes before mixing batches or setting the first row.
BricoDato tip: repeat any important measurement or diagnostic check before making an expensive decision.
Turn the guide into a decision
Use the tiles calculator to convert area into pieces, boxes and waste. If the work affects fixed electrical systems, structure, hidden leaks, vehicle safety or another safety-critical area, use a qualified professional when appropriate.
Match tile choice to location and exposure
A beautiful wall tile may not be suitable for a wet floor. Selection needs the manufacturer's declared intended use, slip-performance characteristics, water exposure and substrate compatibility.
Example to adapt
Before buying tiles for a shower floor, compare product suitability for wet barefoot use and the prescribed waterproofing system. For a kitchen backsplash, the priorities may instead be cleanability, staining and grout choice. Buying the same tile for both without checking technical use can create avoidable problems.
| Application | Key check | Also consider |
|---|---|---|
| Shower wall | Suitability in continuously wet areas | Waterproofing below finish |
| Bathroom floor | Wet-floor slip characteristics | Drainage and grout |
| Kitchen splashback | Cleaning and staining tolerance | Edges and joints |
Checks before acting
- Verify the tile is approved for walls or floors in the intended environment.
- Check actual tile size, calibre, shade and box coverage.
- Choose adhesive and grout compatible with substrate and exposure.
- Plan joints, cut pattern, corners and trims before selecting quantity.
Keep a useful record: Keep tile code, permitted application, batch, finish, box coverage and compatible fixing materials.