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
Write down the measurements, product reference, technical values, date and final result. Photos of labels, settings and the starting condition make future checks and repairs much easier.
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.