Factors to Consider When Buying Premium Bathroom Tiles You don’t buy bathroom tiles every day. So when it’s time, you want to get it right — especially if you’re going for premium bathroom tiles. Trouble is, there’s a lot more to it than picking what looks good in a showroom. If you’ve ever walked into a tile store and felt overwhelmed by choices — color, finish, size, price — you’re not alone. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what actually matters when buying bathroom tiles, and how to avoid mistakes that cost more than m oney. 1. Function Comes First Bathrooms are wet. Steamy. Sometimes icy cold. Sometimes sweltering. Your tiles need to handle all of that without becoming slick or cracking over time. So before thinking about looks, ask one question: Where is this tile going? • Floor tiles need to be slip - resistant and tough. • Wall tiles can be lighter and smoother. • Shower tiles need to resist constant moisture without growing mold or popping off. Not every tile can do all of this. Some are too porous. Others get dangerously slick when wet. Ask your tiles supplier what the tile is rated for. It’s not just a preference — it’s safety. 2. Size and Layout Matter More Than You Think Big tiles look clean and modern, but not every bathroom can pull them off. In a small space, large tiles can feel awkward and create a lot of waste during installation. On the other hand, too many small tiles mean more grout lines — and more cleaning. Also, think about slope. For walk - in showers, smaller tiles often work better because they adjust more easily to floor angles. That matters if you want water to drain properly. 3. Finish Isn’t Just About Looks Glossy tiles shine under the right light, but they also show water spots, soap scum, and every footprint. Matte tiles hide a lot of that but might look duller depending on the room’s lighting. There’s also texture. Some matte tiles have a slight grip to them, which helps in wet areas. Others are so smooth they might as well be polished. Again, ask your tile supplier — because the finish you pick changes both the maintenance and safety of the spa ce. 4. Don't Ignore Absorption and Durability Ratings Not all ceramic or porcelain tiles are made the same. Some are dense and nearly waterproof. Others absorb moisture — which means they’ll stain, crack, or grow mold over time. Check the water absorption rating. Lower is better for bathrooms. And ask about the PEI rating (that’s the tile’s durability scale). For floors, you’ll want something in the mid to high range. Wall tiles don’t need to be as tough. If you're buying what you think are premium bathroom tiles, make sure the quality matches the label. Real premium tiles hold up under stress and wear. 5. Grout: The Part Everyone Forgets Mos t people obsess over tile color but ignore grout until it's too late. But grout color, width, and type all affect how your bathroom looks — and how hard it is to clean. Light grout looks clean at first. Then it darkens. Fast. Dark grout hides dirt, but can look harsh next to pale tiles. Also, wider grout lines mean more surface to scrub. If you hate scrubbing grout with a toothbrush, go for tiles with rectified edges. They can be installed with tighter grout lines — less grout, less mess. 6. Always Ask for a Sample Don’t trust how a tile looks under showroom lights. Take a sample home. See how it looks in your actual bathroom — under your lighting, with your paint colors, against your fixtures. Sometimes a tile that looks perfect in - store turns out to be too yellow, too cold, or too shiny once it’s in your space. Samples also let you test the feel underfoot, which is especially useful for bathroom floors. 7. Talk to a Supplier Who Knows What They’re Selling There are a lot of tile suppliers out there. Not all of them know bathrooms. You want someone who can tell you whether a tile is actually suitable for wet areas, whether it needs sealing, or how long it’ll last under daily use. A good tiles supplier won’t just sell you what you ask for — they’ll help you figure out what you should be asking for in the first place. And if they can’t explain what a PEI rating is or how porcelain differs from ceramic? Keep looking. Final Word Premium bathroom tiles aren’t just about price or appearance. They’re about performance — over years of use, water, heat, and cleaning. Get it right, and you’ll have a bathroom that not only looks good but actually works. So take your time. Know your space. Ask questions. And don’t buy anything you haven’t seen, touched, or checked for specs. It’s your bathroom. You’ll be using it every day. Might as well get it right the first time.