9 October 2026 · 2 min read
Choosing the Right Tiles for Every Room
Porcelain or ceramic? Glossy or matt? A practical guide to picking tiles that look good, last long and suit each room in your home.
Tiles are one of the hardest-working finishes in your home, and choosing the wrong ones is an expensive mistake. Here is what we tell our clients before they buy.
For bathrooms and kitchens, porcelain is king. It is denser and less porous than ceramic, so it handles water and heavy traffic without staining. Matt or textured finishes are safer underfoot in wet areas — glossy tiles look beautiful but get slippery.
For living areas and patios, think about where the sun falls. Large-format tiles make small rooms feel bigger, and a good patterned tile can turn a plain patio into the best-looking spot in the house.
Whatever you choose, the finish is only as good as the installation. Level screeds, correct adhesive, straight lines and neat grouting are what separate a professional job from a DIY disaster. That is where we come in.
Before you choose your finishes
For Cape Town patios and wet rooms, choose tiles rated for the location, with suitable slip resistance. A tile that works on an indoor wall may not be suitable for an exposed floor. Ask your supplier about the product’s recommended use before placing an order.
Check waterproofing, floor levels and drainage before laying tiles. Allow adhesives, grout and waterproofing systems to cure for the time specified by the manufacturer; cool, damp weather can affect the programme.
Your project checklist
- Confirm measurements, tile batch and spare tiles for future repairs.
- Agree on layout, grout colour and edge finishes.
- Resolve leaks or damp before covering the surface.
Let’s talk about your project
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