Signature Bathrooms by DTS – Your vision. Our expertise.
Let’s face it — when you start planning a new bathroom, it’s easy to get swept up in dreamy Pinterest boards, colour swatches, and imagining that spa-like sanctuary. Then someone asks: “Have you decided on your tiles yet?” Cue the panic.
Tiles might not be the most glamorous part of your bathroom journey, but they are hugely important. They set the tone, add texture, and (if chosen wisely) won’t cause any regrets every time you brush your teeth.
This guide is here to make tile decisions less overwhelming — and maybe even a bit fun. Ready? Let’s dive in.
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1. Porcelain vs. Ceramic: What’s the Big Deal?
Porcelain Tiles
These are like the elite athletes of the tile world — super strong, low-maintenance, and ready to take on high-moisture mayhem.
Pros:
• Nearly indestructible (perfect for kids, dogs, and clumsy adults)
• Water-resistant – splash away!
• Gorgeous finishes that mimic stone or wood
• Works wonders on floors and walls
Cons:
• Tougher to cut – best left to the pros
• Heavier and pricier than ceramic
• Will definitely win in a fight with your tile cutter
Ceramic Tiles
Friendly, affordable, and full of personality. Great for walls, splashbacks, and spaces that don’t need to be ready for battle.
Pros:
• Kind to your wallet
• Easier to cut – DIYers, rejoice
• Endless colour and pattern options
• Lighter and perfect for walls
Cons:
• A bit more delicate – not ideal for heavy-wear floors
• Can absorb more water (not great if you’re turning the bathroom into a daily monsoon)
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2. Pressed vs. Rectified: The Edge Matters
Pressed Tiles
Soft edges, a little variation, and a touch of tradition. These are the tiles that don’t mind if things aren’t millimetre-perfect.
• Require wider grout lines (but hey, more grout = more grip in your socks)
• Quicker to lay and more forgiving
• Perfect for cosy, character-filled bathrooms
Rectified Tiles
These are the sleek, sharp-edged perfectionists. Cut to exact sizes with crisp lines — ideal if you like your tiles like your tea: no nonsense.
• Ultra-slim grout lines for that seamless, hotel-lobby look
• A bit more fussy to install (perfection takes time)
• Great for modern, minimalist spaces — or showing off on Instagram
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3. Size & Layout: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
• Large-format tiles make your bathroom feel bigger. Fewer grout lines = fewer places for grime to hide. (And that’s a win for everyone.)
• Metro and mosaic tiles add detail and charm — perfect for feature walls, niches, or just showing off a little.
• Fancy patterns? Try herringbone, vertical stack, or brick-bond layouts. Just don’t get stuck down a Pinterest rabbit hole for 4 hours. (We’ve all been there.)
Tile Tip: Think about grout colour! It’s like the eyeliner of the tile world — subtle can be sleek, contrast can be bold.
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4. Finish: Glossy, Matte or Textured?
• Matte – Understated and anti-slip. Stylish and safe (a rare combo).
• Glossy – Shiny and reflective, ideal for walls. Just be careful where you place the mirror…
• Textured – Great for grip and adding that “ooooh” factor. Ideal in wet rooms or as a feature.
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5. Colour & Style: Set the Mood (and Hide the Toothpaste)
• Light colours open up small bathrooms and make them feel airy.
• Dark tiles bring drama and depth — but make sure there’s good lighting or you’ll feel like you’re showering in a bat cave.
• Patterns inject personality and charm.
• Neutrals are timeless — and won’t go out of style faster than avocado bathrooms in the 70s.
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6. Where Should You Use What?
Area Best Tile Type
• Shower walls Porcelain or glazed ceramic
• Bathroom floors Matte porcelain (anti-slip)
• Feature walls Patterned or textured ceramic
• Wet rooms Textured porcelain
• Outside (if any) Frost-resistant porcelain
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7. Final Tile Tips from the Signature Bathrooms Team
• Get samples – Tiles can look wildly different under your lighting. Don’t trust the showroom glow.
• Plan ahead – Especially around windows, niches, and cuts. (No one wants half a tile behind the loo.)
• Don’t scrimp on fitting – Even the nicest tiles can look naff if poorly laid.
• Go with your gut – If it makes you smile, it’s probably the right one.
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Still Unsure? We’ve Got You.
Choosing tiles shouldn’t feel like a science exam. Our team is here to help you match form with function — and find a look you’ll love every day (even before your first coffee).
Book a design appointment or pop in for a browse.
Signature Bathrooms by DTS – Your vision. Our expertise.
Why We Always Choose McAlpine
At DTS Plumbing & Heating, we’re big fans of plumbing products that just work — no fuss, no leaks, no swearing under our breath while lying under a sink at 7:30 in the evening. That’s why, when it comes to waste fittings, traps, and all those unseen (but very important) bits that keep your bathroom ticking along, we stick with McAlpine.
Yes, we know — you can get cheaper fittings elsewhere. But let us explain why McAlpine wins our vote every time (and why your bathroom will thank us for it later).