Things To Check Before Buying Tiles In India

Choosing tiles sounds simple. Walk into a showroom, pick what looks good, and place an order. Done, right? Not quite. Tiles stay with you for years. They handle spills, scratches, heavy furniture, and daily chaos. If you choose wisely, they elevate your home. If you rush, they become an expensive regret. This detailed buying tiles guide for Indian homeowners will help you make a confident choice.

Start with the Right Material

Knowing the material is one of the very important tile-buying tips in India before you compare colors or patterns. It determines strength, longevity and upkeep.

• Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are cheap and very common. They are suitable for light use and walls. Comparing vitrified vs ceramic tiles, ceramic tiles are typically cheaper; however, they retain more moisture and break easily.
• Vitrified Tiles: Vitrified tiles are more compact and not porous. They are also resistant to stains and water; hence, they are suitable for the floor. In the case of a tile durability comparison, the vitrified tiles tend to be better than the ceramic. Within vitrified tiles for high-traffic areas, you’ll find:
• Double Charged Tiles: Manufacturers press two layers of pigment together during production. The upper layer is thicker by approximately 3 to 4 mm. This additional coating provides the tile with additional strength and more patterns.
• Full Body Tiles: Full body tiles are the same in color and texture in all the thickness. When a heavy object scratches the surface, you will not see a different shade behind.
• Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT): GVT tiles are a combination of strength and flexibility of design. Manufacturers put a digital glaze over the surface that enables the effects of marble, wood textures, and contemporary finishes.
• Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain is even denser than ceramic. In the debate of porcelain vs ceramic tiles, porcelain wins for strength and water resistance. It suits both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Natural Stone: Marble, granite, and Kota stone bring timeless beauty. However, they need sealing and regular care.
• Wooden Finish Tiles: Love the look of hardwood but not the upkeep? Wooden finish tiles offer warmth without termite or moisture worries.

Selecting the Right Tile Size

Choosing the correct tile size plays a crucial role in defining the overall look, feel, and functionality of your space. The right proportions can make rooms appear larger, more balanced, and visually harmonious while also improving maintenance and durability.

• Large Tiles for Spacious Areas: Large tiles are used to complement open spaces, giving them a smooth and wide-looking effect. Having fewer grout lines, they are cleaner and make living rooms, halls and commercial areas seem luxurious.
• Smaller Tiles for Compact Rooms: Smaller tiles are very useful in small rooms such as a bathroom, utility room or backsplash. They are more flexible around corners and fixtures and they are more textured, detailed and visually appealing.
• Thickness Recommendation of High Traffic Area: The tile thickness guide recommends that these tiles are to be used in areas that experience heavy traffic, such as corridors, kitchens, and commercial areas. They are more powerful, stronger, and wear-resistant, which guarantees a long-lasting performance.

Understand Surface Finish and Safety

Surface finish is not only about shine or appearance but it has a direct effect on safety, maintenance and overall usability. Proper finishes can avoid slips and enhance durability and can be easily cleaned, particularly in wet places.

• Glossy Finish: Glossy tiles are very good at reflecting light and thus make the spaces appear brighter and larger. They suit well in living rooms and on walls. They, however, can be slippery when wet, hence not suitable for bathrooms or outdoor floors.
• Matte Finish: Matte tiles are more grippy than glossy surfaces and do not have as many marks, smudges, or footprints of water. They can be used in bedrooms, living rooms and even floors in bathrooms with moderate moisture exposure.
• Textured or Anti-Skid Finish: Textured or anti-skid tiles are created to offer the best slip resistance and therefore they are suited for bathrooms, balconies, terraces, as well as outdoors. They have a slightly rough surface which makes them more frictional, and the chances of accidents in wet zones are less.

Understanding R-Rating and COF

Always check the anti-skid tile rating before purchasing tiles for wet areas. Manufacturers specify slip resistance using:

• R-Rating (Ramp Test Rating) – R9 to R13
  
  • R9: Low slip resistance (dry indoor areas)
  • R10: Moderate slip resistance (kitchens, light-use bathrooms)
  • R11: Good slip resistance (bathrooms, balconies)
  • R12–R13: High slip resistance (outdoor and commercial wet areas)
• COF (Coefficient of Friction)
  
  • For residential bathrooms, a COF of 0.42 or higher (wet) is generally recommended for safety.

Evaluate Tile Quality and Grade

Not every tile which is represented in a showroom is of the same quality. Knowledge of the water absorption rate of tiles, grades, batch consistency and durability ratings will enable you to invest in your space smartly and long-lastingly.

Grade 1 (Premium Quality)

Grade 1 tiles are of a better finish and with few or no visible defects. Their colors are consistent, and the edges are smooth and more durable, which is why they are suitable in the main living rooms and high-end installations.

Grade 2 or 3 (Minor Imperfections)

Grade 2 or 3 tiles can contain minor visible defects like minor surface scratches, color variation, or edge differences. They tend to be cheaper and appropriate in low-visibility or low-utilisation regions.

Check Batch Number and Shade Variation

Never buy tiles without ensuring that the batch number is confirmed. Even when the tiles are of the same design, there may be a visible difference in shade between tiles in various batches. Always insist on a proper batch number check for the tiles before billing. Batches mixed blindly can influence the end result.

Check Edges and Surface Finish

Make sure that you check the edges of the tiles in case of chips, uneven cuts and bending. Test two tiles and ensure that they are aligned and flat to reduce the installation cost of tiles in India. Lippage may be seen after repairing uneven tiles, which may create problems during installation.

Review The Tile PEI Rating

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating measures abrasion resistance for glazed tiles:

• PEI 1–2: Light traffic (walls, low-use bathrooms)
• PEI 3: Moderate residential use
• PEI 4: Heavy residential and light commercial use
• PEI 5: High-traffic commercial space.

In busy hallways, kitchens, and living rooms, PEI 4 or 5 is better to use since it is more durable. With a good tile warranty and quality check, you are guaranteed peace and your investment is guaranteed to last a long time.

Know the Difference Between Floor and Wall Tiles

Many homeowners mix these up. Floor tiles vs wall tiles differ mainly in their strength and thickness. Tiles on the floor are designed to support weight and foot traffic and those on the wall are lighter and thinner. Flooring with wall tiles may crack or break with time. Always ensure that the usage is as intended before buying. 

Don’t Ignore Grout Selection

Most people do not know the extent to which grout affects the final result. Use effective grout color selection tips to control the overall effect, as matching grout creates an eye-soothing appearance, while contrasting grout highlights patterns and layout. Stain-resistant grout should be used in the kitchens and bathrooms to reduce discoloration and ease cleaning in the long term.

Tiles For Indian Climate and Usage

India’s climate changes dramatically by region; coastal areas deal with humidity, while northern regions face temperature shifts requiring the best tiles for hot climates. Choose tiles that suit the Indian climate conditions in your city. Outdoor spaces benefit from textured finishes for grip. Sunny interiors and balconies need heat-resistant tiles for Indian homes whose surfaces don’t fade or degrade quickly. For commercial or heavy-use zones, prioritise tiles for high-traffic areas with greater abrasion resistance.

Build Smart, Not Just Beautiful!

Tiles stay in your home for decades. They witness family dinners, celebrations, spills, and everyday life. Review materials, finishes, safety ratings, and long-term costs. Think beyond the display board. With the right tile-buying tips, Indian homeowners can trust that you won’t just select a design; you’ll invest in durability, safety, and comfort. Tiles are not a purchase at the end of the day, they are what you will live with each and every day. That’s why choosing the right brand matters. With MyTyles, one of the affordable tile brands, you don’t just get beautiful designs. Explore premium designs, expert guidance, and reliable performance all in one place. Visit MyTyles, one of the premium tile brands in India today and build your space with confidence.