Selecting bathroom tiles might seem like a quick task—pick a design that stands out and you’re done. But when you’re seeking premium bathroom tiles for a renovation or new build, it’s not that easy. Not every tile that looks great in the store will hold up over time.
Poor-quality tiles can lead to issues like cracks, chipped glazes, or colors that change when wet. To make sure you’re getting the real deal, here’s what to look for.
Look Past the Shine
A tile’s glossy finish or trendy pattern might grab your attention, but premium bathroom tiles are defined by their durability and craftsmanship.
Pick up a tile. It should feel heavy and solid, not lightweight or hollow. Inspect the back—clay tiles should be dense, not crumbly, and porcelain should show color throughout, not just on the surface. The glaze, which protects against water and stains, should feel smooth but not overly slick. Watch for small imperfections like bubbles or rough spots, which can indicate substandard production.
Insist on Consistency
Line up several tiles. Do they match in size, color, and thickness? Even minor variations can cause problems during installation.
Premium bathroom tiles are made to exact standards, with clean edges and no warping. Inconsistent tiles can result in uneven grout lines or patterns that don’t align, ruining your bathroom’s aesthetic. A dependable tiles supplier will carry tiles that meet these standards and can confirm their quality and consistency.
Don’t Trust Ratings Alone
Tile specs, like PEI ratings for hardness or water absorption percentages, are useful for bathrooms, where slip resistance and low absorption are key. But ratings don’t tell the whole story.
A good tiles supplier will provide context, explaining how a tile performs in real-world bathroom conditions—humid, busy, and tough on materials. If they can’t answer clearly or push expensive options without justification, look elsewhere. Choose a supplier who knows their stock and prioritizes your project.
Question Certifications
Certifications like ISO or “Made in Europe” can hint at quality, but they’re sometimes used as marketing ploys. Always verify.
Ask your tiles supplier: Where was the tile produced? By whom? Can they show sourcing details? Premium tiles often come from trusted manufacturers with rigorous standards. A reliable supplier will provide this information, ensuring your tiles can withstand a bathroom’s demanding environment.
Inspect the Edges
Edges are a key indicator of a tile’s quality. Low-end tiles often have jagged or chipped edges, particularly at corners.
Run your hand along the tile’s sides. They should be smooth, with crisp, even corners. Rectified tiles, machine-cut for precision, are common in premium lines and ensure tidy grout lines. Even non-rectified premium tiles should have clean, well-crafted edges.
Start with Performance Questions
It’s tempting to choose a tile based on its look and worry about quality later. Instead, begin with questions about performance: Where was it made? How does it handle moisture and wear? What’s the warranty?
A trustworthy tiles supplier Singapore expects these questions and answers them confidently, offering details about the tile’s origin and suitability. If they’re evasive or focus only on a single sample, find a supplier who values transparency.
Watch Out for Too-Good Deals
Premium bathroom tiles come with a higher price tag due to better materials and stricter quality control. If a tile looks high-end but costs far less than comparable options, be cautious.
Occasionally, a low price might come from overstock or a discontinued line from a reputable manufacturer. More often, it’s a lower-quality product mimicking premium tiles. Ask your supplier why the price is low. A good one will explain honestly.
Build for the Future
Bathroom tiles endure constant wear—water, heat, chemicals, and daily use. Premium bathroom tiles are built to handle these challenges while staying beautiful.
Don’t rush your decision. Inspect the tiles, ask detailed questions, and choose a tiles supplier you can rely on. By focusing on quality over price, you’ll get tiles that perform as well as they look, keeping your bathroom stunning for years.
