How to Choose the Right Tile?
Choosing the right tile for your renovation project isn’t just about picking the prettiest one in the store. As any homeowner in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) knows, a great tile can make your kitchen, bathroom, or entryway feel like a luxury space. The wrong one? Expensive regret. Here’s how to make the right choice the first time if you’re planning tile installation in Toronto or nearby cities.
1. Match the Tile to the Room’s Needs
- Wet or dry? For showers, bathrooms, and basements, porcelain tiles are ideal because of their low absorption rate.
- Heavy traffic or light use? Choose tiles with a high PEI rating (Porcelain Enamel Institute) for kitchens, hallways, and entryways.
- Subfloor conditions? Uneven surfaces require prep or smaller-format tiles to avoid cracking and lippage.
In places like Mississauga, Oakville, and Hamilton, our seasonal freeze-thaw cycles make frost-resistant porcelain ideal for outdoor areas too.
2. How to Choose Tile Material Wisely
- Ceramic: Cost-effective, easy to cut, ideal for walls and light-use floors.
- Porcelain: Dense, durable, water-resistant—perfect for any floor or high-moisture area.
- Natural stone: Beautiful but high-maintenance. Requires sealing and specialized cleaning.
- Glass & Specialty Tiles: Best for accents like backsplashes or shower niches. Avoid using them on floors.
If you’re aiming for durability with low maintenance, porcelain is your safest bet.
3. Choose Tile Size & Layout Based on the Room
- Small spaces: Use larger tiles (e.g. 12×24 or 24×24) to reduce grout lines and open up the room visually.
- Plank/wood-look tiles: Great for basements or open-concept living areas; use a 1/3 offset to avoid lippage.
- Mosaics: Best for shower floors or accents—not ideal for large areas due to cleaning and cost.
Tile layout affects both the look and installation cost. Herringbone, basketweave, or chevron patterns can elevate a space but usually cost more to install.
4. Colour, Texture & Grout Tips That Matter
- Light tiles open up small rooms but show dirt more.
- Dark tiles add drama and hide debris, but can shrink a space visually.
- Patterned or textured tiles (like Moroccan or slate-look) work best as accents.
- Grout colour matters: Matching grout hides lines; contrasting grout makes the pattern pop. For floors, use a mid-tone that hides dirt.
5. Think Long-Term Maintenance
- Porcelain & ceramic: Easy to clean, no sealing needed.
- Natural stone: Requires regular sealing, and acidic cleaners can damage surfaces.
- Grout: Needs to be sealed if it’s not epoxy-based. Darker grout hides stains better.
Always consider how much effort you’re willing to put into upkeep. Low-maintenance options often look just as good with fewer headaches.
6. Budget Tips for Tile Installation in the GTA
- Tile prices in the GTA range from $3 to $50+ per sq ft.
- Installation adds $6 to $15+ per sq ft depending on tile size, layout, and subfloor prep.
- Use premium tiles as a feature wall or niche if full coverage exceeds your budget.
7. Get a Second Opinion Before You Buy
Before you buy, always get samples. Test them under your room’s lighting and next to your cabinetry or fixtures. Better yet, consult a local pro.
Tip: Need help choosing tile or comparing materials? Download our free Ultimate Tile Selection Guide to see what works best in real GTA homes.
External resource: Learn about PEI tile ratings
Final Thought: The right tile choice blends beauty, function, and practicality. Whether you’re renovating a condo in downtown Toronto or a family home in Burlington, keeping these essentials in mind will help you get it right the first time.
Need help with tile installation in the GTA? Contact Mallet Tile for a free consultation or visit our Cost Calculator to get an instant ballpark estimate.
