Understanding tiling choices for London homes
Tiling is one of the most visible elements of a refurbishment - and one of the most commonly misunderstood. The wrong tile, adhesive, grout or layout pattern can make a beautifully finished room look wrong. Here's what I tell every client before they start choosing tiles.
Format matters more than price
Large format tiles (600×600mm and above) read as more luxurious and make rooms feel bigger - but they require a flatter substrate, more careful adhesive selection, and more waste on cuts. Small mosaic tiles hide substrate imperfections better but take significantly longer to lay. Match the tile format to your budget, your tiler's capability, and your substrate condition.
In London Victorian and Edwardian houses - which make up a significant proportion of what we work on - substrate preparation is almost always required. Old walls are rarely flat. Old floors are rarely level. The preparation cost often exceeds the tile cost.
Adhesive: the hidden variable
- Wet rooms, shower enclosures and areas with underfloor heating require a flexible adhesive (S1 or S2 classification)
- Standard cement-based adhesive is not suitable for UFH systems - thermal expansion and contraction will crack the tiles over time
- Large-format tiles on walls need a non-slip adhesive to prevent sliding during installation
- Using the wrong adhesive voids most tile manufacturer warranties
Grout selection
The grout joint width should reflect the tile format and the substrate condition. Rectified tiles (precision-cut) can be laid at 1.5–2mm joints. Non-rectified tiles need 3–5mm to absorb dimensional variation. Using too tight a grout joint on a non-rectified tile makes every size variation visible.
In wet rooms, an epoxy grout provides superior durability and stain resistance. It's harder to work with and costs more, but it outperforms cement grout in high-moisture environments over time.
Layout and setting out
How tiles are set out - where the first tile is placed, how cuts fall, whether the pattern is centred on the room or centred on a feature wall - makes a significant visual difference. This is a conversation to have with your tiler before work begins, not after the first row is laid. Ask to see a dry layout before adhesive is applied.
Planning a bathroom or kitchen refurbishment? We can advise on tile selection and substrate preparation as part of your project scope. BAYOCORPLINK0 and we'll give you honest feedback.