Tiles by Material
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Unaway Grey Multi Natural Matt Outdoor Porcelain Paving£ 44.97 /m2 Regular Price £64.80 /m2 -
Rapolano Grey Marble Porcelain Outdoor Porcelain Paving£ 54.97 /m2 Regular Price £70.00 /m2 -
Makrana California Polished Marble Effect Tiles£ 29.99 /m2 Regular Price £60.00 /m2 -
Sapphire Blue Quartz Sparkly Tiles£ 79.99 /m2 Regular Price £105.00 /m2 -
Versailles Carrara Matt Marble Effect Porcelain Tiles£ 29.99 /m2 Regular Price £52.00 /m2
About Our Tiles by Material
What Are Tile Materials?
Tile material refers to what a tile is made from — and it's one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying tiles. The material affects how a tile performs, how long it lasts, and how it looks in a finished space.
Different materials suit different rooms and uses. The wrong choice can mean tiles that chip, absorb water, or need constant upkeep. The right choice means a surface that performs well for years with minimal maintenance.
Material choice directly affects:
- Durability — how well a tile handles foot traffic, impact, and daily wear
- Water resistance — critical for bathrooms, kitchens, and wet rooms
- Maintenance — whether a tile needs sealing, specialist cleaning, or regular upkeep
- Appearance — the finish, texture, and overall look of the tile in a room
Best Tile Materials
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic, making it denser, harder, and far less porous. It's the most versatile tile material available and performs well in almost any room or application.
- Best for: Bathroom floors and walls, kitchen floors, hallways, wet rooms, and outdoor areas
- Main advantage: Near waterproof, scratch resistant, and built to last — the most reliable all-round tile material
Browse our porcelain tiles range.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay with a glazed surface finish. They're lighter and easier to cut than porcelain, making them a practical and cost-effective option — particularly for wall tiling projects.
- Best for: Bathroom walls, kitchen walls, and splashbacks in lower-traffic areas
- Main advantage: Budget-friendly with a wide range of colours and finishes — easy to work with for straightforward installations
View our ceramic tiles collection.
Marble-Effect Tiles
Marble-effect tiles are porcelain tiles printed with realistic veining and stone detail. They deliver the high-end appearance of real marble without the sealing requirements, fragility, or higher price point of natural stone.
- Best for: Bathroom walls, feature floors, shower enclosures, and kitchen splashbacks
- Main advantage: Premium marble look with the durability and low maintenance of porcelain
Explore our marble-effect tiles.
Quartz Tiles
Quartz tiles feature a surface embedded with mirror pieces that reflect light and create a distinctive sparkle. They're an engineered material — consistent in quality and highly resistant to staining and moisture.
- Best for: Bathroom floors and walls, kitchen splashbacks, and feature areas where a standout finish is needed
- Main advantage: Non-porous and stain resistant with a unique, eye-catching finish that's hard to replicate with other materials
See our quartz tiles range.
Stone-Effect Tiles
Stone-effect tiles are porcelain or ceramic tiles designed to replicate the look of natural materials such as slate, limestone, and travertine. They offer the aesthetic of real stone with none of the ongoing sealing or maintenance requirements.
- Best for: Living room floors, hallways, bathroom floors, and conservatories
- Main advantage: Authentic stone appearance with the practical performance of an engineered tile — no sealing needed
Browse our stone-effect tiles collection.
Tile Material Pricing Guide (UK)
Tile prices vary depending on what the tile is made from, how it's finished, and the size and format you choose. Here's a straightforward guide to what you can expect to pay across different material types.
| Tier | Price Per m² | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | £13–£20 | Basic ceramic wall tiles, entry-level matt porcelain, plain finishes in standard formats |
| Mid-Range | £20–£40 | Better-quality porcelain, stone-effect and wood-effect designs, larger formats, polished finishes |
| Premium | £40–£60+ | Marble-effect large format tiles, sparkly quartz, specialist finishes, and high-detail designs |
What Affects the Price?
Material
Ceramic is the most affordable starting point. Porcelain costs a little more but offers better durability and water resistance. Quartz and marble-effect tiles sit at the higher end due to their finish quality and production process.
Size and Format
Larger format tiles — such as 1200×600mm or 600×600mm — typically cost more per m² than smaller standard sizes. Large formats also require more precise installation, which can affect fitting costs.
Finish
Plain matt finishes are generally the most budget-friendly option. Polished, gloss, and lappato finishes involve additional production steps and tend to sit higher in price. Textured and anti-slip finishes can also carry a small premium.
Design Complexity
Tiles with detailed surface printing — such as realistic marble veining, wood grain, or patterned designs — cost more than plain or single-colour tiles. The more detailed the visual, the higher the production cost.
Format and Thickness
Specialist formats such as hexagonal, subway, or mosaic tiles are often priced higher than standard rectangular or square options. Thicker tiles suitable for outdoor or heavy-duty use also carry a higher price per m².
Tile Materials FAQs
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Porcelain is denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic — making it more water resistant and better suited to floors, wet rooms, and high-traffic areas.
Which tile material is best for bathrooms?
Porcelain is the most reliable material for bathrooms — it's near waterproof, durable, and available in slip-resistant finishes suitable for wet room floors and shower enclosures.
Are porcelain tiles waterproof?
Porcelain tiles are near waterproof — they have a very low water absorption rate of less than 0.5%.
Are ceramic tiles good for walls?
Yes — ceramic tiles are well suited to walls and are one of the most popular choices for bathroom and kitchen wall tiling.
Can I order tile samples before buying?
In order to see which tiles look best as part of your exterior design, we highly recommend that you order samples for a closer look.