Choosing the Right Tiles: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Home
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Choosing the Right Tiles: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Home

January 3, 2026 By Serghei 5 min read

Selecting tiles for a renovation project is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make. Unlike paint or wallpaper, changing tiles is a major undertaking, so getting it right the first time is essential.

1. Understanding Room Function & Durability

Every space in your home has unique demands. Before looking at aesthetics, we must consider the PEI rating (durability) and R-rating (slip resistance) required for the area.

  • Bathrooms & Wet Rooms: Priority is moisture resistance and grip. We recommend anti-slip porcelain or mosaic tiles for shower floors.
  • Kitchens: High-traffic areas prone to spills. You need a tile that is easy to clean and resistant to thermal shock.
  • Hallways: These are the "front lines" of your home, especially in busy East London boroughs like Walthamstow or Hackney. Durability against grit and moisture is key.

2. Material Science: Choosing the Right Surface

At Sergyo Constructions, we work with a wide variety of materials, each suited for specific professional tiling applications:

Porcelain & Ceramic

Porcelain is the gold standard—durable and practically waterproof. Ceramic is great for walls and budget-conscious renovations.

Natural Stone

Marble, Slate, or Travertine offers unparalleled luxury but requires professional sealing and ongoing maintenance to prevent staining.

3. Layout, Grout, and the "Fine Details"

The layout can dramatically alter the perception of space. A herringbone pattern can add sophistication to a hallway, while large-format tiles (600x600mm+) make small London rooms feel more expansive by minimizing grout lines.

"The difference between a good tiling job and a great one is in the grout lines and the substrate preparation. A perfectly flat floor is the foundation of a premium finish."

💡 Professional Advice

If you're unsure which material fits your budget and lifestyle, our team can provide a direct consultation on both materials and layout during our quote process.

Book a Consultation

Planning a similar project?

Whether it's professional tiling, structural masonry or repointing, our team is ready to deliver solid craftsmanship for your property.