Discover the best types of tiles for every room, from ceramic to marble-effect. Shop Bathshack today for stylish, durable tiles to transform your home!

What Types of Tiles Can I Buy?

Tiles are one of the most versatile ways to style your home. From sleek modern designs to timeless classics, there’s a type of tile for every taste, budget, and space. The main types of tiles you can buy include ceramic, porcelain, wood-effect, patterned, metro, mosaic, marble-effect, concrete-effect, pallet, and rectified tiles — each with unique qualities that make them better suited for different projects.

Whether you’re looking to tile a bathroom, update your kitchen splashback, or create a bold feature floor, here’s a guide to the most popular types of tiles and how to choose the right one for your home.

1. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are a household staple thanks to their affordability, easy maintenance, and wide variety of designs. Made from natural clay and fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, they’re slightly softer but still durable enough for wall tiles and light-traffic floors.

They come in endless styles — from neutral tones to patterned designs — making them an easy choice for any décor.

Best suited for: Kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls, and light-use floors

2. Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are denser, harder, and more water-resistant than ceramic, making them ideal floor tiles for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas. Available in polished or matte finishes, they offer a premium look that works in both modern and traditional homes.

From bold colours to natural stone looks, porcelain tiles are a durable, long-lasting investment.

Best suited for: Bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and wet rooms

3. Wood-Effect Tiles

Wood-effect tiles give you the warmth and charm of timber with the durability of tile. Perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where real wood may not be practical, they’re available in a variety of grains, colours, and plank sizes.

They create a cosy, natural feel and work beautifully in both contemporary and rustic interiors.

Best suited for: Bathrooms, open-plan living spaces, rustic and Scandi-inspired interiors.

4. Patterned Tiles

For those who want to make a statement, patterned tiles add instant character to any room. From Victorian-style geometrics to bold modern motifs, they can be used across floors or as a striking feature wall.

Patterned tiles are especially popular in hallways and bathrooms, where they transform small spaces into design focal points.

Best suited for: Feature floors, bathroom splash zones, and hallways.

5. Metro Tiles

Also known as subway tiles, metro tiles are a timeless choice for walls. Their clean, glossy finish makes them a classic option for kitchens and bathrooms, where they bring light and style to smaller spaces.

They’re versatile too — laid in a traditional brick pattern for a vintage look, or stacked vertically for a modern twist.

Best suited for: Kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls, and small feature areas.

6. Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles add texture, colour, and visual detail to your home. They’re typically small tiles arranged in patterns or sheets, making them perfect for creating intricate designs or adding accents to walls and floors.

Often used in showers, wet rooms, or as splashback borders, mosaics offer both practicality and design flair.

Best suited for: Showers, splashbacks, wet rooms, and decorative accents.

7. Pallet Tiles

Pallet tiles are a budget-friendly way to purchase tiles in bulk for larger projects. Whether you’re renovating a whole home or tackling a big commercial space, pallets ensure consistency and cost savings.

Tip: Use pallet tiles when you need a large, cohesive flooring or wall finish across multiple rooms.

8. Marble-Effect Tiles

Marble-effect tiles provide the luxury look of natural stone without the high cost or maintenance. Available in polished or matte finishes, they bring timeless elegance to bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways.

Pair with underfloor heating for a high-end finish that feels indulgent every day.

Best suited for: Spa-inspired bathrooms, luxury kitchens, and statement hallways.

Rectified vs Non-Rectified Tiles

When shopping for tiles, you’ll often see the term “rectified.” Rectified tiles have precision-cut, perfectly straight edges, allowing for minimal grout lines and a sleek, seamless look. Non-rectified tiles have slightly uneven edges, which create a more rustic, traditional effect. 

Tip: Choose rectified tiles for a modern, minimalist look, and non-rectified for a softer, handcrafted style.

Quick Comparison

Shop Bathroom and Kitchen Tiles at Bathshack

From classic ceramic to wood-effect, patterned, and porcelain, Bathshack offers a wide range of tiles to suit every room in your home. Browse online or visit us in-store to explore textures, finishes, and designs. Contact us today and let our team help you find the perfect tiles for your next project.

FAQs: Types of Tiles

What is the most durable type of tile?

Porcelain is the most durable tile, thanks to its density and water resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic and high-moisture areas.

Which tiles are best for bathrooms?
Porcelain, ceramic, and mosaic tiles are great bathroom options as they combine style with excellent water resistance.

What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?
Ceramic tiles are softer, more affordable, and great for walls, while porcelain tiles are denser, more durable, and better for floors and wet areas.

What are rectified tiles?
Rectified tiles are machine-cut to have perfectly straight edges, allowing for narrow grout lines and a seamless look.

Which tile is easiest to clean?
Gloss-finish ceramic and porcelain tiles are the easiest to clean, as dirt and water wipe away quickly.