All About Tiles: We Asked an Expert to Answer All Your Questions

Which tiles are the easiest to maintain? The best for your bathroom? Here are the answers.

Tiles –  so simple, yet so difficult to choose. After all, they’re often a key part of our homes, from flooring to kitchen backsplashes. Earlier last week, we asked you to send in any tile-related questions you may have, and if the responses were any indication, it’s that you have numerous topics you want to know more about.

Product Merchant: Soon Bee Huat

So to address everything in one go, we’ve collated your questions and got Soon Bee Huat, an expert in the tile and surface material industry, to answer them.

Any general tips for choosing tiles? 

Soon Bee Huat (SBH): Generally, larger tiles are used for larger areas like the living room, while smaller tiles are installed in smaller areas (like the bathroom or kitchen backsplash) for better visual effects. However, large tiles can still be used for small areas, and small tiles for large areas – it depends on your contractor as well as your preference. 

Product Merchant: Soon Bee Huat 

What kind of tiles are the easiest to maintain? 

SBH: Polished porcelain tiles are the easiest to maintain as they have a smooth texture, which makes dirt on their surface easy to clean. They’re also less porous, meaning they’re less likely to get stained. 

As dirt and mould tend to accumulate and build up in between tiles, it is also easier to maintain larger tiles, since they have fewer gaps in between each one, meaning less grout to clean.

Product Merchant: Soon Bee Huat 

What kind of tiles are trending right now? 

SBH: Currently, terrazzo design tiles, tiles with tropical florals, and kitkat (finger mosaic) tiles are trending.  

Terrazzo has been a cyclical trend, and comes back with a twist each time round. These speckled stone design tiles add a dramatic pop of colour to the space, and can be used in any space – like the backsplash, feature wall, or floor – to make a statement. 

Product Merchant: Soon Bee Huat 

What do you think of the trending kitkat tiles? Do you recommend them? 

SBH: Kitkat tiles are great for small areas like slim or short feature walls and backsplashes, as otherwise, it may seem too overwhelming. They are best installed vertically for a better visual experience and also for easier cleaning and maintenance.  

We recommend kitkat tiles for feature walls in dry areas like TV or dining feature walls. They can also be installed in the kitchen backsplash, although we recommend it for people who do not do heavy cooking often for easier maintenance.  

Can I use tiles for my kitchen backsplash? What size should I get? 

SBH: Yes, you can. You can consider glazed ceramic tiles, since they’re heat-resistant. Plus, the glaze prevents grease and food stains from being absorbed, so it won’t get dirty while you’re cooking.

For size, there are generally no size restrictions for your kitchen backsplash. However, it’s better to check with your contractor on the sizes that they can install. Some common sizes that you can  consider are 20x20cm or 30x30cm decorative square tiles, subway tiles, hexagon tiles, and fish scale  tiles.  

Product Merchant: Soon Bee Huat 

Which tiles are best for the bathroom? What size should I get? 

SBH: Matte porcelain tiles are the best for the bathroom as their slip-resistant surface provides friction and prevents it from being slippery. 

You can also get tiles of any size for your bathroom. Some sizes that are commonly used for the bathroom are 30x30cm and 30x60cm. 

Product Merchant: Soon Bee Huat 

How do I choose non-slippery tiles? 

SBH: Matte porcelain tiles are more slip-resistant than polished ones, and they have anti-slip ratings that tell you the degree of slip resistance it has. The rating ranges from R9 to R13 – the higher the rating, the higher the degree of slip resistance, so if you want something less slippery, choose one with a higher anti-slip rating.

Ultimately, texture is subjective to your preference; some owners like to use rough tiles for their space, while others prefer smooth ones. 

Product Merchant: Soon Bee Huat 

What are your best selling / most popular tiles?

SBH: The best-selling tiles of all time are typically simple, classic designs such as the plain stone-effect, resort-look tiles. These designs boast the modern and luxurious aesthetics of natural stone, and are  minimalistic enough to fit in with and complement almost every kind of interior design. 

Wood-look tiles with softwood lines are also pretty popular as the patterns and textures are visually comfortable and easy to match your interior. We also have the marble-effect tiles, which are a classic design that has been loved by many for their timelessly grand and extravagant look.  

Product Merchant: Soon Bee Huat 

Get all kinds of tile samples delivered to your doorstep!

Because there are so many options on the market, you should get some samples to find the right match. Click here to get 10 FREE material samples delivered straight to your doorstep!

Plus, we can also help you arrange showroom visits – which will not only entitle you to a $10 voucher for your first visit, but you can also enjoy exclusive discounts when you quote “Materially” at any of our partner showrooms. T&C applies.