Why Visit a Tile Showroom Instead of Buying Online
Thinking of ordering tiles online? While convenient, it’s no match for the experience of visiting a tile showroom. From seeing true colours and textures to getting expert advice, here’s why stepping into a showroom can save you time, money, and regret.
In today’s world of next-day delivery and online shopping, it’s tempting to order everything with a few clicks — even your tiles. But when it comes to designing your home, especially something as permanent as flooring or wall finishes, there’s no substitute for visiting a tile showroom in person.
Here’s why walking into a showroom is still the best move you can make:
1. See the True Colour and Texture
Screens can’t capture the full beauty of a tile. Lighting, screen resolution, and filters often distort colours and finishes. In a showroom, you can view tiles under natural and artificial light, touch the surface, and see how it reacts to movement and space.
2. Get Expert Advice on the Spot
Online shopping can’t answer your specific questions – but our showroom staff can. Whether it’s understanding slip ratings, grout choices, or underfloor heating compatibility, our experienced team can guide you to the right product for your needs and budget.
3. Mix and Match Easily
Planning to combine tiles or compare multiple styles? In a showroom, you can physically place samples side-by-side to see how they complement each other – something that’s nearly impossible online.
4. Avoid Costly Mistakes
Ordering tiles online without proper advice often leads to over-ordering, under-ordering, or choosing unsuitable finishes for wet areas or high-traffic zones. A showroom visit helps you get it right the first time – saving money and stress.
5. Inspiration You Can’t Scroll Past
Our showrooms are designed to inspire. From full room sets to curated style boards, seeing tiles in a real-life setting helps you visualise the end result far better than a photo ever could.
6. Touch Before You Buy
Some tiles are textured, some smooth, some matte, some glossy – and the feel can influence your decision just as much as the look. In a showroom, you can touch and feel everything before making a commitment.
7. Better for Big Projects
If you're renovating a whole bathroom, kitchen or home, there’s real value in talking through your plans face-to-face. We can help with quantities, layout suggestions, and trade recommendations — all in one visit.
8. Access to Exclusive Ranges
Many of our premium and trade-only tile collections are not available online. Visiting the showroom gives you access to the full range, including the latest arrivals and showroom-only offers.
Pop In and See for Yourself
At First Tiles, we believe choosing tiles should be an enjoyable, hands-on experience. Come and explore our range, speak to our friendly team, and let’s bring your vision to life — one tile at a time.
Slip Ratings Explained: Choosing Tiles for Wet Areas
Not all tiles are created equal when it comes to safety. If you're tiling a bathroom, wet room, or outdoor area, understanding slip ratings is essential. In this guide, we explain what slip resistance really means — and how to choose the right tile for wet environments.
When it comes to choosing tiles for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor patios, looks aren’t everything — safety matters too. That’s where slip ratings come in. But what do they mean, and how do you know which rating is right for your project?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
🔍 What Is a Slip Rating?
A slip rating tells you how slippery a tile might be when wet or dry. It’s measured using a variety of tests, but the most common are:
R Ratings (Ramp Test)
PTV (Pendulum Test Value) — often used in public and commercial spaces
🧱 Understanding R Ratings (R9 to R13)
R Ratings are used mainly in Europe and stand for “Ramp Test Ratings.” They measure how much grip a tile has when walked on at an angle in wet conditions.
Here’s a quick guide:
R RatingSlip ResistanceSuitable
ForR9 LowDry indoor areas only (e.g. living rooms)
R10 ModerateKitchens, cloakrooms
R11 GoodBathrooms, utility rooms, some outdoor areas
R12–R13 Very HighWet rooms, commercial kitchens, poolside, outdoor steps
💡 Tip: For most home bathrooms, an R11 tile is a safe and stylish choice.
🌧️ What About Outdoor Tiles?
Outdoor areas need higher grip — especially if exposed to rain, frost or algae. Look for R11–R13 rated tiles that are frost-resistant and textured for extra grip.
🚿 Shower Floors & Wet Rooms: Be Extra Careful
Tiles for walk-in showers and wet rooms need very good slip resistance. Choose R11 or above, or look for tiles specifically marked as anti-slip or suitable for barefoot use. Mosaics with lots of grout lines can also improve grip naturally.
✅ How to Choose the Right Slip Rating
Ask yourself:
Will this area get wet or steamy?
Is it indoors or outdoors?
Will people be walking barefoot?
Still unsure? Our team at [Your Showroom Name] is always happy to advise — and you can see and feel the textures in person to make the best decision.
Visit Us for Safe, Stylish Tiles
Safety doesn’t have to compromise style. At our showroom, you’ll find a wide range of beautiful tiles that also meet the slip resistance ratings your space needs. Pop in today and let us help you choose with confidence.
10 Tile Trends for 2025: What’s In and What’s Out
Ready to update your space? From earthy tones and textured finishes to bold mosaics and sustainable materials, we’ve rounded up the top tile trends for 2025 — and what styles are falling out of favour. Get inspired before you renovate!
Tiles are more than just a backdrop — they set the tone for your entire space. As we move into 2025, fresh ideas are redefining how we use colour, texture, and layout. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or hallway, these tile trends will help you create a space that feels current and inspiring.
Let’s explore what’s in and what’s on the way out this year.
✅ What’s In for 2025
1️⃣ Earthy Neutrals
Warm, natural tones are replacing cold greys. Think soft clay, sand, caramel, and mushroom. These colours add warmth and feel grounded without being overpowering.
2️⃣ Textured & Tactile Finishes
Surfaces you can feel are taking centre stage — raked lines, hammered effects, and handmade looks that invite touch and create depth.
3️⃣ Kit Kat (Finger) Mosaic Tiles
These slim, vertical mosaics are popping up everywhere, perfect for splashbacks, shower walls, and feature niches.
4️⃣ Terrazzo Revival
Terrazzo continues its comeback, but in bolder, oversized chips and more colour contrast.
5️⃣ Oversized Slabs
Large-format tiles are getting even bigger, with fewer grout lines and seamless finishes that make small spaces feel expansive.
6️⃣ Coloured Grout
Contrasting grout in earthy reds, soft blues, or charcoal adds personality to otherwise simple tiles.
7️⃣ Matte & Satin Finishes
Gloss is giving way to understated matte and satin surfaces that look sophisticated and diffuse light beautifully.
8️⃣ Patterned Floor Tiles
Vintage-inspired geometrics and encaustic-look tiles are still strong, especially in hallways and bathrooms.
9️⃣ Green Everything
Sage, olive, and deep forest greens are emerging as the colours of choice for calming, nature-inspired spaces.
1️⃣0️⃣ Sustainable Materials
Recycled content and eco-friendly production methods are becoming deciding factors for homeowners.
❌ What’s Out for 2025
🚫 Plain White Gloss Metro Tiles
Still classic, but homeowners are moving towards warmer neutrals and more texture.
🚫 High-Gloss Grey Everything
Shiny grey tiles are being swapped for warmer, softer finishes.
🚫 Tiny Mosaic Borders
The thin border strip look feels dated — full walls or larger areas of mosaics are in.
🚫 Fake Wood Planks in Cool Tones
Warmer, more natural wood-look tiles are replacing greyed-out versions.
💡 Ready to Refresh Your Space?
At First Tiles, we have all the latest tile styles in stock — and expert advice to help you choose. Visit us to see what’s new for 2025 and find the perfect tiles for your project.
When You Should Hire a Professional Tiler (and When You Can DIY)
Thinking of tiling yourself? Some projects are perfect for DIY — others are best left to the pros. In this guide, we break down when it makes sense to do it yourself, and when hiring a professional tiler will save you time, money, and stress.
Tiling can transform any space — whether it’s a splashback, bathroom, or hallway floor. But should you do it yourself, or call in the pros? The answer depends on your skill level, the type of tile, and the complexity of the job.
Here’s a clear guide to help you decide.
✅ When You Can DIY
Some tiling jobs are manageable for confident DIYers — especially with the right tools, prep, and patience.
🔹 1. Small, Straightforward Areas
Splashbacks, cloakrooms, or a simple kitchen wall.
Regular-shaped areas with minimal cutting.
Using smaller tiles or simple layouts.
🔹 2. If You Have Basic Tools & Patience
With a decent tile cutter, spacers, level, and adhesive, you can handle basic tiling.
YouTube tutorials and manufacturer guides are helpful if you’re willing to learn.
🔹 3. Flat, Prepped Surfaces
DIY is far easier when walls and floors are flat, dry, and clean.
Uneven or damp surfaces can cause big problems down the line if not dealt with properly.
💡 Tip: Start small before attempting anything too ambitious. A downstairs WC or utility room is a great place to practice.
🛑 When to Hire a Professional Tiler
Tiling is part art, part precision trade. There are plenty of situations where it pays to get a professional in.
🔸 1. Large or Expensive Projects
Bathrooms, wet rooms, and high-value kitchens.
A tiler’s expertise ensures a neat, waterproof finish and protects your investment.
🔸 2. Difficult Layouts or Intricate Patterns
Herringbone, mosaics, hexagons, and multi-size layouts require experience to line up properly.
Cutting around pipes, corners, and awkward shapes is hard to get right without practice.
🔸 3. Large Format Tiles
Bigger tiles are less forgiving — mistakes show up more easily.
They also require perfect alignment and can be tricky to handle solo.
🔸 4. Floor Tiling
Floors need extra care for levelling, spacing, and durability.
Lippage (uneven tile height) is common in DIY jobs if the surface isn’t prepared properly.
🔸 5. Waterproofing and Tanking
Wet rooms and shower areas require sealing before tiling.
A poor job here can lead to leaks and long-term damage.
👷♂️ What a Professional Tiler Brings
Speed & efficiency – they’ll finish in a fraction of the time.
Clean finish – neat edges, perfect grout lines, and no mess.
Peace of mind – especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or rented properties.
🧱 Final Thoughts
DIY tiling can be a satisfying project — but when in doubt, especially with bathrooms or floors, a professional tiler is worth every penny. If you’re unsure, visit our showroom for advice, product support, and local trade recommendations you can trust.