Your choice of tiles sets the foundation for your home’s entire aesthetic
It’s the backdrop to your life, from quiet morning coffee sessions to lively family gatherings. But walking into a tile showroom in Singapore can be overwhelming—with endless options, technical jargon, and varying price points.
Fear not! We can help you navigate the world of tiles, balancing beauty, budget, and practicality for the Singapore context, and point you to the best shops to find your perfect match.
Step 1: Understand the Key Tile Types
First, let’s break down the most common types of tiles you’ll encounter:
- Ceramic Tiles:
- What they are: Made from clay and fired at a lower temperature. Often have a glazed, decorative surface.
- Best for: Low to moderate traffic indoor areas like bedroom walls and living rooms. They are less suitable for wet areas as they can be more porous and slippery.
- Pros: Affordable, vast range of designs.
- Cons: Less durable and harder than porcelain.
- Porcelain Tiles:
- What they are: Made from finer, denser clay and fired at high temperatures. They can be through-body (colour runs throughout) or glazed.
- Best for: Almost anywhere! Floors, walls, kitchens, and bathrooms. Highly recommended for Singaporean homes due to their durability and low water absorption.
- Pros: Extremely durable, scratch-resistant, low porosity (great for wet areas), and low maintenance.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than ceramic and can be harder to cut during installation.
- Natural Stone Tiles (e.g., Marble, Granite, Travertine):
- What they are: Quarried directly from the earth, each piece is unique.
- Best for: Creating a luxurious, high-end look in living areas, feature walls, or master bathrooms.
- Pros: Unmatched natural beauty and elegance, cool underfoot.
- Cons: Expensive, porous (requires regular sealing), and can be susceptible to staining and etching (especially marble).
- Terrazzo Tiles:
- What they are: A composite material, either cement-based or epoxy-based, with chips of marble, quartz, or glass.
- Best for: Adding a retro, chic vibe to floors, walls, and even countertops.
- Pros: Durable, seamless look, and very stylish.
- Cons: Can be on the pricier side.
- Vinyl Tiles (LVT – Luxury Vinyl Tiles):
- What they are: A resilient flooring option that can realistically mimic wood, stone, or concrete.
- Best for: Areas where comfort underfoot is key, like bedrooms and living rooms. Also great for overlaying on existing floors.
- Pros: Comfortable, warm, and soft underfoot, water-resistant, easy to install.
- Cons: Can be susceptible to scratches and dents from heavy furniture.
Step 2: Key Considerations for the Singapore Home
- Slip Resistance (Anti-Slip): This is non-negotiable, especially for bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies. Look for tiles with a high Coefficient of Friction (COF rating R10-R11 for wet areas). Textured or matte finishes are generally safer than high-gloss.
- Heat & Humidity: Porcelain tiles are champions here. Their low porosity makes them resistant to moisture and mould, crucial for our humid climate. They also stay cool, which is a welcome feature.
- Durability & PEI Rating: Check the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating, which measures a tile’s resistance to wear.
- PEI I & II: Walls only.
- PEI III: All residential walls and most residential floors (bedrooms, living rooms).
- PEI IV & V: Suitable for high-traffic areas like entrances and commercial spaces.
- Size & Layout: Large-format tiles (e.g., 600x1200mm, 800x800mm) are trendy as they create a seamless look with fewer grout lines, making spaces feel larger. However, they can be more challenging and costly to install.
- Lighting: Remember that glossy tiles reflect light and can make a space feel brighter and larger, while matte tiles absorb light for a more subdued, modern feel.
Step 3: Where to Shop for Tiles in Singapore
From huge warehouses to specialised boutiques, here are some go-to places:
- Hafary: A household name in Singapore. Their massive showroom in Kaki Bukit is a destination in itself. They carry an enormous range of porcelain, ceramic, mosaic, and natural stone tiles from around the world. Good for all budgets.
See more: https://www.hafary.com.sg/collections/Tiles - Soon Bee Huat: Another giant in the industry with a vast warehouse. They are known for competitive pricing and a wide selection, making them a popular choice for homeowners and contractors alike.
See more: https://services.sbh.com.sg/ - Hup Kiong: A long-standing company known for quality tiles and reliable service. They offer a good mix of classic and contemporary designs.
See more: https://www.hupkiong.com/ - Lian Hin: Offers a comprehensive range of tiles, including many large-format and wood-look porcelain options, which are very popular for modern homes.
See more: https://www.lianhin.com
Pro-Tip: When you visit these shops, take photos of the tiles you like along with their product codes. Ask for physical samples to bring home! Seeing how the tile looks in your own space’s lighting is crucial.
Final Words of Advice
- Budget for More: Always buy 10-15% more tiles than you’ve measured for to account for cuts, breakages, and future repairs. It can be hard to find the exact same batch later.
- Don’t Forget the Grout: The colour of your grout can make or break the look. A contrasting grout can highlight a pattern, while a matching colour creates a seamless, expansive appearance. Epoxy grout is more stain-resistant and better for wet areas.
- Professional Installation is Key: The best tiles can be ruined by poor workmanship. Ensure your installer is experienced, especially with large-format or natural stone tiles.
Choosing your tiles is a big decision, but it’s also an exciting one. By understanding your options and knowing where to look, you can confidently select tiles that will make your dream home beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours for years to come.
Dreaming of a flawless renovation? At Dreamakers Interior, we guide you through every detail, from tile selection to flawless installation. Our trusted network of suppliers and skilled workmanship ensure your vision comes to life, beautifully and efficiently. Contact us for a consultation today!
