Split the bathroom into surfaces
List the shower floor, other floor areas, walls and niches separately. They need not use the same tile or finish. Start by asking which products are suitable for each surface, then compare appearance.
Treat water management as part of the plan
Your installer should agree waterproofing, falls and drain details before tiling. Tile size affects how a layout can follow falls around a drain. Discuss this with the installer rather than choosing the largest format first and trying to resolve the geometry later.
Check the tile, not just the photograph
Ask for intended-use guidance and slip information for the exact tile and finish. A matt appearance alone does not prove a tile is suitable for a shower floor. Compare samples wet and dry for appearance while relying on the product information and installer’s assessment for suitability.
Lay out the walls before fixing
- Mark tapware, sockets, mirrors, niches and shower fittings.
- Decide where cuts will sit at corners and ceiling edges.
- Choose grout and joint widths with the product instructions in mind.
- Check that enough matching batch material is ordered before work starts.
Prepare your bathroom enquiry
Send a room sketch, the surfaces you need covered and a reference image. Read porcelain versus ceramic and matt versus glossy for the next decisions. Ask for tile options.