Shopping for tiles has never been easier. With countless options available on the internet, homeowners can now explore designs, compare prices, and order their dream flooring without stepping outside. But while this convenience is unmatched, it’s easy to make errors when buying floor tiles online. The wrong choice can lead to mismatched interiors, wasted money, or flooring that doesn’t last. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve put together a guide to the most common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

If you’re planning to Buy Floor Tiles Online in London, here’s everything you should know before clicking “add to cart.”

Mistake 1: Ignoring Tile Material

Not all tiles are created equal. Different materials serve different purposes. One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is choosing tiles based only on looks.

• Porcelain Floor Tiles are known for strength, durability, and water resistance—ideal for heavy-traffic areas and bathrooms.
• Ceramic Floor Tiles are versatile, affordable, and perfect for kitchens or bedrooms where style and functionality both matter.
• Natural stone or marble tiles bring luxury but need regular maintenance.

Understanding the pros and cons of each material ensures you invest in flooring that matches your lifestyle. A family home with kids and pets, for example, will benefit more from durable porcelain than delicate marble.

Mistake 2: Forgetting Room-Specific Needs

Every room has unique requirements. Yet, many homeowners buy tiles online without factoring in room usage.

• Bathroom Floor Tiles should be slip-resistant and moisture-proof. Large bathroom tiles, especially porcelain, reduce grout lines and create a sleek, easy-to-clean look.
• Kitchen Floor Tiles must handle stains, spills, and heavy foot traffic. Glossy ceramic tiles may look great but aren’t as practical as matte finishes for this space.
• Bedroom Floor Tiles should offer comfort and warmth. Wood-effect porcelain tiles are becoming popular for bedrooms because they combine style with resilience.

Matching tiles to the function of the room saves money and ensures your investment lasts.

Mistake 3: Overlooking Tile Size and Layout

Tile size impacts how a room looks and feels. A common mistake when buying floor tiles online is ignoring dimensions and layout.

• Large-format tiles make small bathrooms look bigger by reducing grout lines.
• Smaller tiles or patterned options add personality but can make a space busier.
• Rectangular tiles can elongate a room when laid in a staggered or herringbone pattern.

Suppliers like Axar Tiles often offer design previews to help visualize how different tile sizes will appear in your space.

Mistake 4: Not Ordering Samples

Online shopping has one limitation: screens don’t always represent reality. Tiles may appear lighter, darker, or smoother than expected. Skipping samples is a mistake many buyers regret.

Ordering samples allows you to check:

• Color under natural and artificial light.
• Surface texture for safety and comfort.
• Compatibility with existing paint, décor, or furniture.

This small step ensures you make an informed decision.

Mistake 5: Focusing Only on Price

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest option online, but this often leads to poor quality. Tiles with low density may crack easily or fade over time.

Instead of chasing the lowest price, look for value:

• Longevity – Will the tile last for years?
• Quality assurance – Does the brand have a good reputation?
• Support – Does the supplier guide you with installation and care?

Trusted suppliers like Axar Tiles combine affordability with high-quality porcelain and ceramic floor tiles in the UK, making them a reliable choice.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Slip Resistance

Many people shop for tiles based only on style. But ignoring slip resistance is a safety hazard, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

• Matte porcelain floor tiles are great for bathrooms.
• Textured ceramic tiles reduce slips in kitchens.
• Outdoor tiles should always have anti-slip ratings.

This one factor can prevent accidents and make your home safer.

Mistake 7: Buying Without Checking Maintenance Needs

Some tiles are low-maintenance, while others require regular care. Buying without considering this leads to frustration later.

• Porcelain tiles are stain-resistant and easy to clean.
• Ceramic tiles are durable but may need sealing in some cases.
• Marble tiles require ongoing polishing.

If low upkeep is important, porcelain is usually the safest bet.

Mistake 8: Not Considering Tile Color and Room Ambience

Color plays a massive role in how a room feels. Buyers often select tiles online without considering lighting and ambience.

• Light-colored tiles make spaces feel larger and more open.
• Dark tiles can create a cozy atmosphere but may shrink a room visually.
• Patterned tiles work well as accents but should be balanced with neutral tones.

For example, pairing white floor tiles with colorful wall tiles creates a fresh, modern look in bathrooms.

Mistake 9: Forgetting Grout and Adhesive Costs

Tiles aren’t the only expense. Many homeowners forget that grout and adhesives are essential. Choosing the wrong grout can affect durability and even spoil the look.

• Epoxy grout lasts longer and resists stains.
• Cement grout is cheaper but may require sealing.
• Adhesives must match tile type—porcelain requires stronger bonding than ceramic.

Adding these to your budget prevents last-minute surprises.

Mistake 10: Choosing the Wrong Supplier

Perhaps the biggest mistake when buying floor tiles online is not researching the supplier. Low-quality sellers may provide inferior products, delayed deliveries, or poor aftercare.

When choosing a supplier, look for:

• Wide product range (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and outdoor tiles).
• Transparent pricing and policies.
• Genuine reviews and customer testimonials.
• Expert advice and after-sales service.

Trusted names like Axar Tiles not only offer quality but also support homeowners with expert recommendations. That’s why they’re often considered one of the Best Floor Tile Stores in London.

Final Thoughts

Buying tiles online offers convenience, variety, and competitive prices. But without proper planning, it’s easy to make costly mistakes like ignoring material, skipping samples, or choosing the cheapest option. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll enjoy flooring that looks stunning and lasts for years.

Whether you’re shopping for bathroom floor tiles, kitchen floor tiles, or stylish bedroom floor tiles, always choose reliable suppliers. With brands like Axar Tiles, you gain access to expert guidance, quality products, and seamless delivery.

The next time you plan to buy floor tiles online, remember these tips. Invest wisely, shop smart, and let your floors set the foundation for a home you’ll love for decades.