Which Tile Goes Where? A Room-by-Room Tile Buying Guide

Not all tiles are created equal—and if you've ever stood in front of a display wall full of ceramic, porcelain, stone, and textured tiles wondering “Which one should I pick?”, you’re not alone.

Choosing the right tile for your space isn’t just about color or style—it’s about function, durability, and matching the needs of each room in your home. At The Tile House, we help homeowners and contractors every day find tiles that not only look beautiful, but also work beautifully.

Here’s a room-by-room breakdown to guide you through your next tile project with confidence.

🛁 Bathroom: Slip-Resistant & Water-Resistant

Bathrooms see a lot of moisture, so you’ll need a tile that can stand up to it—and keep you safe while you shower or bathe.

Best options:

• Porcelain: Durable, waterproof, and great for floors or walls

• Mosaic tiles: Smaller tiles = more grout lines = better grip underfoot

• Textured or matte finishes: Reduce the risk of slips

Pro tip: Choose a slightly rougher texture for shower floors and a smoother finish for walls to make cleaning easier.

🍳 Kitchen: Durable & Stylish

Kitchens are high-traffic zones and prone to splashes—whether it's from food prep or dishwashing.

Best options for floors:

• Porcelain or ceramic tiles that are easy to clean and tough enough to handle dropped pots or heavy foot trafficBest options for backsplashes:

• Glass, ceramic, or marble-look tiles to add personality and protect your walls from cooking messes

Pro tip: Choose a neutral tone for floors and have fun with color or pattern on your backsplash for balance.

🚪 Entryway or Mudroom: Tough & Easy to Clean

These spaces are where dirt, snow, salt, and mud tend to pile up—especially during Canadian winters.

Best options:

• Porcelain tile: Incredibly strong and resistant to moisture

• Stone-look tiles: Offer a natural look with serious durability

Pro tip: Opt for darker tones or speckled patterns to help disguise dirt between cleans.

🛋️ Living Room or Basement: Warm Yet Resilient

For areas where you want tile but still crave a cozy vibe, today’s technology offers plenty of beautiful options.

Best options:

• Wood-look porcelain tiles: Get the warmth of wood with the durability of tile

• Large-format tiles: Great for open-concept living spaces and give a seamless look

• Water-resistant tiles for basements: Keep mold and dampness away

Pro tip: Use radiant heating under tile in basements or family rooms for year-round comfort.

🌿 Outdoor Spaces: Weather-Proof & Textured

Planning a patio, porch, or walkway? Outdoor tiles need to be tough enough for freezing temps and textured enough to stay safe in the rain.

Best options:

• Frost-resistant porcelain tiles

• Natural stone with grip

• Outdoor-rated ceramic tiles

Pro tip: Check for a slip-resistance rating when choosing outdoor tiles. Safety always comes first.

🧰 Need Help Choosing the Right Tile? Visit Us In-Store!

Our expert team at The Tile House is here to help you find the perfect tile for every corner of your home. We’ll walk you through textures, finishes, sizes, and even help you choose grout and trim that complement your space.

Come visit us at one of our two convenient locations:

WHITBY STORE📍 1400 Victoria Street East, Unit 3Whitby, ON, L1N 0M2

PICKERING STORE📍 1095 Kingston Rd, Unit 3Pickering, ON, L1V 1B5

📞 905.668.2434📧 sales@thetilehouse.ca🌐 www.thetilehouse.ca

Whether you’re renovating a single room or reimagining your entire home, we’ve got the tiles—and the advice—to help you do it right the first time.