What should I look for when buying a tile?

Sinotile is here to inform you on "What should i look for when buying a tile". We make our customers decision making smarter and easier. Pay attention to our range of FAQ for tiles for your home and all type of tiles we supply to wholesalers.

  • 1. What should I look for when buying a tile?

    1. The tile body must be strong: strong body tiles can last much longer then the weak tiles. The weak tiles break easily and need redo again, will cost more including the labour, adhesive, tiles and your time. Normally, the thicker and heavier tile body is stronger. 
    2. The tile surface must be hard: soft surface will be scratched easily and the pattern on tile will fade easily. We can test this with a metal piece or car key scratch on the surface of a tile to check how easily the tile scratched, the matt glazed tile surface will be harder.
    3. The tile size must be the same: we can use a measuring tape to check the two diagonal sides to see if its the same. Same size tiles install easily and have a better finished look.
    4. Maintenance of the tile need be less: No maintenance of our matt tiles is needed however, some shiny tiles such as polished porcelain need be maintained with sealer as its easier to stain, matt glazed tiles do not need any maintenance because its a sealed product.
    5. Safety concerns: Ensure to check the rouhness of the tiles, to see if its suitable and have enough roughness on the tile especially for outside and wet areas. The excercise can be done by using your hand and foot to feel if its non slip enough . Shiney tiles are always more slippery than matt tiles.

  • 2. Should you buy imported or local tiles?

    1. Support local factories 
    2. Aftercare service support from local factories
    3. Always available - produced local
    4. Local prices more stable
    5. Imported tile prices will fluctuate due to the dollar rate exchange 
    6. Imported tiles discontinued frequently

  • 3. How do you maintain tiles?

    Use a product from Tile and Floor Care, easy clean and water to clean. All glazed tiles matt or rough is a sealed product.

  • 4. Tile installation suitable for wall or floor application?

    This will shock you. All tiles will be suitable for wall application, but not all tile are suitable for floor use. Consider strenght of tile when purchasing.

  • 5. What is the Safety on your tiles, for indoor and outdoor use?

    We advise that you use slip resistant or rough tiles for outdoor use and also wet areas such as shower and bathroom floors. Glossy tiles are super slippery when wet and matt tiles less slippery. Remember to consider this before tile installation.


  • 6. Where can I purchase your tiles?

    National retailers such as : 

    • Tile Africa 
    • Union Tiles 
    • Tiletoria
    • Bathroom Bizaar
    • All independent tile stores country wide.

  • 7. How do I install a tile?

    All national retailers will advise on correct products to use for tile installation, also see instructions on Rayal boxes.

  • 8. Are you available on other social media platforms?

    Yes we are on:

    • Facebook 
    • Instagram 
    • Pinterest 
    • Google my Business

  • 9. What to remember if I run out of tiles?

    Keep empty box for reference of batch shade number and the code of the tile.


    This is your, "What should I look for when buying a tile?"

If this doesn't answer your question "what should i look for when buying a tile?"

Please feel free to contact us.

We supply a wide range of porcelain tiles for your home, from wall tiles to bathroom tiles, unglazed tiles to glazed tiles. Choosing tiles with Sinotile from flooring options, large tiles or natural stone floor tiles it all up to you.

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