Tile Types and Design Considerations
Master the basics of tiles, the most common architectural finishes in any building project
Tiles are one of the most commonly used architectural finishes, known for their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal.
Whether used for floors, walls, bathrooms, or thresholds, proper selection and detailing are critical to ensuring long-term performance and visual consistency.
This article outlines the different types of tiles, materials, key design considerations, and common on-site mistakes to avoid.
Classification of Tiles by Use
Application Area
Typical Tile Type
Internal Floors
Homogeneous, ceramic, porcelain, timber-look tiles
External Floors
Porcelain (R11+), granite, anti-slip textured tiles
Bathroom Floors
Slip-resistant ceramic or porcelain (R10–R11)
Wall Tiles (Accent Tiles)
Glazed ceramic, porcelain, decorative tiles
Threshold Tiles
Wide transition tiles at door/entrances
Nosing Tiles
Nosing tiles with anti-slip finish (50mm - 75mm)
Tile Materials
Porcelain Tiles: Dense, low water absorption, ideal for high-traffic areas.
Ceramic Tiles: More porous than porcelain, suitable for light-use areas.
Homogeneous Tiles: Uniform colour throughout; scratch and wear-resistant.
Timber-look Tiles: Porcelain or ceramic with woodgrain design.
Stone-look Tiles: Mimic granite or marble with textured finishes.
Granite Tiles: Natural stone, highly durable but more expensive.
Slip Resistance Ratings (Singapore Standards)
Slip resistance is critical, especially in wet or outdoor areas. In Singapore, slip resistance is generally specified using DIN 51130 ramp test ratings:
Rating
Application
R9
Dry indoor areas only
R10
Bathrooms, kitchens, semi-wet zones
R11
Outdoor areas, wet rooms, commercial kitchens
Refer to BCA's "Good Industry Practices – Flooring" and SS 485:2011 (Singapore Standard for Slip Resistance Classification).
Typical Tile Sizes
Size (mm)
Common Usage
300 x 300
Bathrooms, feature walls
300 x 600
Residential floors and walls
600 x 600
Living and dining floors
900 x 150
Timber-look tile planks
Large Format (1200 x 600 or larger)
Commercial or high-end residential floors/walls
Types of Tile Patterns
Stacked/Aligned: Aligned grout lines, clean and modern look
Offset: Staggered tile patterns for a more dyanmic look
Herringbone: Staggered in 2 directions.
Best Practices in Tile Installation
Avoid small cut tiles (<50mm) at edges and thresholds
Minimise lippage (height difference between adjacent tiles)
Align floor and wall tiles, especially in bathrooms
Choose tile size that fits the room with minimal cutting
Size rooms in increments of 50mm for easier tile setting out
Used mitre joints at corners to eliminate visible edge trims
Tips for Tile Setting Out
Start tile layout from the entrance and work inwards
Align tiles with major features: windows, doors, cabinetry
Avoid narrow tile strips at room entrances
Maintain alignment across rooms and wall junctions
Dry lay tiles to check pattern and symmetry before installation
Communicating Tiled Finishes to Contractors
Architects typically communicate tile finishes through the following documents:
Architectural Specifications: Describe tile material, size, slip resistance rating, joint types, adhesives, and grout colour.
Finishes Schedule / Finishes Plan: Annotated floor plans showing location, type, and code of finishes in each space (e.g. 600x600 homogeneous tile, R10).
Tile Setting Out Plans & Elevations: Detailed drawings indicating setting out point, layout grids, alignment and joint lines in relation to fixtures and openings. These help avoid cut tiles at doors and ensure continuity across rooms as well as alignment of tile lines from floor to wall.
Section Details: Include thresholds, skirting junctions, transitions to other finishes (e.g. carpet or vinyl), and waterproofing build-up in wet areas.
Tip: Always coordinate tile setting out with floor traps, doorways, and window frames early in the design stage to reduce site improvisation and rework.
9. Common Errors to Avoid
Mistake
Result
Using wrong slip-resistance tile
Safety hazards in wet areas
Misaligned tiles
Poor visual outcome, rework needed
Small cut tiles at entrances
Unprofessional finish
Poor setting out
Visible tiling errors, poor symmetry
Grout colour mismatch
Distracts from tile pattern
Conclusion
Tiles, while common, require thoughtful design and precise execution. Choosing the right material, slip rating, size, and layout approach will go a long way in delivering a high-quality finish that is both functional and visually consistent. Proper setting out, coordination with architectural elements, and knowledge of best practices will significantly improve workmanship and performance.
References:
BCA Good Industry Practices: Flooring (2021)
SS 485:2011 – Slip Resistance Classification (Singapore)
Architecture SG Journal, Issue on Wet Area Detailing
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