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.

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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)

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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.

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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).

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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References:

• BCA Good Industry Practices: Flooring (2021)

• SS 485:2011 – Slip Resistance Classification (Singapore)

• Architecture SG Journal, Issue on Wet Area Detailing