Buying tiles used to mean driving from store to store, picking up heavy samples, and hoping you’d eventually find something that worked. Today, more people than ever are turning to online tile shops because they offer more choice, better prices, and much less hassle. Whether it’s updating a bathroom, redoing a kitchen, or simply changing the floor in one room, buying tiles online saves time and makes the whole process less stressful.
You can now see complete collections online, instantly compare prices, and even order small samples to your door. Most online tile shops have guides and advice built in too, which helps if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Because there’s less overhead than in a bricks-and-mortar shop, prices are often lower than you’d find on the high street.
More designs and styles in one place
One of the biggest advantages of buying tiles online is the range. High street tile shops can only carry so much stock, while online stores show hundreds of options in every size, shape, colour, and finish. Whether you’re after classic white subway tiles, patterned Victorian styles, wood-effect porcelain, or modern large-format tiles, you’ll probably find it online.
You can also filter by room, use, material, or size, saving hours compared to walking around a shop. If you’re not sure what style would suit your space, most websites have design tips, room photos, and inspiration sections. These can help you get a clearer idea of how certain tiles will look once fitted.
Order samples before you commit
It’s also important to remember that tiles can look different on screen than in real life, so ordering samples is always a good idea. Luckily, most tile websites will send samples for a small fee, or even free in some cases. This gives you the chance to see the tile in your own home, under your own lighting, and next to your furniture or paint colours.
Feeling the surface texture and checking the colour in person will help you avoid making expensive mistakes. And when you are satisfied with the sample, it takes only a few clicks to place your full order. With home delivery, everything shows up at your door without you having to borrow a van or haul heavy boxes around.
Price, stock and delivery information are clear
Online tile shops often show clear prices, stock levels, and delivery times. You can instantly see how much a box costs, how many square metres it covers, and how many boxes you’ll need based on your room size. Some sites include calculators that work it out for you, which is handy if you’re not confident with measurements.
Many shops can offer next-day or named-day delivery, allowing you to book your fitter in with the assurance that the tiles will arrive on time. For those customers buying tiles for a whole house or large project, some shops may offer trade discounts or deals on bulk orders. This can often make quite a difference to your total spend.
What to check before buying online
Before placing any order, check the returns policy in case you change your mind or if the tiles arrive damaged. Also, make sure you’re buying from a trustworthy site that has good reviews, has clear contact details, and has secure ways of paying for your goods. If you’re working with a tiler, it’s worth checking with them before ordering, just to confirm you’re choosing the right type of tile for the job. Buy tiles online isn’t just about convenience; it can also give you more control over your project, more choice, and better value for money. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring someone to help, the process is now simple enough that you don’t have to be an expert to get it right.
