Any tile gurus out there?

[whataboutbob]

I have a kitchen and a bathroom that need re tilling. It is for a rental property, but I want things to be durable so am not necessarily going for cheapest. I have a couple of questions- is Topps tiles good, or over priced?
I am looking for square 15*15cm tiles. Some are a lot thicker than others. The Wickes basic one is quite thin, the Topps tiles more attractive one is nearly double the thickeners, I’d say 6 cm vs 3. 5. Does this make a difference or quality and durability?
Finally, any tile outlets online or shop based, you can recommend? I am in south London. Thanks

Topps tend not to be all that cheap. Wickes tiles are mainly at the cheaper end. Go into store and see what you think re quality. There are lots of online shops selling reasonable quality tiles at decent prices. Tile Mountain, walls and floors etc. There are lots of bargains on eBay if you look. No need to spend too much for a rental unless high end. There is a massive mark up on tiles. If you find a friendly tiler they may pass on their trade discount.

Thickness isn't always an indicator of quality or indeed strength. There is some very thin, relatively strong, very expensive Italian porcelain tiles out there.

But generally thin ceramic tiling is for walls. You need something in the region of 10mm usually for floors because it needs to be able to take greater loads.

We've used online companies (and an outlet but in Stoke so miles from you) and quality is much better than the likes of Wickes and Topps Tiles.

Always found Tile Mountain great value.

I used Tons of Tiles (after a recommendation on MN) last time and was really impressed with them. They'll send you as many samples as you need and are reasonably priced.

Porcelain superstore, tile mountain Ive used and been impressed with so I assume the other online retailers are similar but watch out on delivery costs.
For small areas I found Wickes to be simplest or a CDT if you have one near you

We have just tiled a 1m wide shower enclosure. Having had many, many samples sent to me, I ended up using Topps tiles. It cost only £250 and the tiles are good quality and none of them broke when we cut them.

The staff were really helpful too.

Thanks for this spread of responses. I do feel Topps are a little pricey, problem is I have found some very nice tiles there
www.toppstiles.co.uk/burbank/burbank-peppermint-geometric-tile
These would look good in my 1960s house.
Previously I used Tons of Tiles and was impressed too. Had a look in a CDT a couple of days ago and wasn’t that impressed , thought it was a bit overpriced for what it was. It seems a lot easier to find metro tiles these days than 15cm2 square ones.

Try Johnson tiles look online for website and local distributor

I used Topps for a few places before Christmas (feature wall in bathroom, splashback in downstairs WC etc) and I was impressed with all the tiles I received. I was also super impressed with the knowledge and customer service of the staff who advised us on grouts, adhesives etc and even recommended local tilers when ours disappeared on the job.

Topps tiles are very expensive for not better quality than Homebase or wickes.

Choose a porcelain tile that you like at the the best price you can find. Tile mountain, tons of tiles walls and floors plus even b and q, Homebase, wickes all have options.

People get snobby about tiles for no reason.

Just coming back to say the tiles I fell in love with at Topps were £1270 for the amount I need (20m2). That’s just too much. So I looked at Johnson’s which I have read provide some of Topps’ ranges. Same colour but without the pattern ( can’t have everything!). Price = £380 all in. Not seen them yet but very pleased so far. Also great service from Johnson’s on the phone.

I thought these were good.

www.johnson-tiles.com/catalog/range/one/

They look cool @sbplanet. Johnson’s send out samples.

Yeah, some interesting textures, I've been thinking about these wave and plain @whataboutbob

www.johnson-tiles.com/catalog/range/tones/

I’m not as adventurous as that! Just gone for plain old square tiles! Maybe order samples before committing?

Yeah, got to see then in 'real life' first! :)