How to Order Tiles Online Without Getting It Wrong: A Stress-Free Guide
Ordering tiles online can feel a little daunting — especially when you're committing to a bathroom renovation or a new kitchen splashback. What if the colour looks different in person? What if you don't order enough? What if tiles from two separate orders don't match?
The good news: with a bit of preparation, ordering tiles online is not only straightforward — it can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying through a showroom. Here's everything you need to know to get it right the first time.
Is It Safe to Order Tiles Online?
It's a fair question. Tiles aren't an impulse buy — depending on the size of your project, you could be spending several hundred to several thousand dollars. Naturally, you want to know your money is in safe hands.
Tiles4Less has been selling tiles online for 12 years, and in that time we've built a reputation based on trust, transparency, and secure transactions. Our payment system is fully encrypted and meets the highest standards for online payment security — your card details are never stored, and every transaction is processed through a secure, verified payment gateway.
Beyond the technology, there's a family behind this business. Chris and Sara Birch founded Tiles4Less and have been in the tile industry for over 30 years across the UK and Australia. When you order from us, you're not dealing with a faceless warehouse — you're dealing with people who genuinely care about getting your order right. Our customer reviews reflect that, and we're proud of the reputation we've earned one order at a time.
So if you've been hesitating to take the plunge and order online, you can do so with complete confidence.
Step 1: Order Your Samples First
Before you commit to a full order, always request samples. This is the single most important step in the online tile buying process, and any reputable online tile store will offer them.
Why? Because screens lie. A tile that looks warm cream on your monitor might be cooler or more yellow in natural light. Tiles have texture, weight and reflectivity that a product photo simply can't convey. Hold the sample up against your cabinetry, your grout colour, and your tapware — under the actual lighting conditions of the room — before placing your full order.
At Tiles4Less, you can order up to 5 samples for $15 postage, which is fully refundable on orders over $200. It's a small investment that can save you from a very expensive mistake.
Step 2: Calculate Your Quantities Correctly
Running short of tiles mid-project is one of the most frustrating (and costly) things that can happen on a renovation. Here's how to calculate confidently:
First and foremost get your tiler to do the measurements and let them tell you how much you need, this is what you are paying them for! Also the amount you allow for wasteage can vary depending on the tile layout, the size of tile. When it comes to larger tiles ie 600x600mm and upwards the tile layout is paramount, it is really important to discuss the layout especially if you want certain things to line up. I would never just leave it to the tiler, what you don't want to happen is that you come back from your holiday and things are not as you would like!
When doing renovations we never go away as there are just too many decisions you need to be involved in.
For standard rectangular tiles:
- Measure the area in metres squared (length × width)
- Add a wastage factor on top — typically 10% for straightforward layouts, and 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, which require more cuts
- Always round up to the nearest full box
Don't forget to account for:
- Doors, windows, and alcoves (deduct these, but not too aggressively — cuts create waste)
- Feature walls or borders, which may use a different tile and need their own calculation
- Skirting or bullnose edge tiles if you need a finished edge
A simple rule: it's far better to have two boxes left over than to run short. Leftover tiles are useful for future repairs, and many can be returned.
If in doubt please let your tiler take responsibilty for the quantities.
Step 3: Understand Tile Grades
Not all tiles are equal, and it's worth knowing what you're buying — especially when shopping online where price differences can be significant.
Tiles are graded during manufacturing based on tolerances for size, colour consistency, and surface finish. First quality (Grade 1) tiles meet the full standard — consistent dimensions, no surface defects, and reliable colour from tile to tile. Lower grades carry minor visual or dimensional imperfections and are sold at a discount.
At Tiles4Less, we only ever sell first quality tiles. Full stop. We price competitively because we import directly — not because we cut corners on the product. Just because a tile is affordable doesn't mean it should be inferior, and we've built 30 years of customer trust on exactly that principle.
Step 4: Always Check the Batch Number
This one catches a lot of people out. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are produced in batches, and slight colour and size variations can occur between production runs. Two boxes of the "same" tile from different batches can look noticeably different once installed side by side.
At Tiles4Less, we've been doing this for 30 years, and batch consistency is something we're absolutely meticulous about. Every order we fulfil is checked to ensure all tiles come from the same production batch — it's one of those details that separates a professional operation from a cut-price one. That said, it's still worth keeping the following in mind:
- Buy all the tiles you need for a project in a single order where possible
- If you think you may need more tiles later — for a future repair or because you're unsure of your measurements — order slightly extra now. Matching a batch months later is often impossible, even for us
- If you're ever unsure, call us — we can check and hold stock from the same batch for you
One more thing — check your order on delivery
As careful as we are, damage can occasionally occur in transit. It's important to check your tiles as soon as they arrive and report any breakages straight away. If you wait days or weeks before letting us know, there's a real chance we may no longer have stock from the same batch available to replace them — meaning you could end up with tiles that don't quite match the rest of your order. A quick check on delivery takes five minutes and protects the whole job.
We have heard of people going away on holiday and have not checked their tiles and in one case the factory had mislabelled the box and they came back to a bathroom completely the wrong colour, wasn't the tilers fault as he was given the boxes. An expensive few days away I think!
Step 5: Think About Finish and Application
The look you want and the location you're tiling should both influence your finish choice:
- Polished / gloss: Beautiful in bathrooms and feature walls, but shows fingerprints and water marks more readily, and can be slippery when wet. Avoid on floors unless in dry areas.
- Matt / honed: More forgiving on floors, hides dirt better, and gives a softer, more natural feel — ideal for earthy, stone-look tiles.
- Textured / grip finish: Essential for outdoor areas, pool surrounds, and wet room floors. Look for a slip resistance rating of R10 or higher for most residential outdoor use.
- Tumbled / aged: Particularly common in natural stone and terracotta, this finish gives a handcrafted, rustic feel — perfect for Mediterranean or heritage-style interiors.
What Happens If My Tiles Arrive Damaged?
Despite careful packing, occasionally tiles can get damaged in transit — it's one of the realities of shipping a heavy, fragile product. The most important thing is to check your order on delivery and contact us immediately if you find any breakages. We will always do our best to resolve the situation quickly and fairly — whether that's replacing damaged tiles or arranging a suitable solution. This is why checking on delivery is so important; the sooner you let us know, the more options we have available to make it right. Rest assured, in our 12 years of selling online and 30 years in the tile industry, looking after our customers has always been our number one priority — and that doesn't change the moment your order leaves our warehouse.
What to Expect on Delivery
It's worth understanding how tile deliveries work before you order, so there are no surprises on the day.
Tiles are heavy. A full pallet can weigh several hundred kilograms, and deliveries are made by large freight vehicles equipped with a tail lift. The driver will lower your order to ground level and deliver it to the nearest accessible hardstanding — a driveway, footpath, or garage entrance. Freight companies are not able to carry tiles up stairs, through a property, or to any location above ground level. If you're ordering just one or two cartons the process is much more straightforward, but for larger orders, please plan ahead for where the pallet will be dropped.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Access matters — make sure there is clear, level access for a large vehicle on your delivery day
- Steep driveways are a problem — a heavy pallet on a steep incline is a safety risk and drivers will not attempt it. If your property has a challenging driveway, let us know in advance so we can discuss the best option
- Be home for delivery — pallets can't simply be left unattended in all situations, and you'll want to be there to check the order on arrival
- Have help ready — once the pallet is delivered, you'll need to move the tiles yourself, so arrange help or equipment accordingly
Being prepared for delivery means your tiles arrive safely, your project stays on schedule, and there's no stress on the day.
One Final Tip: Don't Be Afraid to Ask
A good online tile store isn't just a warehouse — it's a source of expertise. If you're unsure about anything — quantities, finishes, whether a tile is suitable for outdoor use, or how a product photographs versus how it looks in person — reach out and ask. At Tiles4Less, the team has over 25 years of industry experience across the UK and Australia. Use that knowledge.
Getting your tile order right the first time means less stress, less waste, and a result you'll love for years. Take the time to sample, calculate carefully, and make sure you order in time! — then enjoy the transformation.
Browse our full range of wall tiles, floor tiles, mosaics, natural stone and terracotta at tiles4less.com.au