Renovating your home in Malaysia? Choosing the best tiles for your home can make all the difference in durability, aesthetics, and safety—especially in our humid climate. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or bathroom floors, walls, or outdoor spaces like your porch, selecting the right tile type is key to ensuring long-lasting quality. However, many homeowners struggle to find the perfect balance between style, functionality, and budget.

When it comes to choosing tiles, the options can feel overwhelming. From sleek ceramics to rustic terracotta, large tiles to small ones, each type comes with its own pros and cons—the list goes on.

Picking the right tiles for your home renovation can be tricky, but I've made a cool discovery that not many people talk about! One particular feature was non-negotiable for my bathrooms—I wanted to reduce the risk of falling, which meant I needed tiles that weren't slippery. 

You've probably heard of big tile brands like Feruni, MML, White Horse, Guocera, and Niro Granite (known for their famous Slip-Stop tiles). While searching for non-slip tiles, I found that most people—including salespeople—automatically assume rougher textures equal better grip. "Go for rough, textured tiles for better slip resistance," they say. 

My best discovery: Guocera's tiles with microstep technology

I came across these tiles purely by coincidence. During my tile-shopping journey, I visited several dealers to scout for the perfect tiles. I must have made at least a dozen visits to places like Super Ceramic Tiles, Itoli Ceramic, Ga Hing, and Sing Mee Co, traveling across Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya (PJ), and Cheras—it was quite an adventure.

At one of these dealers, I decided to go with a Guocera tile for my bathroom walls—partly because it fit my budget and partly because I liked the design. What I didn't realise at the time was that the tile I had chosen featured Guocera’s microstep technology—its specialised anti-slip innovation.

The salesperson at the dealer didn’t mention this (she admitted later she didn't know this herself), and I didn't think to ask. It was only later, when I faced an issue with tiles for the bathroom floor (more on that later in this post), that I decided to visit Guocera's flagship headquarters in Petaling Jaya (PJ) to explore my options.

That's when I made an exciting discovery: the tile I had already chosen for my walls was one with the microstep technology. Even better, I could pick another tile from the same series to match, ensuring consistency in both design and functionality. Out of all the renovations I had done for the house, discovering microstep tiles from Guocera was one of my best decisions, and I've been an advocate ever since. (C'mon Guocera, sponsor me next time!) These tiles usually have an "M" product code at the end, and the one I picked offer solid slip resistance without a gritty, hard-to-clean surface. If you want safety without sacrificing style, I reckon this is a fantastic option.

A quick disclaimer: Everything I'm sharing here is based on my personal experience. I'm not a professional, so if you're planning a renovation, I highly recommend consulting with architects, contractors, or tile specialists to get expert advice tailored to your needs.

This brings me to my first tip—always visit the manufacturer's own showroom if you can. 


Their staff are trained and should know their products better than dealers. Unlike some tile dealers who might not have full knowledge of the product features, the manufacturer's team can give you proper guidance and help you find the best options for your needs. That single visit I made to Guocera's showroom made the whole process much easier, narrowing down my options and ensuring I chose the right tiles with confidence.


Second pro tip: Why ordering extra tiles is a smart move for your renovation

When it comes to renovating your home, one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects is calculating the right amount of tiles to order. Sure, your architect or contractor will provide you with a quantity estimate, but here's a pro tip: order more tiles than you think you'll need if you can. Trust me, it's a decision that can save you a lot of headaches down the road.


Here's why ordering extra tiles is a smart move—and why it's not just about having spares for future repairs.

1. Avoid the stress of waiting for stock

Tile stocks can be unpredictable. You might fall in love with a specific design, only to find out that it's out of stock when you need more. This can delay your entire renovation timeline, leaving you stuck with half-finished floors or walls.

By ordering extra tiles upfront, you eliminate the risk of running out mid-project. Even if you don't end up using all the extras, the peace of mind could be worth it.

2. Batch variations

Here's something most people don't realise: tiles from different batches can have slight variations in colour or texture. This is even true for homogenous tiles, which are designed to have consistent colour throughout. Even then, subtle differences can occur due to manufacturing processes. Ordering extra tiles from the same batch ensures consistency in color and texture, giving your space a seamless, professional finish.

3. Budget for cutting and wastage

Tiles often need to be cut to fit specific areas, especially around corners, edges, or fixtures. This process can lead to wastage, and if you've ordered just the exact amount, you might find yourself short.

Additionally, tiles can break during installation, especially if you're working with delicate materials. Having a few extra tiles on hand ensures that your contractor or tiler can replace any damaged pieces without halting the project.

4. Future repairs and replacements

Let's face it—accidents happen. A dropped pan in the kitchen or a heavy object in the bathroom can chip or crack your tiles. If you've ordered extras during your renovation, you’ll have matching tiles on hand for repairs.

Without extras, you might struggle to find the same tile design years later, especially if the product has been discontinued. This can leave you with mismatched tiles that stand out like a sore thumb.

How much extra should you order?

A good rule of thumb is to order 10-15% more tiles than your calculated requirement. This accounts for cutting, wastage, and future repairs. Your architect or contractor should be able to help you with the exact calculations based on your space and tile layout.

Third pro tip: Stick to one tile brand or series in the same area to avoid renovation headaches

Here's a lesson I learned the hard way: if possible, always choose tiles from the same manufacturer, brand, or series. Mixing and matching tiles from different brands might seem like a good idea at first, but it can lead to complications you never saw coming.

Let me share my story so you don’t have to go through the same stress.

The problem: Nominal size vs. working size

At the start of my renovation, I selected tiles from two different brands for my bathroom. Everything seemed fine—until the tiler was about to start laying the tiles.

That's when we discovered a major issue: one of the brands advertised their tiles as 60x60cm, but in reality, the tiles measured 59.7cm. At first glance, a 0.3cm difference might not seem like a big deal, but in the world of tiling, even the smallest discrepancy can throw off the entire layout. These differences can cause alignment issues during installation, leaving you with uneven grout lines or gaps.

When I reached out to the manufacturer, they explained that 60x60cm was the "nominal size" (I assume, this is the rounded-up marketing size), while the "working size" (the actual production size) was 59.7cm. I was stunned. I asked them, "How is a consumer supposed to know this? There's no information on the box, the brochure, or even the dealer’s explanation."

The manufacturer didn't even attempt to respond to my queries again, and I was left dealing with the fallout. In the end, we couldn't proceed with the original plan and had to work with the dealer to find a solution. It was a stressful and costly mistake, but thankfully, we managed to rectify it.

Important takeaways & how to avoid my mistake

If you're planning a renovation, here's how to ensure you don’t run into the same problems I did:

1. Ask for technical specifications

Don’t just rely on the advertised size. Ask the dealer or manufacturer for the actual working size and thickness of the tiles.

2. Stick to one brand or series

If you’re tiling multiple areas, choose tiles from the same brand or series to ensure consistency.

3. Check samples side-by-side

Before making a final decision, compare tile samples from different brands side-by-side. Look for differences in size, color, and texture.

4. Communicate with your tiler

Share all tile details with your tiler before installation begins. They can spot potential issues early and advise you on the best course of action.

Other things I learned along the way

1. Grout matters more than you think

I learned this the hard way—never assume your tiler knows what you want! In my case, the contractors subbed out the tilers, and what I thought was common sense turned out not to be. Be very clear about your grout preferences, especially when it comes to colour.

The grout colour and quality can make or break the final look of your tiles. Dark grout is great for hiding dirt and stains, making it a low-maintenance option. On the other hand, light grout enhances the tile pattern, giving a crisp, clean look—but it requires more upkeep as dirt and stains show up more easily. Choosing the right grout isn't just about aesthetics; it also affects the overall durability and ease of maintenance.

2. Lighting changes everything

Always test your tile samples under the lighting in your home. What looks great in the store might look completely different in your space.


Hope this helps!