Search for the best tile companies in the UK and you get hundreds of names. A list of logos won’t tell you which one suits your project. A fair way to compare them will.
Here’s how to judge the top tile companies in the UK on the six things buyers ask about most. Use it to test any of the best tile brands in the UK, including us.
Which Type of Tile Company Are You Buying From?
Manufacturer brands publish solid test data, but most don’t sell direct, so aftercare runs through the retailer.
National chains are handy for quick small orders, but their ranges lean to fast sellers.
Online-only retailers are cheap, but you can’t see the tile, and “in stock” may mean held at a supplier.
Independent specialists offer curated ranges, samples and real advice, though they have fewer branches.
For DIY superstores against specialists, see our guide to the best place to buy tiles in the UK.
1. Customer Service and Aftercare
Good aftercare shows up after you pay. Check the length of the returns window, what happens if you run a short mid-job, and how the company replies to 1 and 2 star reviews.
Axar Tiles offers a 100-day return policy on unused, undamaged tiles, plus free samples and advice by phone, WhatsApp or in our showroom.
2. Outdoor Durability
UK patios face rain, frost and moss. Trust the spec sheet, not the brand name. Look for:
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20mm outdoor porcelain
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Water absorption of 0.5% or less
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Stated frost resistance
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A slip rating of R11 or higher
No technical sheet is a warning sign. Read Porcelain Garden Tiles That Survive a British Winter for more.
3. Premium Textured Finishes
Budget tiles print a stone or wood image onto a flat surface. Premium tiles match the surface texture to the print, so you feel the grain where you see it.
Always feel a sample, and ask how many faces the design has, since more faces means fewer obvious repeats. Compare our stone, wood effect, marble and deco collections side by side.
4. Easy Cleaning and Stain Resistance
Material matters more than brand here. Porcelain absorbs almost no liquid, so most porcelain never needs sealing. Natural stone does.
For easy upkeep, choose matt or textured finishes, mid-tone grout and large-format tiles with fewer grout lines.
5. Delivery Times and Stock
Reviews show delivery problems first. Look for recent reviews that mention real delivery times, breakages and whether stock was actually in the UK.
Ask where the stock is held and whether delivery is kerbside. Axar Tiles delivers free across the UK on orders over £500.
6. Consistent Colour Matching
Tiles are made in batches, and shades can vary between runs. To keep your colour consistent:
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Order the whole job from one batch
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Add 10 to 15% extra for cuts and repairs
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Check the batch code on every box
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Mix tiles from several boxes as you lay them
Looking for Tile Companies Near Me?
If you’re in North West London, see our ranges at our tile showroom in Stanmore: Devonshire House, 582 Honeypot Lane, Stanmore, HA7 1JS. Elsewhere in the UK, order free samples and shop online.
Find the Best Tile Company for Your Project
The best tile companies in the UK pass all six tests for your project. Axar Tiles has supplied indoor and outdoor tiles for over ten years, with free samples, a Price Match Promise and 100-day returns.
Call 0203 355 1197, email info@axartiles.com, or browse all collections.
FAQ
What are the best tile brands in the UK?
The best brands publish technical data, offer samples, keep UK stock and supply each order from one batch.
How can I tell if a tile company is trustworthy?
Ask for a technical sheet, a written returns policy and a sample, then check how it replies to bad reviews.
Which tiles last longest outdoors in the UK?
20mm outdoor porcelain. It absorbs almost no water, so frost can’t crack it. Choose R11 or higher for patios.
Are textured tiles harder to clean?
Not usually. Matt and soft-touch finishes clean with a damp mop. Deep grip finishes outdoors need an occasional stiff brush.
Why do tiles from different boxes look different?
Each production batch can vary slightly in shade. Match the batch codes and mix tiles from several boxes as you lay.
How much extra tile should I order?
Order 10 to 15% extra, at the higher end for herringbone or diagonal layouts, and keep a spare box for repairs.
How do I find good tile companies near me?
Visit a showroom where you can see tiles at full size. In North West London, visit Axar Tiles in Stanmore, HA7 1JS.
