How to Choose Tiles for a New House in Nigeria

Quick answer

When choosing tiles for a new house in Nigeria, do not start by picking colours from a catalogue. Start with a tile plan.

List each space, determine whether the tile is for the floor or wall, consider traffic and moisture, decide on the visual direction, select formats and finishes, calculate quantities and confirm product availability before ordering.

This approach can prevent expensive changes later in the project.

1. Create a tile schedule before shopping

A tile schedule is simply a list of where each tile will be used.

For example:

The exact choices depend on your architectural and interior design plan.

2. Decide on your overall style

A new house is easier to coordinate when you establish a visual direction early.

Some common directions include:

Contemporary

Clean lines, neutral tones, concrete-inspired surfaces and large formats.

Warm and natural

Wood-look tiles, warm neutrals and stone-inspired surfaces.

Classic and luxurious

Marble-look surfaces, refined finishes and coordinated neutral colours.

Minimalist

Plain surfaces, restrained colours and simple transitions between spaces.

You do not have to use one collection throughout the entire house. The goal is to make the combinations intentional.

3. Choose floor tiles based on the actual space

A tile that works beautifully in a bedroom may not be the right choice for an outdoor area.

For every floor, consider:

• Expected foot traffic

• Moisture exposure

• Surface characteristics

• Cleaning requirements

• Tile size

• Installation conditions

• Manufacturer's application recommendations

For areas with specific safety or performance requirements, request the technical information before purchase.

4. Think about tile size early

Tile size affects both design and installation.

Glizers currently offers formats including:

• 300×600 mm

• 400×800 mm

• 600×600 mm

• 600×900 mm

• 600×1200 mm

• 300×1200 mm

Not every size is available in every collection.

A larger format can reduce the number of visible grout lines, while smaller formats can provide more flexibility around complex layouts.

5. Do not select tiles before considering your doors and built-ins

This sounds minor, but it can affect the final result.

Your tile layout interacts with:

• Door openings

• Kitchen cabinets

• Bathroom fixtures

• Staircases

• Columns

• Built-in wardrobes

• Floor transitions

For a new build, involve the architect, interior designer or contractor in tile layout discussions before installation begins.

6. Buy with the project timeline in mind

One of the biggest practical issues with a construction project is assuming that a tile will always be available.

If the tile is critical to the project, confirm:

• Current stock

• Quantity available

• Expected restock timeline

• Batch consistency where relevant

• Delivery arrangements

• Whether you can obtain enough quantity for the full project

This matters even more for large developments.

7. Calculate quantity properly

Measure each area rather than estimating from memory.

For a simple rectangular room:

Area = length × width

Then calculate the tile coverage.

For a 600×600 mm tile:

0.6 × 0.6 = 0.36 m² per tile

For a 600×1200 mm tile:

0.6 × 1.2 = 0.72 m² per tile

Then divide the area by the coverage per tile and add a reasonable allowance for cuts, breakage, and future replacements.

Use our guide to calculate how many tiles you need.

8. Consider maintenance before choosing a dramatic tile

Ask how the surface will look after months of everyday life.

A tile can be beautiful but may not fit your maintenance preferences.

Consider:

• Cleaning routine

• Grout colour

• Surface texture

• Visibility of dust and marks

• Cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer

The goal is not to choose the tile that requires the least maintenance in every situation. It is to choose a tile whose maintenance requirements fit your lifestyle.

9. If you are managing a project from abroad

For Nigerians managing construction remotely, tile purchasing can be especially stressful.

You may not be physically present to inspect the room, compare samples or monitor delivery.

A better process is to:

• Share the architectural drawings or room schedule.

• Identify the spaces requiring tiles.

• Agree on a design direction.

• Request actual product specifications.

• Confirm dimensions and finish.

• Confirm quantities.

• Confirm availability.

• Agree on delivery arrangements.

• Keep the product names and quantities documented.

10. Don't forget the walls

Walls can be used to create continuity or contrast.

You could coordinate a floor with a related wall tile, use a plain surface against a patterned floor or introduce a decorative feature.

Glizers' Décor and Multi Pattern collections provide options for projects where a decorative surface is part of the design.

A practical buying checklist

Before paying for your tiles, confirm:

• Room measurements

• Tile format

• Tile finish

• Intended application

• Required quantity

• Allowance for cuts and breakage

• Current availability

• Delivery location

• Installation method

• Recommended adhesive/grout

• Cleaning and maintenance requirements

• Product documentation

Frequently asked questions

What tiles are best for a new house in Nigeria?

There is no single best tile for every house. The right product depends on the room, traffic, moisture, design, maintenance needs and product specifications.

Should I use the same tile throughout the house?

You can, but you do not have to. Using related colours, textures or finishes can create continuity while still allowing different rooms to have their own character.

What tile size is best for a new house?

Common options include 600×600 mm and 600×1200 mm, but the best size depends on the room and layout.

When should I buy tiles during construction?

Plan the tile selection early enough to coordinate with the architectural and interior design decisions. Confirm stock and delivery timing before installation begins.

Final thoughts

Tile selection becomes much easier when you treat it as part of the building plan rather than a last-minute shopping decision.

Create a schedule, measure carefully, coordinate with your design team, confirm specifications and availability, and then make the aesthetic decision.

CTA: Managing your project from a distance? Send us your floor plans, measurements, and location on WhatsApp, and our team will help you select the right tiles and confirm availability or request a quote to get started.