Granite and Tiles Buying Guide for Coimbatore Homes
No scriptFlooring and wall finishes are among the biggest choices when you build or renovate a house. Coimbatore has large tile and granite showrooms along the main roads and granite yards on the city's edges. This guide explains the main options, what to check at the showroom, and how to avoid common buying mistakes.
The Main Options
| Material | What it is | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Vitrified tiles | Fired clay-and-mineral tiles with very low water absorption | Floors in living areas and bedrooms |
| Ceramic tiles | Clay tiles with higher water absorption | Walls in kitchens and bathrooms |
| Anti-skid tiles | Tiles with a textured or matt surface | Bathrooms, balconies, wash areas, parking |
| Granite | Hard natural stone, cut into slabs or tiles | Kitchen counters, staircases, floors, steps |
| Marble | Softer natural stone | Floors and decor; stains more easily |
Under the Indian standard for ceramic tiles (IS 15622), fully vitrified tiles are the group with the lowest water absorption, which is why they are used on floors.
Vitrified Tile Types You Will Hear About
- Glazed vitrified (GVT): a printed design on a glazed surface; many looks, including wood and stone patterns.
- Double charge: two layers of pigment pressed together; the pattern goes deeper than a printed surface.
- Full body: colour runs through the whole tile, so chips show less.
Ask the showroom to explain which kind a tile is and show the maker's specification sheet.
Granite Tips
- Granite comes in many colours and grades. Look at the actual slab you will get, not just a small sample.
- Check for cracks, filled patches and colour variation across the slab.
- Ask about edge finishing, polishing and thickness for counters.
- Black and dark granites hide stains; light granites show them more.
What to Check at the Showroom
- Size and thickness suitable for the area.
- Finish: glossy, matt or textured. Glossy floors can be slippery when wet.
- Batch and shade: tiles vary slightly between production batches. Buy all tiles for one area from the same batch, and check the batch number on the boxes.
- Grade: some shops sell seconds or commercial grades at lower prices. Ask what grade you are buying.
- Specification sheet with intended use (floor or wall).
- Return policy for unopened boxes.
How Much to Buy
- Measure each room and note doorways, steps and skirting.
- Add extra for cutting and breakage, and keep a few spare tiles for future repairs. Ask your mason how much extra your room shape and pattern need.
- Diagonal and patterned laying uses more tiles than straight laying.
Laying Matters as Much as the Tile
- Use a skilled mason and the adhesive or mortar recommended for the tile type.
- Check levels and slopes, especially in bathrooms so water drains to the outlet.
- Ask for proper spacers and joint filling (grout).
- Protect the new floor while other work continues.
If you are still choosing a builder, see our guide on selecting a trusted building contractor.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
- Kitchen counters: granite is common; ask about joints, sink cut-outs and edge polish.
- Kitchen walls: easy-to-clean tiles behind the stove and sink.
- Bathrooms: anti-skid floor tiles; wall tiles up to the height you need.
For a full kitchen plan, our modular kitchen buying guide covers cabinets, counters and hardware.
For the look of the whole house, see our guide to choosing interior designers in Coimbatore.
Red Flags
- Boxes from different batches for the same room.
- "Floor tiles" without a specification sheet.
- Slabs you cannot see before delivery.
- A bill without the tile name, size, grade and quantity.
Next Steps
Measure your rooms, decide the material for each area, and visit two or three showrooms with the measurements. Check batches and grades before buying, and keep the bill and a few spare tiles. You can find tile and granite dealers listed in the Kovai Yellow Pages directory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is better for a home floor, vitrified tiles or granite?
Both are durable. Vitrified tiles come in many designs and uniform sizes and are usually quicker to lay. Granite is a natural stone that is very hard and suits heavy-use areas, staircases and kitchen counters. Choose by look, budget, area and the finish you want.
What is the difference between vitrified and ceramic tiles?
Vitrified tiles are fired so that they absorb very little water, which makes them strong and suitable for floors. Ceramic tiles absorb more water and are commonly used on walls. Check the tile's specification sheet for its intended use.
How many extra tiles should I buy?
Buy some extra for cutting, breakage and future repairs. The right margin depends on the room shape and the laying pattern, so ask your mason. Buy all tiles for one area from the same batch.
Are glossy tiles safe in bathrooms?
Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet. For bathrooms, wash areas, balconies and outdoor steps, choose tiles sold as anti-skid or with a matt or textured finish.