⚡ TL;DR — Quick Summary
- Asking the right questions turns a browsing trip into a decision. You leave clear instead of more confused than when you arrived.
- Ten questions cover it: material, wet area suitability, size, quantity and wastage, total cost, maintenance, lighting, stock, returns and installers.
- Check stock and returns before you commit, particularly if your project has a tight timeline.
- Take samples home. Tiles read differently under showroom lights than they will in your own space.
- A good showroom does the maths with you, explains wastage, and can point you to trusted local tilers.
- There is a printable checklist below that you can take with you, tick off in store, and share with your partner or builder.
Let’s be honest. Walking into a tile showroom for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. There are hundreds of options, and the fear of choosing the wrong tile, spending too much, or making a decision you will regret for the next decade is very real.
That is exactly why knowing what to ask makes all the difference. The right questions shift the visit from a browsing experience into a genuine decision making session, where you leave feeling clear, informed and confident.
At Mandurah Tile & Bathrooms, we genuinely encourage our customers to come prepared with questions. Our team is here to guide you, not just point you at shelves. Here are the key questions to ask on your next visit to any tile showroom, along with a checklist you can print and bring with you.
The Tile Showroom Checklist
Print this page, or save it to your phone, and tick each item off as you go. Everything on this list is explained in detail further down the page.
Part 1: Before you leave home
☐ Measure every space you are tiling, floors and walls, and write the dimensions down
☐ Photograph the room, including any cabinetry, benchtops or fixtures you are keeping
☐ Note what lighting the room has: natural light direction, warm globes or cool downlights
☐ Settle on a realistic budget range, including allowances for adhesive, grout and trims
Part 2: The ten questions to ask in store
☐ 1. What tile material is best for my space and how much traffic will it take?
☐ 2. Is this tile suitable for wet areas, and what is its slip rating?
☐ 3. What size and format suits this room, and will my substrate handle it?
☐ 4. How much do I need, and what wastage percentage should I allow?
☐ 5. What is included in the price, and what else do I need to budget for?
☐ 6. What maintenance will these tiles need, and how often?
☐ 7. Can I take samples home to see them in my own lighting?
☐ 8. Do you have this in stock in the quantity I need, and what are restock times?
☐ 9. What is your return policy on unopened boxes?
☐ 10. Can you recommend a trusted local installer?
Part 3: Before you walk out
☐ Take samples of your shortlisted tiles home
☐ Get a written quote covering tiles, adhesive, grout, waterproofing and trims
☐ Photograph the tile name, range and code so you can find it again
☐ Ask whether stock can be held while you confirm measurements with your tiler
☐ Check the lead time if anything needs to be ordered in
Mandurah Tile & Bathrooms, 2/13 Fitzgerald Road, Mandurah WA. Phone 08 9583 3643. Feel free to share or link to this checklist.
One page, A4. Print it, or save it to your phone before you visit.
What Tile Material is Best for My Space?
Different rooms have genuinely different requirements. The tiles that look beautiful in a low traffic guest bathroom may not hold up in a busy family kitchen or outdoor entertaining area. This is one of the most important questions to ask, and a good showroom team should walk you through the options rather than just showing you what looks nice.
Ask about
🧱 Ceramic versus porcelain: durability differences for different traffic levels and uses.
🪨 Natural stone options: beautiful, but worth understanding the ongoing maintenance requirements upfront.
🚿 Textured finishes: slip resistance in wet areas is a safety consideration, not just a style one.
✨ Matt and honed finishes: popular for modern aesthetics and generally more forgiving in high use areas.
Our team can explain the real world benefits of each material and help you select tiles that match both your design vision and the practical demands of your space. No jargon. No pressure. Just honest guidance.
Related: How to Choose the Right Tiles for Your Bathroom | Most Popular Types of Bathroom Tiles
Are These Tiles Suitable for Wet Areas?
Not all tiles are created equal when it comes to water resistance. This is particularly important for bathrooms, laundries and outdoor areas exposed to the elements. Getting this wrong is one of the most expensive mistakes a renovator can make.
Key considerations
💧 Water absorption rates: different tile types absorb moisture at very different rates. This matters for longevity.
⚠ Slip resistance ratings: shower floors and pool surrounds need appropriate ratings for safety and compliance.
🔒 Sealing requirements: natural stone tiles often need sealing. Knowing this upfront prevents surprises later.
🧼 Grout options: moisture and mould resistant grout choices are worth discussing for any wet area.
Warning: a tile that feels perfectly grippy on a dry showroom floor can behave very differently wet and underfoot. For shower floors and outdoor wet areas, ask for the rating rather than judging by touch.
We stock tiles specifically designed for wet areas and can walk you through the technical specifications in plain language, so your selection performs well over time, not just on day one.
Related: Reading Tile Specifications
What Size and Format Should I Choose?
Tile size can dramatically affect the look and feel of a room. Large format tiles can make small spaces feel bigger, while smaller tiles or mosaics can add visual interest and texture. If you are unsure where to start, this is exactly the kind of question our showroom team loves helping with.
Available sizes
What tile sizes come in my preferred style or range?
Grout lines and cleaning
Larger formats mean fewer grout lines, which can mean less maintenance over time.
Floor substrate suitability
Large tiles require an especially flat, solid substrate. It is worth confirming before you commit.
Mixing sizes
Can you mix sizes or create feature areas? Often the answer is yes, with some guidance.
Visit our showroom to see different sizes and formats displayed in realistic settings. Seeing tiles laid out helps you visualise how they will actually look in your home, which is something no online search can replicate.
How Much Will I Need and What’s the Wastage Factor?
Accurate measurements save you money and prevent project delays. Ordering too little can mean waiting weeks for a restock, sometimes from overseas. Ordering too much wastes budget. Understanding the wastage factor is something a lot of DIY renovators wish they had asked about sooner.
Important points
📄 Bring your measurements: room dimensions or floor plans help us give you an accurate quote on the spot.
🔢 Wastage percentages: typical wastage varies by layout. Diagonal patterns need more than straight runs, for example.
📦 Order extra for repairs: having a few spare tiles stored away is very useful if you ever need to replace a cracked tile years later.
🕐 Lead times: if additional stock needs to be ordered, it helps to know the lead time before your tradie is on site.
Our team can help you calculate your requirements and make sure you order the right quantity the first time, so your project stays on schedule.
What’s Included in the Price?
The tile price itself is just one part of the total cost. Understanding everything else you will need to budget for is essential for keeping your renovation on track financially. This is where a lot of first time renovators get caught out.
Clarify costs for
Tile adhesives and grouts
Often sold separately. The right adhesive for your tile type matters, so this is not a place to guess.
Sold separatelyWaterproofing materials
A non negotiable for wet areas. Do not let this get overlooked in the budget, because it cannot be added later.
Required in wet areasTrims and finishing pieces
Corner trims, edge pieces and finishing strips all add up. Get these quoted early rather than at the till.
Quote upfrontWe stock a complete range of tile accessories from trusted brands, so you can get everything you need in one visit rather than chasing items from multiple suppliers.
Related: Understanding Tile Pricing: What Affects the Cost?
What Maintenance Will These Tiles Require?
Some tiles need more care than others. Understanding maintenance requirements upfront helps you choose tiles that genuinely fit your lifestyle, not just your style preferences. A beautiful tile that needs sealing every six months might not be the right fit for a busy family bathroom.
Cleaning products and methods
Some tiles respond poorly to certain cleaners. Knowing this protects your investment.
Sealing frequency
Natural stone tiles typically require periodic resealing to stay water resistant.
Grout maintenance
Stain resistance varies considerably between grout types. Worth asking about.
Long term durability
Different tiles wear differently over time. We will be honest about what to expect.
We want you to love your tiles for years to come, so we will always be honest about what is required to keep them looking their best.
Can I See Samples in Different Lighting?
This is the question most people do not think to ask, and it is one of the most important. Tiles can look completely different under showroom lighting compared to natural light in your home. Colour, texture and overall appearance can shift dramatically depending on the light source.
Important: always take tile samples home before making a final decision. View them near your windows at different times of day, and in the evening under your artificial lighting. A few extra days of consideration is far better than a lifetime of regret.
What your sample is telling you at home
It holds its colour morning, afternoon and evening
You have found the one. A tile that reads consistently across your actual lighting is a safe commitment.
It goes noticeably yellow, grey or flat under your lights
Better to find this out now than after installation. Come back in and we will find something that behaves the way you want.
It shifts a little, but you like both readings
Perfectly normal, especially with textured tiles. Hold it against your fixed elements, benchtops, cabinetry and tapware, before deciding.
Textured tiles in particular can look very different depending on the viewing angle, so check them standing up as well as up close.
We actively encourage taking samples home. Live with them for a couple of days, view them near your windows, and consider whether your warm globes or cool downlights will change how they read on your walls and floors.
Do You Have This Tile in Stock?
Nothing is more frustrating than falling in love with a tile, committing to the design, and then discovering it is on backorder for months. Checking stock availability early in the process can save a huge amount of stress.
Warning: if your project has a tight timeline, always confirm stock levels before finalising your tile selection. Imported tiles in particular can have unpredictable restock timelines. It is far better to know early and choose an alternative than to hold up a whole renovation waiting on a single product.
Questions to ask
📦 Is this in stock now? Confirm current availability for the quantity you need, not just the range.
🕐 Restock timeframes: if you need more, how quickly can it be sourced?
🔄 Similar alternatives: are there comparable tiles available immediately if the first choice is unavailable?
🔒 Stock holds: can stock be held while you finalise measurements or get tiler confirmation?
As a local Mandurah tile supplier, we maintain strong stock levels and can give you honest advice on availability for both immediate projects and future orders.
What’s Your Return Policy?
Even with careful planning, you might order more than you need, or circumstances change. Understanding the return policy before you buy protects your investment and gives you peace of mind.
Clarify before you pay
📅 Return timeframes: what is the window for returning unused stock, and what condition does it need to be in?
🗒 Unopened boxes: can you return unopened boxes? This is the most common scenario for surplus stock.
💰 Restocking fees: check whether any restocking fees apply before you factor them into your budget.
🔧 Damaged or faulty tiles: how are these handled? A good supplier stands behind their products.
We stand behind the quality of our products and will work with you to resolve any issues that arise.
Can You Recommend Local Installers?
Professional installation makes all the difference to the finished result. Even the most beautiful tiles can look ordinary with a poor installation, and the best installers often get booked out well in advance. A good showroom should have connections with trusted local tradies they can recommend with confidence.
Ask for
🔨 Tiler recommendations: experienced, trusted tilers in the Mandurah area who know the product.
🪓 DIY installation advice: if you are tackling it yourself, we can share useful tips specific to your chosen tiles.
📌 Installation tips: specific guidance based on your tile type, substrate and application area.
💧 Waterproofing specialists: waterproofing is a critical and regulated part of any wet area installation.
While we focus on supplying quality tiles and bathroom products, we are happy to connect you with reliable local installers who can bring your vision to life.
Related: DIY Bathroom Tiling Guide | Bathroom Renovation Process
How to Make the Most of Your Showroom Visit
Visiting a tile showroom is about more than looking at products. It is an opportunity to gather information, get expert guidance, and make decisions you will feel confident about rather than anxious over. Here is how to get the most out of your time.
Phase 1: Before your visit
Phase 2: During your visit
🏪 When to visit the showroom in person
Some decisions are too important to make online. Come in when:
- You are starting a bathroom, kitchen or laundry renovation and do not know where to begin
- You have found tiles online but want to see and feel them before committing
- You are unsure which tile is appropriate for your specific space or substrate
- You need help calculating quantities or understanding wastage for your layout
- You are choosing a large format tile and want to confirm floor suitability
- You want honest advice on maintenance requirements before buying
- You would like to be connected with a trusted local tiler in the Mandurah area
At Mandurah Tile & Bathrooms, we pride ourselves on providing personalised service. Our experienced team takes the time to understand your project and guide you towards solutions that work for your home and budget.
Located just five minutes from Mandurah Foreshore and close to Mandurah Forum, we are easy to find at 2/13 Fitzgerald Road. We serve homeowners, renovators and builders across Mandurah, Greenfields, Halls Head, Meadow Springs and the wider Peel Region. Visit us and discover why Mandurah locals keep coming back for their tiling and bathroom needs.
Related: Tile Quality Grades Explained | Terrazzo Tiles: Modern Applications for Mandurah Homes | Things to Consider Before Remodelling Your Bathroom | Bathroom Materials Checklist
Visit Mandurah’s local tile and bathroom showroom
Tiles, tapware, vanities, shower screens, baths, mirrors and more, all in one place, with expert guidance every step of the way.
2/13 Fitzgerald Road, Mandurah WA
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Serving Mandurah, Greenfields, Halls Head, Meadow Springs, Rockingham and the wider Peel Region. Browse the tile range before you come in if you like.
Mandurah Tile & Bathrooms | Showroom serving Mandurah, Rockingham, Peel Region and surrounds
