Tile Buying Guide Philippines 2025
Everything you need to know: types, prices, brands, and where to buy
Quick Price Guide
Local ceramic, basic patterns
Porcelain, wood-look, better durability
Imported, large format, rectified
Natural marble, designer collections
In This Guide
Tile Types Explained
Not all tiles are created equal. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right tile for each application.
Ceramic Tiles
Budget-FriendlyMade from clay fired at lower temperatures. Softer, easier to cut, but less durable than porcelain. Best for walls and low-traffic areas.
- Affordable and easy to install
- Wide variety of designs
- Best for walls and low-traffic areas
Porcelain Tiles
Most PopularFired at higher temperatures, making them denser and less porous. The workhorse of tiles - suitable for almost any application.
- Durable and water-resistant
- Frost-resistant, low maintenance
- Best for floors and high-traffic areas
Vitrified Tiles
Commercial GradeSimilar to porcelain but with added silica, making them even harder. Popular in commercial spaces and modern homes.
- Extremely durable and stain-resistant
- Polished finish available
- Best for living rooms and formal areas
Natural Stone
PremiumMarble, granite, travertine, and slate. Each piece is unique. Premium choice for luxury homes.
- Unique patterns, timeless appeal
- Adds value to property
- Best for entryways and luxury bathrooms
Mosaic Tiles
Design AccentSmall tiles (typically 1"-4") mounted on mesh sheets. Can be glass, ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone.
- Design flexibility for curves
- Artistic and decorative options
- Best for pools, accents, backsplashes
Where to Use What
| Area | Recommended Type | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Porcelain, Vitrified | Durability, easy cleaning |
| Kitchen Floor | Porcelain (matte finish) | Slip resistance, stain resistance |
| Bathroom Floor | Porcelain (textured/matte) | Slip resistance, water resistance |
| Bathroom Walls | Ceramic, Porcelain | Water resistance, easy cleaning |
| Outdoor/Patio | Porcelain (outdoor-rated) | Frost-proof, slip-rated, UV stable |
| Pool Deck | Textured porcelain, Pavers | High slip resistance (R11+) |
| Pool Interior | Glass mosaic, Pool-rated porcelain | Chemical resistance, frost-proof |
| Bedroom | Ceramic, Wood-look porcelain | Comfort, aesthetics |
Price Tiers Breakdown
Budget Tier
Basic ceramic tiles from local manufacturers. Limited designs, smaller sizes (30x30, 40x40). Good for rental properties, service areas, or tight budgets.
Typical brands: Local manufacturers, second-grade tiles
Mid-Range Tier
Porcelain tiles from established brands. Better durability, more design options including wood-look and marble-look. Sizes from 60x60 to 80x80.
Typical brands: Mariwasa, FCB, Niro Granite, Mulia
Premium Tier
Large format tiles (80x80, 60x120, 80x160), rectified edges for minimal grout lines. Italian and Spanish designs. Full-body porcelain.
Typical brands: Niro Granite (premium), European imports, Tiles Kingdom
Luxury Tier
Natural marble, premium granite, designer collections. Each piece unique. Requires professional installation and maintenance.
Typical sources: Natural stone importers, luxury showrooms
Major Brands in the Philippines
Mariwasa-Siam Ceramics
Largest LocalLargest tile manufacturer in the Philippines. Wide range from budget to mid-range. Found in most hardware stores and has dedicated showrooms.
- Affordable quality, readily available
- Buy at: Wilcon, Citi Hardware
- Mariwasa showrooms nationwide
FCB (Floor Center)
Another major local manufacturer. Known for value-for-money options. Strong dealer network.
- Budget projects, basic applications
- Buy at: FCB dealers
- Available in hardware stores
Niro Granite
Premium QualityPremium porcelain tiles. Indonesian brand with excellent quality. Popular for modern homes and commercial spaces.
- Quality-conscious buyers
- Modern designs available
- Buy at: Niro dealers, premium showrooms
European Imports
LuxuryPremium and luxury segment. Brands like Marazzi, Porcelanosa, and others available through importers.
- Italian and Spanish designs
- Unique and luxury options
- Buy at: Tiles Kingdom, specialty importers
How to Calculate Quantity
Getting the right quantity is crucial. Too little means delays; too much wastes money.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- 1Measure your area: Length × Width = Square meters
- 2Add waste factor:
- • Simple rectangular rooms: Add 10%
- • Rooms with angles/cuts: Add 15%
- • Diagonal installation: Add 15-20%
- 3Check tile coverage: Tiles are sold in boxes covering specific sqm
- 4Round up: Always round up to the next full box
Example Calculation
Living room: 5m × 6m = 30 sqm
Add 10% waste: 30 × 1.10 = 33 sqm
Tiles come in 1.44 sqm/box
Need: 33 ÷ 1.44 = 22.9 boxes
→ Order 23 boxes
Installation Costs
Labor costs vary by location and complexity. Here's what to expect:
Labor Costs (per sqm)
Additional Materials Required
Red Flags When Buying
Avoid these common problems when buying tiles:
Where to Buy Tiles
Branded Showrooms
Best for seeing full collections, getting design advice, and ensuring authenticity.
- • Mariwasa showrooms
- • Niro Granite dealers
- • Tiles Kingdom (imports)
Big Box Retailers
Convenient, competitive prices, wide selection. Good for standard tiles.
- • Wilcon Depot
- • Citi Hardware
- • AllHome
Local Tile Stores
Often have better prices and flexible payment terms. Build relationships for future projects.
Tip: Great for negotiating bulk discounts
Online Shopping
Growing option but risky without seeing tiles in person. Best for reorders when you know exactly what you want.
Caution: Hard to assess quality online