Buying tiles online has become increasingly popular in Ireland, with more homeowners choosing convenience, variety, and competitive pricing over a traditional showroom visit. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen in Dublin, re‑tiling a bathroom in Cork, or installing outdoor paving, there are both advantages and pitfalls to purchasing tiles through an online tile shop Ireland.
At Delforno.ie, with showrooms in Cork and Dublin and an online store, we understand both sides, and we want to share expert tips to help you make the best decision.
Why People Shop Tiles Online in Ireland
Here are some of the main benefits of buying tiles online:
- Convenience & Selection - Access a huge range: ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, large format tiles, wall & floor tiles, pattern tiles, decorative mosaics, etc. At Delforno, we have over 900 different types of tiles available to buy online.
- Browse from home, at your own pace, at any hour - no need to drive to a showroom in rush hour traffic, you can view tiles at any time, any place when you browse online
- Price comparison - often you can compare many tile suppliers / tile stores, ensuring you get the best price. Here at Delforno offer a price match guarantee.
- Ease of delivery - we ship directly to your door. One click and your tiles are on the way. If you prefer to collect your tiles we offer collection from Cork City, Macroom and Dublin
- Samples first - We offer up to 3 FREE tile samples, so you can see the colour, finish, thickness & texture in person before committing to purchasing.
What to Watch Out For
Here are some common challenges to be aware of when buying tiles online:
- Not being able to feel / test in person - Texture, slip rating, weight, finish are hard to judge from photos. Tiles photographed online may look different in real life: lighting, screen settings, room colours will affect perception. Different production batches may have slight shade / finish differences.
We recommend: Ordering a free sample to test the tile in your space
- Shipping cost - As with in person purchases there will be a cost for delivery to your door. We offer weight based shipping costs - if your order is light you wont pay more! For full details of our shipping rates see our Delivery & Returns page
We recommend: Know your options. Collection is free from Cork & Dublin with no processing charges or hidden fees
- Ordering the wrong amount - You may need spares later on, if you don't order enough tiles for your project
We recommend: Use our tile calculator on the product page to get the correct amount of tiles. Add 10% extra for cuts and wastage.
Expert Tips for Successful Online Tile Shopping
To reduce risks and make sure you get the right tiles for your project, here are some pro tips that come from both industry experience and what we’ve observed in practice.
- Order samples first -Try them in the lighting of the room where tiles will be installed.
- Check full specifications -not just size, colour and price: check thickness, material, slip resistance (especially for wet areas), and durability. We have all these details under the Product Details tab on our product pages
- Allow 10‑15% extra for wastage & cuts. This helps especially for large format tiles or intricate layouts.
- Understand the delivery cost
- Look for trusted reviews & return policies - See what previous customers say (tile finish, durability, service, delivery). For returns policy, see our Delivery & Returns page
- Plan layout & install before buying - Think about your tile layout (e.g. where joints will be, where cuts will be) to minimise waste. If tiling multiple walls/floors or mixing tile types, sketch a layout or use dry lay to visualise.
- Use showrooms when possible - Even if you buy mainly online, visiting a showroom (like our Cork or Dublin showrooms) lets you see large format tiles, touch finishes, see colours in person. Showrooms are excellent for inspiration and comparing materials side‑by‑side.
- Call us! If you are unsure about a tile, our experts are here to help. Contact us today to get advice before purchasing
Delforno: How We Help Make Online Tile Shopping Easier
Here at Delforno, we combine the best of both worlds, online convenience, plus physical showrooms in Cork and Dublin. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Extensive online catalogue with clear, detailed product pages (size, material, slip ratings)
- Free sample tile service so you can see before you commit
- Local expertise in Cork & Dublin: our showroom staff can guide you if you're unsure about what works best in specific rooms (wet rooms, kitchens, outdoor patios etc.)
- Reliable delivery throughout Ireland, good packaging and handling
- Transparent pricing - no hidden delivery costs when you hit certain order thresholds