Once a colour from the Metro tile collection has been chosen, a fair number of practical decisions still sit between that choice and a finished wall. Most renovation delays trace back to one of these being skipped rather than to the tile itself Checkatrade’s renovation planning guidance lists incomplete measurements and last-minute material shortages among the most common causes of a tiling job overrunning its schedule. This checklist works through the full list, one item at a time.

Before You Order Metro Tiles

• Measure the exact wall areaHeight × width in metres, for every wall being tiled, not just the largest one.
• Add a wastage allowance10% is standard for straightforward walls; go higher for rooms with alcoves or awkward returns.
• Order a physical sampleGloss colours in particular shift under different lighting view it in your own room before committing.
• Confirm the batch numberOrder enough from a single batch to avoid subtle tone variation across the finished wall.

Choosing Metro Tile Colours for Your Room

Colour should be judged as part of the room rather than as an isolated tile sample. A Sage Metro tile can create a softer, more relaxed backdrop against oak and warm neutral finishes, while a white gloss option can make a smaller space feel lighter and more open. If you are comparing Metro Tiles, place the samples against your actual cabinets, worktops and flooring and check them at different times of day. Natural daylight, warm bulbs and cool LED lighting can all change how a glossy ceramic surface appears, so the best colour choice is the one that continues to work when the room’s lighting changes.

White Metro Tiles: Planning for Light and Space

For kitchens and bathrooms where brightness is a priority, White Gloss Metro Tiles are worth considering before you finalise your order. Their reflective surface can help bounce existing light around the room, while the familiar 300x75mm format introduces a clear horizontal or vertical rhythm without overwhelming the wall. Think about where the strongest light enters the room, where shadows fall and whether the tile will sit behind a mirror, sink, hob or open shelving. These details can influence whether a full tiled wall or a smaller splashback gives you the better result, and they are much easier to resolve before the boxes arrive than during installation.

Preparing to Install Metro Tiles

• Choose your layoutBrick-bond, vertical stack, or herringbone each uses a different amount of tile and cutting time.
• Pick your grout colour deliberatelyMatching grout minimises joint lines; contrasting grout emphasises the pattern.
• Confirm adhesive suitabilityCheck the adhesive is rated for the wall substrate and, if relevant, for wet areas.
• Check for a matching trimExposed tile edges around windows, corners or open shelving often need a finishing profile.

Layout Options at a Glance

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Metro Tile Layout Options at a Glance

The layout you choose can change the personality of the same tile almost as much as the colour itself. A classic brick-bond arrangement keeps the look familiar and relaxed, while a vertical stack gives 300x75mm Metro Tiles a more contemporary architectural feel. For stronger visual impact, a herringbone pattern introduces movement and makes the tiled surface a feature in its own right. This is particularly effective with Gloss Green Metro Tiles, where the combination of saturated colour, reflective glaze and angled lines creates a more dramatic finish. Before ordering, decide whether the tile is intended to blend into the room or become the main visual statement, because that decision should guide both your layout and your grout colour.

On Installation Day

• Dry-lay a section firstParticularly for herringbone, this avoids an awkward half-tile ending up somewhere visible.
• Keep a few spare tiles asideFrom the same batch, for any future repairs or replacements.
• Seal grout in wet areasOnce fully cured, particularly around sinks, hobs and shower walls.

Blue, Green or Sage Metro Tiles? Make the Final Comparison

If you are still undecided between colours, compare the tiles according to the atmosphere you want rather than choosing a shade in isolation. Blue Metro Tiles can introduce a cooler, more distinctive accent, Gloss Green brings depth and a richer decorative character, while Sage offers a quieter and more natural look. The right choice also depends on the surrounding materials: blue can work beautifully with crisp white and contemporary finishes, green can complement brass and darker details, and sage naturally suits oak, cream and warm neutral palettes. Viewing these options together makes the final decision much easier because you are comparing the complete design direction rather than simply asking which colour looks best on its own.

Final Checks Before Ordering Metro Tiles

None of these steps are complicated on their own the risk is only ever in skipping one. Working through measurements, samples, colour, layout and grout in order, before delivery day arrives, is what turns a good tile choice into a genuinely smooth installation. Once those details are confirmed, your Metro Tiles are no longer just a colour or pattern choice; they become part of a properly planned room, ready for installation with far fewer surprises.

FAQs About Ordering Metro Tiles