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How to Choose Renovation Materials That Last
Cheap materials aren't always a saving. Durability, warranty and total cost of ownership.
2026-06-02 · 5 min read
The most expensive material is not always the best, but the cheapest almost never is. The right choice is matching the material's grade to how hard it will be used.
Where to invest and where to save?
Invest where replacement is hard and expensive: waterproofing, plumbing, flooring and bathroom tiles. Saving on things that are easy to update later (paint colour, cabinet handles, light fittings) is low-risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the PEI rating matter when choosing tiles?
- Yes. For heavily used floors (entrance, kitchen) at least PEI 4 is recommended; for wall tiles the PEI rating is not critical.