Choosing floor tiles can seem like a daunting task when you first start thinking about laying your floor. What size? What type? How much to spend?

Let's start with the first question. What size? With larger floor tiles you require a lot less grout which makes the tiles much quicker to lay and easier to keep clean and maintain. With larger tiles, you also have the benefit of fewer tiles. While this will not save you money, it does make laying them much less prone to error. Let me explain: You will never lay a tile exactly as it should be, you could be a fraction of a millimetre to the left or rotated half a degree, it's hardly noticeable, however, the more tiles you lay, the more these imperfections add up and you could be left with an unsightly floor.

Despite the benefit of larger tiles, you should ensure that your floor is completely flat before opting for large tiles. Even a slight irregularity in the floor will leave corners of larger tiles protruding from the floor. So you know how large your tiles are going to be, now let's look at the different types of tiles available.

Made from clay, Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular choice; they come in loads of different colours, sizes and shapes. They are also favoured due to their durability and price. Hard glaze finished ceramic tiles are a good choice if you are tiling a wet area.

Straight from the earth, various forms of natural stone are used for tiles. The common rock types made into tiles are: Granite, Marble and Slate. These tiles tend to cost a little more and are heavier than other types of tiles, though for many, natural stone tiles are the ultimate in elegance.

If you are looking for that sparkly ultra clean look then you may be interested in glass tiles. They are very easy to clean, although as easy as dirt comes off, so do feet when they are wet. If installing these on your bathroom floor invest in some non-slip mats or you could be left with a bump on your head and a broken shower curtain.

Now, a look at cost. This is probably the most important factor when choosing your tiles. Very few of us have the luxury of an unlimited budget so you will no doubt have to make some compromises when choosing your tiles. As noted above, Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are the most cost effective tiles, available in hundreds, if not thousands of styles, colours and shapes, you can pay as little as 9p per tile to over £15 per tile.

Glass tiles are slightly more expensive than Ceramic and Porcelain tiles, although some may be willing to pay more for the effect. Prices vary drastically so speak to your local tile retailer.

At the top end of the price scale are natural stone tiles. Along with the high cost of buying and laying these tiles, you should also expect to spend a bit on maintaining them if you want to keep them looking their best. It is always worth a bit of bartering when buying your tiles, often, you will find that the listed price is not the best that the outlet can do.

Many stores sell off end of line tiles for much cheaper than the listed price. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these end of line tiles and you can save a packet.

There are bargains to be had!