Choosing tile doesn’t have to be tricky. Done right, the ideal kitchen backsplash, accent wall, or shower floor tiles will bring out the best in your space. We share 5 tips to help you navigate the selection process. Armed with these, you can confidently transform your home into a stunning cocoon that reflects your distinct taste.
1. Start with style and functional needs
Your home décor can be simple or elaborate, but there’s one thing that should be a constant: cohesion. Before selecting tiles, take a moment to think through the atmosphere you wish to create. Will that pink tile you long for gel with your graciously classic kitchen? Explore different tile styles and focus on options that vibe with your desired aesthetic—not work against it.
Equally important is the practical needs of the rooms you’re tiling. We weep at the thought of a stunning bathroom floor being damaged by water. Or living room flooring tile ground down by high footfall and heavy furniture. To avoid such scenarios, make sure to look into the hardness and porosity of tile before making your pick.
2. Explore your material options
Porcelain and ceramic are excellent for tiling your home but what’s crucial is where you want to use them. Ceramic tile is durable, hygienic, and offers a myriad of styles. It’s also affordable so you don’t need to break the bank to personalize your space. However, exposure to outdoor areas like pathways and pool areas can damage the beauty of your new tile.
This is where porcelain saves the day. Its exceptional strength and resistance excel where most materials fail: high-traffic areas, wet areas, and outdoor areas. And with porcelain’s technical brilliance, you can find options that mimic the beauty of real stone, marble, and wood. Without the practical concerns and at a fraction of the cost.
But tiles aren’t limited to the ceramic family. Other options with unique characteristics include natural stone, metal, and glass tiles. To bring iridescent character and charm into your space, glass is the ideal finish. It’s easy to care for, water-resistant, and a perfect fit for shower walls and floors, kitchen backsplashes, and swimming pools.
Then there is the beauty of marble tile to marvel at. It can transform your home into a sanctuary of luxury. With periodic sealing to inhibit its porous nature, marble stone finds its place on walls and floors of bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and just about any spot you can imagine.
3. Understand floor and wall tiles
Knowing the difference between wall and floor tile is essential when making your pick. Tiles for wall use only are thinner, lighter, and often decorative. They are not designed to handle foot traffic, impact, or changing temperatures. In contrast, floor tile is denser, stronger, and sturdier for obvious reasons. It’s meant to endure bustling footsteps, heavy furniture, and daily activity. Some flooring options can be used on walls, but never shop for wall tiles to use on your floors.
4. Think style beyond the ordinary
If you like the idea of making a statement with color, texture, and pattern, a world of mosaic tiles awaits! Think beyond the norm and explore new ways to bring style and functions to different areas of your living space. From neutral tones that transcend fleeting trends to rich, saturated hues that captivate. Discover marble, ceramic, porcelain, and glass mosaic tiles in graphic motifs and all manner of textures. The design possibilities are endless!
5. Get tiling costs right
To set a budget for a new vanity backsplash, patio floor, fireplace surround, or shower wall tile, there are a couple of things to factor in. We recommend investing 10-15% extra product for wastage or future renovation. Remember to add costs for quality adhesive and grout to be used with your new tiles.
Lastly, check with a tile expert or installer if extras like trims are required to give your design a perfect finish. Having all these details in check gives you a clear idea of what price range you’re looking at. Now you can make your final selection of tiles that are completely, utterly perfect for you!
