Questions to Ask When Choosing Tile
August 9th, 2007 by Home ProIf you haven’t been tile shopping in a while, you’ll be amazed at the number of options you’ll find. Things have changed drastically over the years and now there are many different beautiful tiles in a wide array of materials, styles, designs, textures, and patterns.
Without a little research and forethought, your choices may seem overpowering. It’s wise to learn about today’s tile options before you go out shopping for tile for your home.
As you begin your search for tile, you’ll discover Ceramic tile as one of the most popular choices. It is a very strong tile which functions well in most any circumstance. You will also soon discover a wide choice of decorative tiles, glass tile, natural stone tile, and many other types that come in all sizes, shapes, and colors.
As a consumer who’s interested in making a well-informed choice, you’ll want to consider these five (5) tips. Remember, this is a choice you’ll have to live with for many years, so make a careful selection.
- Does the tile fit the intended purpose?
Having tile installed in your home is a big project and one that hopefully will serve you well for many, many years. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you pick the right tile the first time. Be sure the tile you choose is sturdy enough to withstand the use it will receive. Some types of tile are strong enough for outdoor or indoor use while other tiles are only suitable for indoor use. Some will work better is certain areas of your home than in others. - Is the slip-resistance rating right for the area?
Tile is rated for slip-resistance to help you make the wisest choice based on where you are planning to place the tile in your home. Stay away from heavily glazed tiles in entryways, kitchens, or bathrooms – these tiles become very slippery when wet. You’ll find other tiles much more compatible for these areas. - Are you in a hurry to get the job done?
If you are working with a deadline and need your tile installed quickly, your best choice is to choose larger tiles – these obviously are less tedious to lie than small tiles. Hopefully you won’t have to make your choice based on this factor. If at all possible make your decision based on what you really want rather than how fast you can get it installed. - What accent and trim pieces are available?
One of the best parts of choosing your new tile is adding the finishing touch to the design with coordinating accent and trim pieces. Look for styles such as bull-nose tiles (tiles with one or two rounded edges instead of four 90-degree corners) and cove (curved) tiles to give your room the final dramatic appearance With careful coordination of wall, floor, or counter top design, your bathroom tile or kitchen tile will be the envy of everyone who enters your home. - What if the tile you choose doesn’t have coordinating trim pieces?
You just might fall in love with one special tile that unfortunately doesn’t have matching trim pieces. Don’t despair, there are other options! Look around for a pattern that will coordinate with the style you like the most and work it into your design; then you can use the trim pieces for the second style for an overall astounding effect. You’ll be surprised how many different ways you can make it work, but don’t settle for your second choice without looking for ways around it.
Choose Your Tile Wisely
It can’t be stressed too much that your tile selection is a very long-term element of your home. It’s far too important to put down tile that you are not 100% happy with initially.
Be sure your choice of tile is right for the area where you intend to put it. Of course you’ll choose tile that works in your current décor, but think ahead and try to choose tile that won’t be intolerable in a few years should you decide to redecorate with new paint colors and furnishings.
Other points to ponder:
- Choosing tiles at the extreme ends of the color spectrum can be beautiful at the time, but this also has its drawbacks. Try not to choose tiles too dark or too light since these tend to show soil much more noticeably.
- If you have children or pets in your home, you might not want to choose tiles with a high-sheen and smooth texture; these also tend to show tracks and footprints more than a textured surface.
- Consider the area carefully and pick lighter colors in a large pattern if you want your room to appear larger. If you need to make a large area seem more intimate and comfortable, select darker colors in small tiles.
- Always try to take home some samples to play with on your floor. Place the tiles near walls and in various places to see how it works within your rooms. Decide if it works with your colors and lighting to give you the effect you’re looking for, whether it’s your floor or your counter top.
- Think about how much time you have to take care of your tile. Try not to pick tile that will require more time than you have available to provide the proper care and maintenance.
- Another great idea is to choose coordinating grout colors which are much easier to keep clean than white and light-colored grouts, and they are much less noticeable in your patterns. You can keep your floors and counter tops looking like new if you make the best choice.
Be Happy with your Choice
If you consider all the important do’s and don’ts in selecting tile, you can make a much better decision and one that you will be happy about for many years. You and your family can spend your time enjoying your space without spending more time than necessary in maintenance.
Select discount tile at manufacturer direct pricing including kitchen tile and bathroom tile from leading manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at DirectBuy. You’ll also find practically everything else you’ll need to make your home remodeling, redecorating, or building project a huge success. Discover the savings at DirectBuy!
Tags: Bathroom Tile, Flooring, Kitchen Tile
August 30th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
What type slip-resistance rating should we have to tile our outdoor patio? Our patio is covered by a roof and enclosed by a screen. We do not have a pool, so it should not be wet other than if rain comes through the screen.
September 5th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Hello Jeremy,
There are several key pieces of information that you need to know before you buy tiles:
• Break strength – the measure of how much weight the tile can support
• Wear rating – the durability of a tile’s glaze
• Coefficient of friction (COF) – the slip-resistance rating for tile
For you, the COF rating will be an especially important factor. These ratings range from 0 to 1, with tiles 0.6 and higher considered slip-resistant. Tiles in the slip-resistant range are recommended by manufacturers for high-traffic areas, such as entryways, and in areas where there will be water spills, such as bathrooms, kitchen sink areas and patios.
Just keep 0.6 in mind as the magic number when you shop, and you’ll be ready for safe patio time for years to come!
September 10th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I am installing tile floors in my house. What type of materials do I need?
September 12th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Hello Gordon,
Installing your own tile floors can be a great way to improve the value of your home, while staying on budget. But as most DIY-ers find out, not having the right materials on hand can make or break the success of your project.
Here are the tools to put on your shopping list before you get started:
Buckets for mixing and grouting
Tape measure
Chalk line
Sponges
Straight edge and square
Ceramic tile cutter
Tile nippers
Wet saw
Floor spacers
Hammer and galvanized nails
Drill and mixing paddle
Notched floor trowels
Grout float
Good luck!
September 14th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
We want to re-tile our master bathroom shower. We have heard that it is best to use a 2” tile for the shower floor as opposed to larger sizes. Is there any truth to this?
September 24th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Hi Brett,
That’s a great question!
Smaller tiles have become increasingly popular for showers. However, don’t think you have to rule out those 12” tiles you may have seen in manufacturers’ catalogs. In terms of safety issues, your tiles’ material and slip-resistance rating are more important than their actual size. Think about it as the difference between slate and marble.
A big reason why you may have heard that smaller tiles are better? Smaller tiles mean more tiles and more grout lines, which help traction. Plus, smaller tiles do conform more easily to floors than 12” tiles, which can take some extra planning when working on the mud bed.
While 2-4” squares are the most common tiles in homes, you can still experiment with 6”, 8” or 12” types to discover the best look for your bathroom. But remember, talk with your supplier about the material and slip-resistance rating of the tiles you purchase to enjoy your shower safely for years to come, and make sure you choose an experienced installer.
October 2nd, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Are certain types of tile easier to maintain than others?
October 4th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Hi Elizabeth,
Before you buy your tile, it’s important to look into how much time you will need to spend maintaining your investment. It may not be your first priority when you are selecting your tile, but it can make a huge difference.
Tile experts agree that ceramic tiles are generally considered the easiest type of tiles to maintain for walls, countertops and floors. With regular cleaning, they will stay beautiful for years to come. Which tiles require a little extra care? Natural stone and unglazed tile, which are more porous than a glazed tile.
No matter what kind of tile you select, it’s important to consult your manufacturer’s recommendations for caring for your tile, and follow the instructions carefully.
October 22nd, 2007 at 3:01 pm
We are looking to put tile floors in our home. We have been paying close attention to every home that we have been to over the past 5 months if they have tile flooring. The size of the tile in the homes we have observed has differed greatly. Are there specific reasons for why you would pick a particular size of tile?
October 24th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Hello Lionel,
That’s a great question! You’re absolutely right about seeing a wide variety of tiles in today’s homes. These days, almost anything goes – from 4-inch squares all the way up to 24-inch squares.
The most important factors in picking a tile aren’t about size as much as they are about how the tiles will be used in your home. Will the tile be used in your bathroom? Your entry way? Your kitchen? It’s important to check with your manufacturer about the tile rating system for the areas where you plan to install it.
That said, there are different opinions about how the size of the room should relate to the size of the tile. Some experts believe that larger, 12-inch tiles are not only easier and less expensive to install, but they actually make a small room look larger and more open. Plus, with less lines and grout, they say it creates a cleaner look that is easier to maintain.
Your local DirectBuy showroom offers a huge selection of floor tiles of all sizes, plus interior designers and product specialists specially trained to help you find the right size and style for your home.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Is it important that your shower tile and floor tile in your bathrooms match each other, or can you use different shades or colors?
December 5th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Hi Sharon,
The number-one rule of color coordination is that there are no rules. Well, almost!
Now, more than ever, there’s a huge variety in tile available – you won’t believe the colors, sizes, shapes and materials you can choose from. Along with this huge selection, homeowners are throwing many of the old rules of matching tile out the window and having fun creating the bathrooms of their dreams.
Neutrals are still the best bet for a look you’ll love for years to come, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to just white. Try “new neutral” shades like light blue or sage.
When in doubt about which colors to choose, visit your local DirectBuy showroom. You’ll find tons of tile from top manufacturers, plus interior designers and installers to help you put it all in place.
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
We are looking into upgrading our countertops. We have always wanted granite but keep hearing that quartz is better. What is the difference between the two?
January 24th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Hi Louise,
In recent years, granite countertops from DirectBuy have been a must-have in modern, upscale kitchens. But homeowners in the know have begun to discover that quartz tiles and countertops from DirectBuy offer the same benefits as granite – and even out perform it in some aspects!
Here are some quick points to consider:
Quartz is actually stronger than granite. (But remember, this means quartz is heavier, too!)
In terms of cutting and installing slabs, quartz is easier to handle and not as likely to break or crack.
Within a slab, quartz is more likely to have uniform color and pattern than granite, which can vary.
Granite requires sealing (and subsequent resealing later), but quartz does not.
Quartz is highly resistant to scratches and stains.
Quartz countertops, which are engineered multistone countertops, can be installed from Cambria and zodiaq for the look of granite and ultimate durability. Cambria and zodiaq are made from pure, natural quartz, a stone right from the earth. Quartz is one of the hardest and most common minerals on earth, giving cambria and zodiaq the rare combination of superior beauty and strength.
Depending on your lifestyle or commercial application, quartz (solid surface countertops) may be a better choice than granite (natural stone).
DirectBuy carries a large selection of brand-name kitchen tiles, countertops and cabinets at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. A one-stop shop for all your home building, furnishing and remodeling needs, DirectBuy has virtually everything – including the kitchen sink – for in and around your home.
May 14th, 2008 at 12:31 am
I’ve read that marble slab and marble tile is easily stained and damaged - that it might not be a good choice of material for a kitchen countertop. Contractors I have talked to so far have had mixed thoughts on the subject.
I really like the look of marble, and I’m looking for any consensus on the sutability of marble for the kitchen before heading down that road, and possibly regretting the choice.
Any advise appreciated, thanks.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:06 am
MARBLE: The truth is you can put marble on your countertops. It is, after all, your kitchen. You could upholster the countertops with silk if you wanted to…it all boils down to how much maintenance you are willing to live with.
So how much time and energy is involved?
Although marble is a beautiful material it will stain easily. Marble tiles and marble slabs have much the same characteristics in that they both break easily if not installed correctly and both stain very easily. Even water will temporarily stain marble.
Spills should be cleaned immediately. Wash marble countertops with a clean, soft cloth at least once a week, using a very mild detergent. Use of a non- yellowing wax for extra protection is recommended. Acid stains, such as fruit juice, should be cleaned immediately, as they may etch into the surface.
Marble is softer and more porous than granite making it less practical for rigorous kitchen use. It can be sealed to protect against stains, but the polish will etch or dull very easily if acidic liquids such as wine, coffee, juices and alcohol are spilled on the surface.
Marble will also scratch much more easily than granite. Over the years the marble will absorb stains, the patina will change and the stone will begin to reflect the essential character of your home. This is especially true of marble tile floors, which become more beautiful with age and use. If you choose to have marble countertops, select a dark marble, this way you don’t have fuss over every spill. If you have the time and money to keep up with marble countertops, then go for it.
Use Sealers
Because of the high absorption rate of most marbles, a sealer should be applied to help slow the rate of water and stain absorption into the stone. Depending on the life of the sealer, it will need to be reapplied periodically every one to three years.
Sealers are readily available on the market and can be easily applied by the homeowner. However, many homeowners have a misconception about stone sealers. Even though a stone is sealed, it does not mean that it is an impervious surface. The sealer can help slow the absorption process, but it does not mean that no staining will occur. Although sealers have improved in recent years, there is no product that will completely protect marble from staining or etching.
For guidance selecting cabinetry, flooring, countertops, and design plans, check out your local DirectBuy showroom. DirectBuy has interior designers and product specialists specially trained to assist you in selecting the right products for your project, plus an installer network to help you put everything together.