Tile Buying Guide

There are endless options of tile and it can seem daunting when you begin shopping for it. Like any other new material to be used in the home there are some helpful tips to consider that will help you determine what you need so you can find the perfect tile.

The best way to begin the tile shopping process is to identify the room and the location where the tile will be placed (floor, wall shower, floor. ) Measure the space then select the type that you want, its color, pattern and size. Once you figure those out, you should then consider the tile ratings and grades, so you know for certain that the tile you choose is the right one for your area. The last step, once you’ve selected the tile you prefer, is to get samples and figure out the amount of tile you’ll need to purchase.

This may sound to be a lot to think about and think about however, we’re here to help and lay everything out so you can understand and take pleasure in the entire process.

Placement of Tile

The process to buy tiles begins with the space itself. Although tiles are a wonderful and durable flooring choice there are different kinds of tiles that can be more suitable for your specific project, based on its site. So, your first consideration should be the particular room which you’re planning to renovate by using tiles. For example, if you’re planning to renovations to your shower, a textured tile would be better than a smooth tile that gets very slippery after wet. However, in an area like your entryway an entryway tile that is textured will be harder to clean than a smooth tile. If you have a lot of traffic in your home, a durable porcelain that resists scratching and chipping is a great option. When you’re looking at ceramic tiles, be sure it’s placed in a protected area as ceramic tiles are more porous and won’t last long in the elements. the concept.

Locate the Location

The next step is then measure your space to aid in to complete the final stage of the process . That is, determining the quantity of tile you want to purchase. For each space you wish to tile, take measurements of your length as well as the wide of the area in feet. Then, multiply that by two to determine the amount of square footage in your space.

Color & Pattern

The color of your walls affects the general mood of the room, which means that choosing the appropriate color is important. Darker tiles can add warmth, but be sure to have an open area with enough light to keep the tile’s hue from dominating the palette of your space. To make a room appear bigger, choose lighter hues. In the case of spaces with heavy traffic you can consider a mix of shades; using a slight contrast on your floor can help hide dirt (a nice helpful hint in your quest!). Additionally flooring or wall tiles don’t need to be one solid color. Finding a stylish design for your flooring could be the next step for your floor, backsplash, or wall.

These days, tiles are available in a variety of designs that will complement the decor of your home.

Tile Ratings and Grades

Tiles are rated by grading systems and is solely based upon the quality of the tile and its resistance to surface damage. An easy way to think in terms of this is that an rating or grade 1 indicates that the tile is more prone to dents and scratches and dents, whereas a grade 5 is considered to be more durable tile and is less susceptible to damage to the surface.

Here is a breakdown of the five rating levels and the appropriate application:

Grade 1 . No pedestrian traffic. These tiles are suitable on walls only.

Grade 2: Light traffic. Good for interior commercial and residential walls. They are ideal for areas where very little abrasion is likely to occur, like bathrooms!

Grade 3 – Moderate to light traffic. You can use these in homes with regular pedestrians. They are also great for countertops and walls.

Grade 4 – Moderate-to-heavy traffic. These tiles are acceptable for every home space as well as medium commercial areas.

Grade 5 – Heavy to extra heavy foot traffic. Tiles are approved for all residential uses and commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic.

Rate of water absorption

Another aspect to be considered when buying tiles is the absorption rate of water or W.A. This rating will tell you whether the tile is ideal tile for a wet area or even outdoors. There’s four types included in the W.A. rating, and they are expressed by a name as well as the percentage of water absorbed in the tiles.

Slip Resistance

A tile’s slip resistance is an additional important rating. The rating that is called is coefficient of friction, also known as C.O.F. This is a reference to a tile’s natural resistance against slippage and is measured using the force needed to move the object on a surface divided by the weight of the item. The lower C.O.F. number signifies less friction, thus the floor will provide less traction. A higher C.O.F. number indicate that floor will be less slippery.

Request Samples

A must-have is a sample! The hue of a tile that we sell compared to your home may be distinct due to the differing levels of lighting. It is always recommended to purchase samples through your sales representative to give you an idea and feel of how it will look within your space.

How much tile do you need to purchase? What is the best time to order It

After you’ve selected your tile and have the dimensions of the space now is the time to figure out how much tile you need to order. Every style of tile is available in different size cases It’s crucial to know how many square feet are included in the case that you choose for your tile. Once you’ve established that you’re sure, it’s recommended to add about 10-20% of additional tiles to your order. This is due to the fact that it’s not unusual to find some tiles damaged or damaged. It’s also worth buying some extras in the event that mistakes were made or some tiles become broken in the process of installation.

After you’ve completed and learned about all aspects of this process, you’re ready to make a stop at one of our locations to start enjoying tile shopping!