Choosing the right tiles for your home is a choice that can completely change your living space. Whether you’re remodeling a single space or overhauling your whole house, the right tiles can brighten up and enhance the functionality of any room. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to find the ideal tiles for your tile flooring project, looking at everything from style to durability to budget.
Tile Selection Step by Step
Tiles come in a variety of designs that can be useful as flooring or wall coverings, making them a go-to choice for lots of homes. From ceramic to natural stone, every tile type brings different advantages and advantages. Selecting the perfect tile for your home is about knowing your space and lifestyle as well as any requirements of the area that you’re working on.
Why the Right Tile Matters in Selecting Tiles
Choosing the wrong tile can have a range of ramifications, including bad performance, high maintenance and even aesthetic incompatibility. Finding the right tile to suit your décor and also stand up to wear and tear and it is a good time is no easy feat. It can help a room feel larger, more formal or cozier, depending on how it’s selected and deployed.
Types of Tiles for Your Home
Tiling materials, sizes and finishes vary widely. Here’s a rundown of the most popular kinds you’ll come across:
Ceramic Tiles
Read More: Why do Homeowners Choose Ceramic Tiles? Clay was shaped into these structures and then they were fired under high temperatures so they were durable and versatile. These are perfect for moisture-ridden areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are a more dense and less porous sub-type of these materials. They also provide incredible durability, perfect for high traffic areas. Although they may be pricier, they tend to be durable, making them a good investment in the long run.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles: Ideal for those who want a timeless and elegant touch, granite, marble and slate can be a wonderful option. They bring plenty of luxury to a space, though they have a porosity that means they take a bit more upkeep. If you are drawn to a natural aesthetic and don’t mind spending time on upkeep, these tiles may be the right pick for you.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and Vinyl
Vinyl tiles are a budget-friendly, low-maintenance choice, particularly for spaces that need to be water-resistant, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), which have the appearance of stone, wood or ceramic, hit the sweet spot, providing greater durability, water resistance and ease of installation. They also have a slightly softer feel than harder materials underfoot.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Picking Tiles
There are several factors that can influence your decision when selecting tiles for your home. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Durability and Maintenance
Tiles may be made from tons and tons of materials. Some of the most durable options are porcelain and natural stone; ceramic is also very rugged but may not hold up as well under heavy use as porcelain does. Another consideration is maintenance — for instance, natural stone has to be sealed periodically to prevent it from staining.
Tile Size and Layout
Tile size can have a great impact on how large a space feels. Bigger tiles do help to open up a room and make it feel larger, while small tiles are good for elaborate designs and patterns. The pattern, whether a classic grid, diagonal or herringbone layout, also affects the overall look.
Color and Design
The color of your tiles can either match up with your overall décor or stand out. Light tiles reflect light and can make small spaces feel bigger, while dark tiles feel warmer and cozier. Patterns, textures and finishes (glossy versus matte, for instance) also have a huge impact on the final look.
Texture and Slip Resistance
In places where tiles will potentially get wet, like bathrooms or kitchens, it’s important to pick tiles with good slip resistance. If you are thinking to use textured tiles in kitchen or bathroom then that is a good option because these tiles give better grip to these spaces. As elegant as polished tiles can be, they aren’t the ideal option for wet regions.
Some types of tiles are better for certain rooms or outdoor spaces than others. Here is a guide to selecting the right tile for the right place:
Kitchen
Kitchens are susceptible to spills and stains, so tiles that are easy to clean, such as ceramic or porcelain, are preferable. Glossy tiles feel even easier to clean and can be used for backsplashes.
Bathroom
Tiles resistant to moisture are needed in bathrooms. Porcelain, ceramic and natural stone are all great options, but be sure to get them properly sealed, particularly in shower areas.
Living Room and Bedrooms
Living rooms and bedrooms are spaces for showcasing your style. Here, consider using a variety of the tile options, such as wood-look porcelain, marble, or large-format tiles to create a sleek, modern look.
Outdoor Spaces
For patios, walkways and outdoor kitchens, outdoor-rated porcelain tiles or natural stone tiles are best. And they hold up under weather exposure and heavy foot traffic.
Selecting tiles wisely – Budgeting
Tiles are available in various price points, from inexpensive vinyl to high-end marble. Tile costs are not just for the tiles themselves; you also need to think about installation and maintenance costs. Natural stone and premium vinyl tiles can cost more, while ceramic and porcelain tiles tend to be cost-effective.
Before Installing Your Tiles – Tips and Tricks
Do You Want to Install Yourself or Use a Pro
Although many tiles can be installed as a do-it-yourself project, particularly with simpler materials such as vinyl, more complicated products, like marble or large-format tiles, may need professional installation. Those working to the right standards are a professional installer and they will do their jobs correctly and it will save you money in the long run.
Regular Cleaning and Care
Different types of tiles require varying degrees of maintenance. Cleaning ceramic and porcelain tiles regularly, while needing natural stone tiles to be sealed and cared for more regularly to avoid scratches and staining.
Conclusion
Tile shopping for your home isn’t rocket science. Whether it is the right choice of material, durability, design and functionality, tiles are available to suit all your space. Also consider how much maintenance you’re willing to take on and whether professional installation is needed. Using the right tiles brings unrivaled beauty to your home, providing more functional and comfortable living spaces.
Whatever your style and budget, The Tile Depot will have a tile to suit! Explore our collection today to complete your dream home!