Ready to buy new tiles for your home? With a dazzling variety, choosing the perfect design can be overwhelming. But it shouldn’t! Tiles provide beauty and practicality you can trust for years. From glass mosaics to classic marble to subway tiles, their durability and versatility allow you to bring any idea you envision to life. In this buyer’s guide, we share tips on how to select the best tiles for every room.
- Know what you want to achieve
Creating a home that merges style and functionality starts with understanding what you want. Tiles are an exciting and affordable way to immerse yourself in a world where possibilities know no bounds. Take time to explore the latest trends and designs to figure out what would look best in your space. What colors, patterns, and sizes resonate with your taste? It is essential to settle for wall and floor tiles that blend in well with your desired interior design theme.
- Understand tile materials and specifics
As you’re considering your options, chances are you’ll come across different types including ceramic, porcelain, metal, glass, and natural stone. Different materials are unique in their own way. The same goes for the rooms in your home. The right tile will serve a specific purpose in the room it is installed. For instance:
- Living room tiles must exhibit the strength needed to withstand daily foot traffic and heavy furniture. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are great for longevity. Marble floor tile can withstand high footfall but requires regular sealing to maintain its good looks.
- Bathroom tiles must be impervious to moisture damage and have slip-resistant properties. Porcelain and ceramic tiles make fabulous choices for both walls and floors. Glass mosaic tiles are also a stylish and practical pick for shower walls and floors.
- Kitchen tiles for backsplash and floors should be non-porous for optimum hygiene. Ceramic, glass, porcelain, metal, and marble mosaic tiles provide an easy-to-clean surface resistant to moisture and stains. Dainty mosaic pieces can be fitted around fixtures and appliances more easily without cutting.
- Outdoor tiles should possess anti-slip and weather-resistant properties. Porcelain tile, due to its robust nature, is the go-to material. It’s able to mimic the beauty of marble, stone, and wood without the practical concerns. And, of course, at a fraction of the cost.
- Research tile costs and set a budget
Now that you have a clear vision of the different tile materials available, it’s time to establish a realistic budget. Material prices range from affordable to expensive. While staying within budget will help your project scope, compromising quality will only lead to disaster along the road.
Keep an eye out for special offers on higher-quality products and you’re sure to find a good balance of quality and price. When working out a budget, don’t forget to factor in installation and labor costs. Also, consider investing in 10-15% more product for cutting and breakages or any future repairs.
- Settle for a reputable tile store
Quality makes a difference—hence shopping around will help you narrow down the list of tile stores. Consider online specialty stores that offer a variety of products and prices so it’s easier to find something that fits within your budget. Be sure to read reviews from each store. This will help gauge quality, durability, and customer service.
- Order samples before you buy
One thing we cannot stress enough is to order tile samples of your top choices. Even when you think you’re 100% sure about a certain design, consider living with the tile for a couple of days. Experience the color, pattern, and finish firsthand—in your space and in different lighting.
- Measure and measure again
Whether you’re adding a kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor, or new pool tiles, make sure to get accurate measurements of the area and determine the right tile quantity required. There’s nothing worse than realizing you don’t have enough product to complete your room. This can cause your project to fall behind schedule. Besides, it’s always the best thing to buy tiles from the same lot to ensure the closest match.
