There are numerous options of tile and it can seem confusing when you first begin looking for it. But, as with any new material to be used in your home, there are some guidelines to follow that will help you determine what you need so you can find the right tile.
The most effective way to begin the process of buying tiles is to pinpoint the room and where the tile will be installed (floor, wall, shower, etc. ), measure the space then select the type that you want, its color pattern , and size. After you’ve figured that out the space, then you need to think about the rating and grade of the tile, so you know for sure that it’s the best for your space. The last step, now that you’ve chosen your preferred style of tile are obtaining samples and working out the amount of tile you’ll need to order.
This may sound like a lot of things to think about and consider however, we’re here to assist and lay it all out for you to help you understand and appreciate the whole process.
Where to put the Tile
The process for how to buy tile begins with the space itself. While tile is a great option for flooring however, various types of tile can be more suitable for your specific project, based on its place of the project. Therefore, the first consideration should be the particular room which you’re planning to renovate with tile. For example, if your doing renovations to your shower, a textured tile would be superior to a smooth tile which becomes very slippery in wet. But in a space like an entryway the tile with a texture will be more difficult to clean than a nice smooth tile. For areas that are heavily used in your home, a tough porcelain that is resistant to scratches and chipping is an excellent choice. When you’re looking at ceramic tiles, be sure it’s stored indoors because they’re more porous than porcelain and won’t last very long against the elements. You get the idea.
Measure the Location
The next step is to measure the area you have to aid in the last step of the process , which is, determining how much tile you want to purchase. For each area you want to tile, measure the length and width in feet. You can then multiply those two numbers in order to calculate the exact area.
Color & Pattern
The tone of color affects the overall look of your space. This is why choosing the right color is crucial. Darker colors add warmth but make sure you are in a space that is open and adequate lighting to prevent the color of the tile from overpowering the color scheme of your room. To make a room appear larger, stick to lighter hues. For areas with a lot of traffic you can consider a mix of shades; using a subtle contrast in your flooring can help hide dirt (a good tip to you!). Additionally flooring or wall tiles do not have to be one color. Finding a stylish design for your floor could be the next best option for your floor, backsplash, wall or bathroom.
Today tiles can be found in many different kinds of patterns to complement the decor of your home.
Tile Ratings & Grade
Tile is rated by a system of grading and is solely based upon the tiles’ durability and resistance to surface damage. One way to think on it this way is that having a rating or grade 1 means that tiles are more susceptible to dents and scratches when compared to a grade 5, which is considered a more durable tile, and more resistant to damage to the surface.
Here’s a summary of all 5 rating levels as well as their applications:
Class 1-No pedestrian traffic. These tiles should be used as wall tiles only.
Grade 2: Light traffic. Good for interior commercial and residential walls. These walls are best for areas where there is a little chance of abrasion, such as bathrooms!
Grade 3 – Moderate to light traffic. These are ideal for residential areas with regular foot traffic. They are also great for counter tops and even walls.
Grade 4 – Moderate or heavy traffic. These tiles are acceptable for any residential space, in addition to commercial spaces that are medium in size.
Grade 5 – Heavy to extra heavy foot traffic. Tiles are approved for all residential and commercial areas that have heavy traffic.
Water Absorption Rate
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration when buying tiles is its absorption of water or W.A. This rating will tell you whether a tile is the right tile to use in a wet area or even outdoors. Four categories are included in the W.A. rating and they’re expressed by a name as well as the percentage of water that is absorbed in the tiles.
Slip Resistance
The slip resistance of a tile is another crucial rating. The actual rating called is coefficient of friction or C.O.F. This is a reference to a tile’s resistance to slippage and it’s measured by the force required to slide an object across a floor divided by the weight of the object. Lower C.O.F. number means less friction, therefore the floor will have less friction. A higher C.O.F. number means that the floor will not be as slippery.
Request Samples
A must-have is a sample! The shade of tiles in our showrooms compared to your home’s color could be different because of the difference of lighting. It is always recommended to purchase samples from your sales representative to give you an concept of how it would look at home.
How much tile do you need to purchase? What is the best time to order It
Now that you’ve chosen your tile, and you know the measurements of your space now is the time to calculate how much tile you need to order. Each type of tile comes in various sizes Therefore, it’s crucial to know how many square feet of space is in each case for the chosen tile. Once you’ve established that, then it’s always recommended to add around 10-20% of additional tiles to your order. It’s because it’s not uncommon to find tiles damaged or damaged. It’s also worth purchasing additional tiles in the event that any errors are made or some are broken when installing.
Now that you’ve completed and learned about each those steps you’re ready to visit one of our stores and start enjoying tile shopping!
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