Shopping for tiles almost always is a very thrilling task for the home owner, especially if it's your first home. However, sometimes it may also be quite stressful. Here are 4 questions you'll want to contemplate to help you complete the process as smoothly and with as little wasted time and money as possible:
What area are the tiles going to be installed? Properly answering this question will probably help you to narrow down what material or type of tile you need for your project more than any other question. Most people don't realize just how many different types of tiles are available. However it is the space that you are going to use them which will determine what tile you ultimately choose. For example if you are going to be installing tiles on the floor you can only install floor tiles. However, on the wall, either floor or wall tiles can work. The reason for this is that floor tiles are made to be much tougher than wall tiles. While floor tiles can easily take heavy or light use, wall tiles would crack and break if used on the floor . You must also decide if the place you are going to install them is going to be wet or have to deal with heat like they would when used on a backsplash or in a bathroom, because this will exclude a large number of tiles. If the space you are going to tile is outside, you must also choose tiles which are rated as very tough and non-vitreous enough to be used as outdoor tiles that are able to withstand the elements.
What do you want the tiles to do for your space? Once you have decided what place the tiles will be installed, you need to think about what you want them to accomplish. If you want to portray a certain feel or look you will need to pick a material that not only can be used in the space but also that conveys what you want it to. For example if you wanted a Mediterranean look for your patio, you might use quarry tiles. If you wanted a safe, durable space around your pool you might choose rubber tiles. Just as important is the tile pattern you decide to use. The pattern you choose can make a room look smaller, bigger, longer, wider, or more modern. Deciding what you want to accomplish in your space will help to determine both the material and the pattern.
How much time do I want to commit to maintaining my tiles? You've selected the area you have to install your tiles, and what you want them to achieve. This should have simplified your selection of tiles tremendously. The next task is to honestly answer just how much you want to clean. While some tile materials can be extremely effortless to clean others can be extremely difficult to keep clean and maintain. Wood tiles for example, while they look like they need a lot of a care, are easily cleaned with most household and tile cleaners because they're actually made out of porcelain or ceramic. On the other hand, many stone tiles like quarry tiles, have to be power washed and most have to be routinely sealed to prevent water and moisture from being absorbed into the tile. So be sure you always find out what type of upkeep and tile cleaner the material of tile you are considering needs. It could have a big impact on your decision.
How much money do you want to spend and can you do the job yourself? Jut like with any product tiles range from very inexpensive to extremely costly. From common ceramic to difficult to find stone, there are tiles for any budget. There's always good deals available, and Mexican tiles really are a perfect example, they're hand-made pieces of art which are even cheaper than ceramic tiles. Make sure that you're very clear on how much you must spend because you will not only need to pay for the actual tiles, but for the installation too. And if you can install the tiles yourself, you'll save yourself a lot money. Rubber tiles and wood deck tiles are fantastic as they can be put down by anyone because they just snap together and there are many more options available. With that being said if you aren't comfortable using a tile saw or have experience laying tile there are several materials and patterns you should leave to the pros.
These questions will help you buy the right tiles and save cash too. If you answer them honestly they'll help you to get rid of the many options which don't work for you, and leave you with only those which do. Not only will addressing these questions help to make buying the right tiles pleasurable and easy, but a quick process too.
What area are the tiles going to be installed? Properly answering this question will probably help you to narrow down what material or type of tile you need for your project more than any other question. Most people don't realize just how many different types of tiles are available. However it is the space that you are going to use them which will determine what tile you ultimately choose. For example if you are going to be installing tiles on the floor you can only install floor tiles. However, on the wall, either floor or wall tiles can work. The reason for this is that floor tiles are made to be much tougher than wall tiles. While floor tiles can easily take heavy or light use, wall tiles would crack and break if used on the floor . You must also decide if the place you are going to install them is going to be wet or have to deal with heat like they would when used on a backsplash or in a bathroom, because this will exclude a large number of tiles. If the space you are going to tile is outside, you must also choose tiles which are rated as very tough and non-vitreous enough to be used as outdoor tiles that are able to withstand the elements.
What do you want the tiles to do for your space? Once you have decided what place the tiles will be installed, you need to think about what you want them to accomplish. If you want to portray a certain feel or look you will need to pick a material that not only can be used in the space but also that conveys what you want it to. For example if you wanted a Mediterranean look for your patio, you might use quarry tiles. If you wanted a safe, durable space around your pool you might choose rubber tiles. Just as important is the tile pattern you decide to use. The pattern you choose can make a room look smaller, bigger, longer, wider, or more modern. Deciding what you want to accomplish in your space will help to determine both the material and the pattern.
How much time do I want to commit to maintaining my tiles? You've selected the area you have to install your tiles, and what you want them to achieve. This should have simplified your selection of tiles tremendously. The next task is to honestly answer just how much you want to clean. While some tile materials can be extremely effortless to clean others can be extremely difficult to keep clean and maintain. Wood tiles for example, while they look like they need a lot of a care, are easily cleaned with most household and tile cleaners because they're actually made out of porcelain or ceramic. On the other hand, many stone tiles like quarry tiles, have to be power washed and most have to be routinely sealed to prevent water and moisture from being absorbed into the tile. So be sure you always find out what type of upkeep and tile cleaner the material of tile you are considering needs. It could have a big impact on your decision.
How much money do you want to spend and can you do the job yourself? Jut like with any product tiles range from very inexpensive to extremely costly. From common ceramic to difficult to find stone, there are tiles for any budget. There's always good deals available, and Mexican tiles really are a perfect example, they're hand-made pieces of art which are even cheaper than ceramic tiles. Make sure that you're very clear on how much you must spend because you will not only need to pay for the actual tiles, but for the installation too. And if you can install the tiles yourself, you'll save yourself a lot money. Rubber tiles and wood deck tiles are fantastic as they can be put down by anyone because they just snap together and there are many more options available. With that being said if you aren't comfortable using a tile saw or have experience laying tile there are several materials and patterns you should leave to the pros.
These questions will help you buy the right tiles and save cash too. If you answer them honestly they'll help you to get rid of the many options which don't work for you, and leave you with only those which do. Not only will addressing these questions help to make buying the right tiles pleasurable and easy, but a quick process too.
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To learn more about tile patterns be sure to read: "Tile Patterns: 3 Secret Methods For Using Them To Your Advantage"
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