There are numerous options of tile and it can seem overwhelming when you are shopping for it. As with every new product for your home, there are some helpful ideas to think about that will help you figure out what you require, so you can choose the ideal tile.
The best method to begin the process of shopping for tile is to determine the space and the area where the tile is to be placed (floor or wall, shower, etc. ), measure the space and choose the type of tiles, the color, design and size. Once you’ve determined these the space, then you need to think about the rating and grade of the tile, so you know for certain that the tile is suitable for your space. The final step, once you’ve picked the style you like best, are to purchase samples and figure out the amount of tile you’ll need to order.
It may seem like a lot to think about and consider however, we’re here to help and lay everything out so that you are able to comprehend and appreciate the whole process.
Location of Tile
The procedure for how to buy tile begins with the room itself. While tile is a fantastic, strong choice for flooring however, various types of tile might be better suited to your specific project, based on its area. Therefore, the first consideration is the space that you will be renovating with tiles. For example, if your doing some work to your bathroom it is recommended to choose a tile that has a texture. This would be better than a flat tile which becomes very slippery in wet. However, in a place such as your entranceway an entryway tile that is textured will be more difficult to wash than a smooth tile. In high-traffic areas at home, a tough porcelain that is resistant to scratches and chipping is a good option. When you’re looking at ceramic tile, make sure you keep it indoors as ceramic tiles are more porous and don’t last as long against the weather – you get the concept.
Locate the Location
The next thing to do is then measure your space so that you can assist in the final step of the procedure – which is, determining how much tile you want to purchase. For each area you want to tile, take measurements of how long and wide of the area in feet. You can then multiply those two numbers to calculate the actual square footage of your space.
Color & Pattern
The tone of color affects the overall look of your room, which makes choosing the color very important. Dark tiles add warmth, but make sure you have an open space with sufficient light to prevent the tile’s hue from dominating the palette of your space. To make a room appear larger, opt for lighter shades. And for heavy traffic spaces try a range of shades. Also, a slight contrast on your floor will help mask any dirt (a useful tip for you!). Also flooring or wall tiles do not have to be a single color. The choice of a beautiful design for your tile could be the next step for your floor, wall, backsplash or bathroom.
These days tiles are offered in a myriad of designs that will complement your home’s decor style.
Tile Ratings & Grade
Tiles are graded by a system of grading and is solely based upon the tile’s durability and resistance to surface damage. One way to think on it this way is that having a grade or grade 1 indicates that tiles are more prone to scratches or dents while a grade 5 is thought to be a more durable tile, and more resistant to damage on the surface.
Here’s a summary of the 5 ratings levels and the appropriate application:
Class 1-No pedestrian traffic. These tiles are suitable on walls only.
Grade 2: Light traffic. Good for interior commercial and residential walls. These are for areas where little abrasion occurs, like bathrooms!
Grade 3 – Light to moderate traffic. You can use these in homes with normal pedestrians. They also make great the walls and counters.
Grade 4 – Moderate-to-heavy traffic. These tiles are acceptable for all home spaces and medium commercial spaces.
Grade 5 – Heavy to extra heavy foot traffic. Approved tile for all residential areas and heavy commercial spaces.
Rate of water absorption
Another aspect to be considered when buying tiles is its water absorption rate or W.A. This rating can tell you whether the tile is best tile to be used in an area that is wet or outdoors. The four classifications are listed of the W.A. rating. They’re identified by a name as well as the percentage of water absorption through the tiles.
Slip Resistance
The slip resistance of a tile is another crucial rating. The rating that is known as is the coefficient of friction, or C.O.F. It’s a term used to describe a tile’s natural resistance to slipping and it’s measured by the force needed to move an object across a surface divided by the object’s weight. The lower C.O.F. number indicates less friction, thus the floor will provide less traction. A higher C.O.F. number means that the floor will be less slippery.
Request Samples
The samples are essential! The color of a tile in our stores and your home could be very different because of the difference of lighting. It is recommended that you purchase samples through your sales rep to give you a better understanding of the way it would look inside your house.
How Much Tile Do You Need to Purchase and when to place an order for It
After you’ve selected your tile and are aware of the measurements of your space, it’s time to calculate how much tile you’ll need. Each style of tile comes in different size cases, so it’s important to determine how many square feet are included in the case that you choose for your tile. When you have determined this you’ve got it, you’re advised to add about 10-20% of additional tiles to your order. It’s because it’s not unusual to find some tiles in cases broken or damaged. It’s also worth buying some extra in case any mistakes were made or some tiles become broken during installation.
After you’ve completed and learned about all those steps it’s time to visit one of our stores and start the fun of tile shopping!
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