For many people, tiles are an invaluable solution to their decorating problems. Durable, attractive and available in various colours, tiles are excellent options for your flooring or walls.
When purchasing tiles, there are many things to consider, and we’re going to look at them in this post. Whether you’re planning on decorating your bathroom and kitchen, or want to make your flooring more appealing, these are the things you need to think about.
Which Tile Types Are Available?
There are so many tile types around; you’re spoilt for choice. But it’s essential to know the pros and cons of the most popular tiles before you make a final choice. Let’s take a look at them now.
Ceramic Tiles: Most homes incorporate ceramic tiles because they’re so easy to source and lay. There are hundreds of styles available, and ceramic is durable enough for households with children and pets.
Porcelain Tiles: The second most common type of tiles are popular because they can look like stone, brick or wood. While many homeowners love the look of porcelain tiles, they are more challenging to apply, which is why ceramic is more popular.
Cement Tiles: If you’re searching for a timeless classic, then cement tiles might be ideal for you. They’ve been around since the 19th Century, and come in a wide range of patterns.
Glass Tiles: Glass holds the vital benefit of being stain-resistant, which means the tiles are easy to clean. However, glass also chips easily, so it’s not a good idea for households with pets and children.
Mosaic: If you’re a fan of Moroccan, Roman, and Greek-themed bathrooms, then it’s impossible to forget mosaic tiles. They come in a range of patterns, colours and sizes. These tiles also look incredible.
Marble Tiles: The essence of upper-class decor, marble tiles are more expensive than most other variations, but they give any space a classic appeal.
Stone/Rock Tiles: Rustic decor or more traditional buyers have plenty of tiles to choose from. Options include granite and limestone, both of which are effective for improving your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Metal Tiles: One of the newer tile types is metal, but it’s not for everyone. While metal tiles are more durable, some people find the overall look of them is too much.
How Small Is Your Bathroom?
The size of your bathroom impacts its aesthetic appeal. While there’s nothing wrong with smaller spaces, it can look crowded if you don’t utilise the right decorating techniques. One of the biggest mistakes we see people making is purchasing the wrong size tiles.
Large tiles take less time to install, but they’re also the easiest way to make your small room look even tinier. In fact, it’s a common bathroom mistake we see all too often.
Opt for smaller tiles to give the impression that your bathroom is more spacious. You’ll feel more at home and avoid the cluttered effect.
Which Colours Will You Use?
Decorating is a fun job for everyone, but many people get caught up in the latest trends. It’s perfectly normal to want a modern decor theme, but you should think about how your tiles will fit in with the rest of your home.
There are plenty of things you can do, but try to consider the needs of your household. For example, if you’re tiling your bathroom and you have a young family, it’s best to have a bright decor scheme to make spending time in the room more appealing.
Older families should try to incorporate their tastes into the overall design of their bathroom or kitchen. If your home generally follows a themed decor scheme, such as Moroccan or Boho Chic, then you’ll want to continue it with your tiles too.
Black and white tiles can be a popular choice, but many people find them too familiar. You should only use children’s tiles if the room is specifically for your little ones. They might love the design, but it’s probably not the best idea if guests will use the room too.
Are You Buying Online?
In these uncertain times, online shopping has become a convenient way in which we source items. There are many benefits to buying tiles online, but you should always make sure the company is willing to send you a sample first.
If you can’t get a sample, check to see whether there’s a returns policy. The tiles you choose might look fantastic from behind a computer screen, but very different in person. To ensure you don’t have to worry about wasting money, always have a back-up plan.
Factor in Extra Costs
Most people budget for their tiles but forget about the essential tools to lay them correctly. Before you choose an expensive design, make sure you factor in the cost of:
- Spacers
- Grout
- Adhesive
If you’re tiling a shower area, it’s essential to check the adhesive you use is suitable. Planning will save you a lot of money in the long-run, so work out how much you can afford on the actual tiles before you spend money.
There are plenty of retailers that sell specialist tiling tools at low prices. Remember, once you have the necessary tools, you’ll store them for future use.
Measure Up
Never – and we mean never – forget to measure how many tiles you’ll need. The simple way to do this is by multiplying the length by the height of each wall you’re planning to tile.
Add the number of tiles you’ll need from each wall together, and add an extra 10% to account for breakages. Most retailers cost their tiles based on square meters, so it should be easy to work out how much you’re likely to spend.
The Bottom Line
With so many tiles available, you can find ones that suit your decor scheme and practical requirements. Instead of making an immediate decision, shop around and enjoy the experience. With a little time and an open mind, you’ll find the perfect tile type, design and colour for your home.