There are a myriad of options for tiles and it can be daunting when you begin shopping for it. But, as with any new material you’ll find in the home there are some helpful suggestions to be aware of that can aid you in determining the things you require so that you can choose the ideal tile.
The most effective way to begin the process of buying tiles is to determine the space and the location where the tile will be put in (floor or wall shower, etc. ) and then, take measurements of the area and then choose the kind of tiles, the color, pattern , and size. After you’ve figured that out it is important to consider the ratings and grades of tiles to make certain that the tile is suitable for your area. The last step, after you’ve decided on the style you like best, is to get samples and figure out the amount of tile you’ll need to purchase.
It may seem to be a lot to think about and process however, we’re here to assist and lay everything out to help you understand and appreciate the whole process.
The location of the Tile
The procedure for how to purchase tile starts with the space itself. Although tile is a fantastic option for flooring however, various types of tile might be better suited to your particular project based on the area. The first thing to consider is the room which you’re planning to renovate using tile. For example, if you’re planning to the work to your shower and want a tile with texture, a textured one would be superior to a smooth tile that becomes slippery after wet. However, in a place such as your entranceway the tile with a texture will be more difficult to wash than a smooth tile. If you have a lot of traffic within your home, a sturdy porcelain that is resistant to scratching and chipping is an excellent option. If you’re considering ceramic tiles, ensure that you keep it indoors as ceramic tiles are more porous, and will not last long in the elements – you get the concept.
Find the location
The next step is measure the space to aid in the final step of the process , which is, determining the amount of tiles to purchase. For each space you wish to tile, take measurements of both the width and length of the area in feet. Then, multiply these two numbers to determine the area of your space.
Color & Pattern
The color of your walls affects the general mood of your space, which is why choosing the right color is crucial. Darker tiles can add warmth, however, you must ensure that you have an open space with adequate lighting to prevent the tile’s color from obscuring the color scheme of your room. To make your room appear bigger, choose lighter shades. For areas with a lot of traffic think about using a variety of shades. Using a subtle contrast in your flooring can help hide dirt (a useful tip to you!). Additionally the floor or wall tiles do not have to be one color. Picking a pleasing design for your floor could be the next step for your floor, backsplash, wall or bathroom.
Today tiles are offered in a variety of designs to match the decor of your home.
Tile Ratings and Grades
Tiles are rated by grading systems and is solely based on tiles’ durability and resistance to damage on surfaces. One way to think about it, a grade or grade 1 indicates that tiles are more susceptible to dents and scratches while a grade 5 is thought to be a more durable tile that is resistant to damage to the surface.
Here’s a summary of the 5 ratings levels, along with their appropriate applications:
Grading 1: No pedestrian traffic. These tiles are suitable to cover walls only.
Grade 2: Light traffic. Ideal for commercial and residential walls. They are ideal 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 that have normal pedestrians. They also work well for counter tops and even walls.
Grade 4 – Moderate to Heavy traffic. These tiles can be used in any home as well as commercial spaces that are medium in size.
Grade 5 – Heavy to extra heavy foot traffic. Tiles that are approved for all residential and commercial areas that have heavy traffic.
Rate of Water Absorption
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration when choosing a tile is the absorption rate of water or W.A. This will help you determine whether a tile is the suitable one to put in an area that is wet or outside. Four categories are included within the W.A. rating, and they are expressed in terms of a name and a percentage of water absorption through the tiles.
Slip Resistance
The slip resistance of a tile is a different metric. The actual rating known as is the coefficient of friction, also known as C.O.F. It refers to the tile’s resistance to slippage and is measured using the force needed to move an object over a surface divided by the weight of the object. The lower C.O.F. number means less friction, which means that the floor will offer less grip. A greater C.O.F. number indicates that the floor will have less slick.
Request Samples
It is essential to have samples! The shade of tiles in our showrooms compared to your home may be different due to the differences of lighting. It is always recommended to purchase samples from your sales representative to give you an impression and feel of how it would look at home.
What is the best amount of tile to buy and when to order It
Once you’ve decided on your tile and have the dimensions of your space now is the time to determine how much tiles you’ll need to purchase. Every style of tile is available in various sizes It’s crucial to determine how many square feet are contained in each case of your selected tile. If you’ve determined that you know, it is recommended to add 10-20% of additional tiles to your purchase. This is due to the fact that it’s not uncommon to see tiles that are damaged or damaged. It’s also worth purchasing additional tiles in the event that any errors occur or tiles are damaged when installing.
After you’ve completed and learned about each the steps in these directions, you’re ready to visit one of our locations to start enjoying shopping for tiles!
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