Purchasing tiles can be an extremely exciting task for the homeowner. It can also sometimes be overwhelming. Here are 4 questions you need to ask yourself to help you get through the process with the least amount of time, money, and frustration:
Where are you planning to use the tiles? Correctly answering this question will allow you to start to hone in on what material or type of tile you will need for your project because answering it will help to exclude many options right away. The wide choice and range of tiles available is huge and it's the area that you are going to install them which will determine what type of tile you ultimately choose. If you are going to be installing tiles on the floor, only floor tiles should be used, while on the wall either floor or wall tiles can work. This is because floor tiles are built to considerably tougher than wall tiles. You will need to determine if the place you are going to lay your tiles is going to be be wet or very hot such as on backsplash or maybe in a bathroom. The answer to this question will help you to narrow down your list of acceptable tiles. If your project is outside you have to also choose tiles that are rated as durable and non-vitreous enough to be utilized as outdoor tiles.
Exactly what do I need the tiles to do? After you know where the tiles are going to be installed you should honestly decide what you would like them to do for the space they are being installed. If you want them to convey a specific feel or look, you've got to choose a material that not only can be utilized in the area you want to install it but that also conveys what you want it to. If you wanted a Mediterranean look for your patio for example, you could use quarry tile. If you needed a safe, slip-proof area surrounding your pool, you might choose rubber tile. Of equal importance is also the tile pattern you choose. The pattern you select can help a room look smaller, bigger, longer, wider, or more modern. The options are endless. It is in knowing what you really would like to achieve in your space which will help to decide on both the material of tile and the tile 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.
What's your budget and can you install the tiles yourself? As with all materials some are relatively cheap while others can be very expensive, and tiles are no exception. Ranging from ceramic to hard to find stone, there are tiles for every budget. There are always good deals to be had, and Mexican tiles are a perfect example, they are handmade works of art which are even cheaper than ceramic tiles. Make sure you are clear about how much you have to spend because not only will you have to pay for the actual tiles, but for the installation as well. And if you can install the tiles yourself you can save yourself a lot money. Rubber tiles and wooden deck tiles are great because they can be put down by anyone because they just snap together. That being said unless you are comfortable using a tile saw or have experience laying tile there are a few materials and patterns you should leave to the professionals.
Using the above 4 questions will help you select the right tiles and reduce your cost too. If you answer them honestly they will make it easier to weed out many of the options which don't work for you, and leave you with only those which do. Not only will answering these questions help to make buying the right tiles enjoyable and easy, but quick as well.
Where are you planning to use the tiles? Correctly answering this question will allow you to start to hone in on what material or type of tile you will need for your project because answering it will help to exclude many options right away. The wide choice and range of tiles available is huge and it's the area that you are going to install them which will determine what type of tile you ultimately choose. If you are going to be installing tiles on the floor, only floor tiles should be used, while on the wall either floor or wall tiles can work. This is because floor tiles are built to considerably tougher than wall tiles. You will need to determine if the place you are going to lay your tiles is going to be be wet or very hot such as on backsplash or maybe in a bathroom. The answer to this question will help you to narrow down your list of acceptable tiles. If your project is outside you have to also choose tiles that are rated as durable and non-vitreous enough to be utilized as outdoor tiles.
Exactly what do I need the tiles to do? After you know where the tiles are going to be installed you should honestly decide what you would like them to do for the space they are being installed. If you want them to convey a specific feel or look, you've got to choose a material that not only can be utilized in the area you want to install it but that also conveys what you want it to. If you wanted a Mediterranean look for your patio for example, you could use quarry tile. If you needed a safe, slip-proof area surrounding your pool, you might choose rubber tile. Of equal importance is also the tile pattern you choose. The pattern you select can help a room look smaller, bigger, longer, wider, or more modern. The options are endless. It is in knowing what you really would like to achieve in your space which will help to decide on both the material of tile and the tile 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.
What's your budget and can you install the tiles yourself? As with all materials some are relatively cheap while others can be very expensive, and tiles are no exception. Ranging from ceramic to hard to find stone, there are tiles for every budget. There are always good deals to be had, and Mexican tiles are a perfect example, they are handmade works of art which are even cheaper than ceramic tiles. Make sure you are clear about how much you have to spend because not only will you have to pay for the actual tiles, but for the installation as well. And if you can install the tiles yourself you can save yourself a lot money. Rubber tiles and wooden deck tiles are great because they can be put down by anyone because they just snap together. That being said unless you are comfortable using a tile saw or have experience laying tile there are a few materials and patterns you should leave to the professionals.
Using the above 4 questions will help you select the right tiles and reduce your cost too. If you answer them honestly they will make it easier to weed out many of the options which don't work for you, and leave you with only those which do. Not only will answering these questions help to make buying the right tiles enjoyable and easy, but quick as well.
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For more information about tile patterns be sure to read: "Tile Patterns: 3 Secret Methods For Using Them To Your Advantage"
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