Tile is versatile and available in various sizes, colors, and textures for your kitchen, bathroom, or entryway. To make your tile choice more accessible, we’ve compiled a guide on choosing the right tile for your space.
This guide covers all the essentials, from differences between porcelain and ceramic to tile ratings.
Material
Tile comes in a wide range of materials, from natural to artificial, with many choices suitable for every type of room. The material you choose will impact how well the tiles hold up to wear and tear, whether they are suitable for the outdoors, or if they will absorb moisture. In addition, there are differences between glazed and unglazed tiles.
Porcelain tiles, for example, are highly popular with homeowners due to their durability, timeless aesthetic, and relative affordability. Ceramic tile is another popular option used on floors or walls and is available in various finishes. Ceramic tiles are softer and easier to cut than porcelain, making them a good choice for DIYers.
If you want a more unique look, consider choosing marble tiles at a tile outlet in Chicago. This beautiful stone is suitable for walls and floors but requires regular sealing to prevent stains. Granite is another durable, natural option for various applications, including countertops and backsplashes.
Metallic tiles are durable and can withstand temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for kitchens. They are often textured to reduce slippage and are available in various colors and styles.
Color
The color of the tile is a crucial consideration for any home remodeling project. The right color will complement your design theme and tie the room together.
A wide range of colors is available for your tile project, from basic white subway tiles that grace many bathroom wainscots to colorful blues and greens of onyx. The shade you choose will also affect the appearance of your grout. Using a lighter shade will allow the pattern on your tile to stand out, while darker grout will blend into the background.
Once you’ve determined the shade and pattern you want, it’s time to consider the design and size of the tile. You’ll also need to decide if you will use a mosaic tile pattern or something more uniform, like straight rows of squares and rectangles. Mosaic tile patterns can add a creative touch to a floor or wall and are available in many sizes, shapes, and colors.
Another thing to remember when deciding on the size and shape of your tile is where you plan to install it. Floor tiles should be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of foot traffic, while walls must resist water and moisture. This is especially important if you plan to install ceramic tile on your bathroom floor since it can become slippery when wet.
Pattern
Tile covers many bathrooms, from floors and walls to showers and backsplashes. Therefore, you must choose a style that suits your home decor theme. The pattern you choose can also impact the overall feel of your space.
Porcelain tile is made by firing clays at a high temperature, which makes them dense and impervious to moisture. They’re also less porous than ceramic tiles and can withstand cold temperatures without cracking or warping. This tile is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways because it’s durable and easy to clean. It can even be coated for slip resistance and is suitable for outdoor use.
Marble is a natural stone known for its elegance and adds value to your home. But it’s also costly and requires extra care to maintain its beauty. Because of this, some homeowners reserve it for their master bathrooms and prefer to leave other areas with durable materials such as porcelain.
Geometric shapes, like circles, hexagons, and octagons, are popular tile trends because they can create an abstract, dimensional look. They also pair well with simple patterns, like straight lines and squares. However, if you want to limit the number of patterns and sizes in your space to two or three — any more, it’ll become too busy.
Design
When selecting tile for your home, you want to choose a style that fits with the overall interior design of your house. Whether you want to create a modern, contemporary look or a more traditional feel, there are many trends you can use.
For example, if you are going with a more natural-looking bathroom decor theme, you can find stone tile made to emulate natural rock, brick, or wood without the upkeep. Or, if you prefer a more industrial look, you can opt for metal tiles made of copper or stainless steel. These tiles are also easy to maintain since they usually require little more than a regular household cleaner.
The size of the tiles you select will also impact your overall room look. Larger tiles can make a room feel larger and smaller ones can help a room look more intimate. You can also select from different thicknesses of tile. A thicker tile can withstand more wear and tear, while a thinner tile is often more delicate and better suited for walls.
Another critical factor is the tile’s cost, including shipping and handling charges. Many online retailers will advertise low tile prices, but you need to consider the cost of shipping and handling before you decide on a particular product. In addition, you may have to pay additional fees if you need to return the tile.