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 Tile installation is fast becoming one of the most
popular solutions for a variety of home improvement needs and for good reason.
On a purely practical level, it is versatile and can be used on any one of a
number of home improvement projects, including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring
projects, and more decorative applications to walls and furniture. As a
material it is tough, stain and water resistant, easy to clean, and also heat
resistant. Add to that the plethora of possibilities when it comes to design
options, tile limited only by your budget and imagination, and you'll quickly
come to understand why so many homeowners are finding their home improvement
answers in this age-old method for creating functional, eye catching
surfaces.
Which Tile is Right for
You?
There are many factors to
consider when choosing the right tile for your project, including price,
durability, and which material is best suited for your particular application.
Price is an important thing to consider when choosing materials for a tile
installation project. Remember, tile is generally sold by the square, and what
may initially seem to be a manageable cost can add up when you realistically
look at the amount of surface you need to cover. Generally ceramic tile
provides the most bang for your buck, and considering it's also one of the
easiest to maintain and offers far and away the most design possibilities,
going ceramic is an easy choice for many homeowners.
If your budget is a little
higher you might consider stone for your tiling needs. It costs more, but you
won't have to deal with the chipping that can sometimes occur with ceramic
materials. It will literally last a lifetime. The one downside to stone is that
it's not always stain resistant. Most stone applications will need to be sealed
to prevent spills and exposure to water from seeping in and staining the
materials.
If you're looking for
something even more unique, glass and metal tiles are possibilities as well.
These materials are primarily used for decorative purposes, and like stone,
have a higher price tag than ceramic varieties. |
Other Considerations
It's important when choosing
materials to also think about what these choices will mean from both an
aesthetic and a maintenance standpoint.
The texture of the tile you
choose will make a huge difference as to how much upkeep the tile will need to
retain its original look. While smooth tiles are striking to look at, they
require almost constant maintenance to keep dirt and grit from scratching and
dulling the surface, especially with flooring. The same goes for color choice.
A polished white or black marble floor will need a lot more daily upkeep than
an earth toned, rougher ceramic tile to keep it looking its best. Think about
your lifestyle and other factors, such as kids and pets, to make sure you're
choosing the right tile for you and your family. |
Tile Size
The other thing to keep in
mind when you're choosing the design for your tile installation is the size of
the tile you're purchasing. Large tile in a small room, such as a bath, can
work wonders in making the room feel larger than it really is, while small
tiles in a sprawling kitchen will appear busy and overwhelming in such a large
space. It's important that you take into account these practical considerations
when choosing tile, and not just your first impressions in the showroom, to
ensure you'll be happy with the final product.
In order to be certain
you're making the right decisions during the planning phases, regardless of the
nature of your venture, it's best to contact a professional tile installer to
help you plan and implement your project. With their wealth of experience in
tile installation and design, a good tile installer is your best resource for
searching out advice on choosing the optimal material and designs for the space
you have to work with. |
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