If you are planning to upgrade your home or have a new project that needs to be backed with the finest tiles, you must be wondering about the available options.
Well, tiles are the most essential part of every construction project since they comprise a central area, flooring. The floors must be perfect by all means; they should look good, clean, easy to maintain, and even durable and robust.
You may have many options when looking for tile, and not all of them are suitable for every project. The guidelines below will help you make seamless tile selections to give your project the best possible finish. We also have an article here about the Differences Between Commercial and Residential Tiles, if you want to know, please click here to read.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tiles
Choosing tiles requires you to look at some essential aspects which will help you design your project in a better way; some of these aspects include the following.
Budget of Your Project
Every project is equipped with a specific budget in which you aim to cover everything, so, for tiles, you might even have a limited amount of money set which you must have allotted to purchase them.
However, when you shop for tiles will divided into two types, cheap tiles and expensive tiles.However, you need to choose something that is in your budget and worth investing in. so always consider the tiles that match budget and quality side by side.
Color of Grout
Grout is filled between the gaps in tiles to ensure that no water seeps down, no dust accumulates, and that gap doesn’t look bad. When choosing the color of the grout to be filled in between tiles, there are two choices: go for the same color or contrast.
This decision regarding which color you must choose depends on the area of application. Opting for the same color indoors and a contrast outdoors to blend perfectly with the natural light in the daytime is suggested.
However, it is never a compulsion to use a particular color; instead, you can choose the one that suits your taste and the nature of the project.
Conduct Some Research
Before you start your project, you must conduct some research too; different ideas are available on platforms like Interest, where you can get a hold of some tile designs, layouts, and which tiles are suitable for other areas.
By taking ideas from such platforms, you are in a position to choose better tiles and install them in an aesthetically appealing way.
Feature Tile Selection
Some projects you may develop are equipped with some focus points on the flooring. In this case, feature tiles are always the best options. These tiles give an instant uplift to a place creating a point of attraction for anyone who enters the space.
When choosing these feature tiles, opt for the ones that match the theme of your project and do not look odd.
Achieving Uniform Seamless Look
When choosing to add uniformity to a space, using the same large tiles for the entire area is suggested. It will look seamlessly beautiful and will capture a luxurious impact. To add an elegant look, these exterior wall tiles are available in light shades such as beige and white.
Types of Tiles to Choose
When choosing tiles, you will come across many types, each with its characteristics and suitability to a particular space. Below we have shared some of the most common types of tiles, and these are as follows:
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain Tiles are manufactured using a very dense clay after mixing it with other materials. These tiles are then subjected to a high temperature. This elevated temperature firing makes them durable and backed with exemplary characteristics.
These tiles are scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and have a meager absorption rate.They are highly durable, suitable for residential spaces, and can be used for flooring, walls, and even backslashes.
Reasons to Choose Porcelain Tiles
- Porcelain tiles are highly durable, making them suitable for spaces where the area is subjected to much stress and heavy object movement.
- Porcelain tiles are straightforward and can easily be cleaned with basic cleaning projects. These tiles are available in many styles. They can mimic the look of wood, natural stone, and more.
- Porcelain tiles can be glazed; when they have a glaze on them, they are the ideal option for wet areas as they help avoid slipping.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are made with clay and combine some other materials too. These are the primary and most commonly used tiles. They are suitable for floors and walls, but these trees could work for flooring only with less foot traffic.They are scratch and fire-resistant and do not fade quickly despite being subjected to sunlight for longer.
Reasons to Choose Ceramic Tiles
- Ceramic tiles come in a versatile variety; you can choose to have them in different colors, textures, and patterns.
- When glazed, these ceramic tiles are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms as they act as an anti-slip tile.
- They are durable, provided they are installed by a professional and are not subjected to much heavy traffic.
- These tiles are much more affordable than other tile options available.
- You can clean them very easily using the primary cleaning material and in no time.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles use natural stones like granite, slate, and marble in their manufacturing process.They are used for luxury-oriented projects and places comprising a classy outlook.
Natural stone tiles have the characteristics of rocks they have been manufactured with, and according to that, you choose the one you need as per your requirement.
Reasons to Choose Natural Stone Tiles
- Their colors, patterns, and veining give a very natural feel.
- Natural stone tiles are trendy; all tiles would look similar despite using the same natural stone.
- These tiles are versatile; you can use them for all your project’s spaces, whether outdoors, indoors, or in bathrooms.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles, as the name suggests, are made out of glass and have a unique appearance to offer. These tiles are usually customized according to the preferences you may have in terms of size and layout.
Their reflective property and shiny appearance make them suitable for all applications needing a modern look and enhancement.
Reasons to Choose Glass Tiles
- By installing glass tiles, you can add a visual appeal to the overall interior of your project.
- You can have many sizes and layouts to choose from; on the top, they are also available in varying colors.
- Glass mosaic tiles these days are widely used to create an appealing effect on the surroundings of the swimming pool and are very easy to install.
Understanding the Textures of Tiles
Apart from different kinds of tiles, different textures of tiles need to be paid attention to when choosing them. Some of these textures may include the following:
Glossy Texture
Tiles with a glossy texture are shiny and slippery tiles that reflect the things around them. They make the rooms look spacious and add a luxurious feel to them. These tiles have eye-catching properties and can be used for almost all spaces.
However, it is recommended not to use them in areas subjected to water and moisture because they may get slippery.
Matte Texture
Matte tiles have a matte texture; they do not reflect, shine, and have a rough surface. However, they are suitable for all kinds of applications, and they do not show marks of fingerprints or water.
These tiles are available in many colors and designs and may add contemporary topics to the installed spaces. The best part is that they allow you to install them anywhere due to their non-slippery nature.
Textured Finish
As the name suggests, the tiles having a textured finish will have a lot of depth, and different textures embossed in and out and adding visual interest. They are ideal to use in places where focal points must be created.
These tiles are also suitable for installation in areas where you want to add a slip-resistant finish, like kitchen, bathroom, and swimming pools. You add them to break the monotonous touch of tiles that you create.
Polished Finish
A polished finish on the tiles is achieved by adding a layer of polish on the surface of the tiles. It makes the tiles reflective and shiny, adding a spark of luxury to the base. Their bright shine makes them look like natural stone tiles like marble.
These tiles are widely suitable for entrances, corridors, and other commercial spaces that give a formal touch.
Conclusion
Tiles are always suitable to add a classy feel and finish to any place, whether you use them for flooring, walls, or decorative purposes. The way tiles enhance beauty and give every space a modern look is commendable.
As you have gone through the guide above, you must also be aware of the different kinds of tiles you may choose and their suitability. So, for your next project, this guide can significantly help you select tiles smartly, looking at all the essential aspects.
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