The Process Of Buying Tiles

There are many options of tile and it can seem confusing when you first begin looking for it. As with every new material to be used in the home there are helpful tips to consider that will assist you in determining what you need so you can pick out the right tile.

The most effective way to begin the process of buying tiles is to define the room and the area where the tile is to be placed (floor or wall, shower, etc. ), measure the space, select the type that you want, its color design and size. After you’ve figured that out the space, then you need to think about the ratings and grades of tiles, so you know for certain that the tile is suitable for your space. The final steps after you’ve decided on the tile you prefer, is to get samples and figure out the amount of tile you’ll need to order.

They may seem like a lot of things to think about and process, but we’re here to assist and lay the entire process out to help you understand and take pleasure in the entire process.

The location of the Tile

The process to buy tile begins with the room. Although tile is a fantastic option for flooring but different kinds of tile can be more suitable for your project , depending on the location. So, your first consideration should be the particular room which you’re looking to transform with tiles. For example, if your doing work on your shower the tile you choose to use is textured. It will be superior to a smooth tile that becomes slippery after wet. However, in an area like the entryway the tile with a texture will be harder to wash than a smooth tile. For areas that are heavily used at home, a robust porcelain that resists scratches and chipping is a good option. When it comes to ceramic tiles, ensure that it’s placed in a protected area as it’s more porous and won’t last long in the elements – you get the idea.

Locate the Location

The next thing to do is to measure your space because this will aid to complete the final stage of the process , which is, determining the amount of tile to order. For each area you want to tile, measure your length as well as the wide of the area in feet. After that, you can multiply those two numbers to determine the area of your space.

Color & Pattern

Color influences the overall attitude of your room, which means that choosing the appropriate color is crucial. Dark tiles add warmth, but be sure to have an open area with enough light to keep the tile’s color from obscuring the space. To make your room appear larger, opt for lighter shades. If you have a large area that is heavily used you can consider a mix of shades. Also, a small contrast in your floor can hide any dirt (a nice helpful hint to you!). Also the floor or wall tiles don’t need to be a single color. Selecting an attractive design for your flooring could be the next ideal step for your floor, backsplash, wall or bathroom.

These days tiles are offered in many different kinds of patterns that can be matched to your home’s decor style.

Tile Ratings & Grade

Tile is rated using a grading system and is solely based on tiles’ durability and resistance to damage on surfaces. A simple way to think of it is that a rating or grade 1 implies that tiles are more prone to scratches and dents while a grade 5 is thought to be a more durable tile and is less susceptible to damage to the surface.

Here’s a summary of the five rating levels and the appropriate application:

Grading 1: No foot traffic. These tiles are suitable to cover walls only.

Grade 2: Light traffic. It is ideal for commercial and residential walls. They are ideal for areas where very little abrasion is likely to occur, like 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 are acceptable for any home as well as medium commercial areas.

Grade 5 – Heavy to extra heavy foot traffic. Tiles are approved for all residential areas and commercial areas that have heavy traffic.

Rate of Water Absorption

Another important aspect to think about when buying tiles is the absorption rate of water or W.A. This rating will tell you whether a tile is the ideal tile for a wet area or even outdoors. The four classifications are listed of the W.A. rating, and they are expressed by a name as well as the percentage of water that is absorbed from the floor tile.

Slip Resistance

The slip resistance of a tile is another important rating. What it’s called is coefficient of friction, also known as C.O.F. It refers to the tile’s inherent resistance to sliding and it’s measured by the force required to slide the object on a surface divided by the weight of the object. An lower C.O.F. number indicates less friction thus the floor will provide less friction. A higher C.O.F. number indicates that the floor is likely to become less slippery.

Request Samples

Samples are a must have! The color of a tile in our stores compared to the home you live in could be different because of the difference of lighting. It’s recommended to buy samples through your sales representative to give you a better understanding of the way it would look at home.

What is the best amount of tile to buy What is the best time to order It

After you’ve selected your tile and have the dimensions of your area, it’s time to figure out how much tiles you’ll need to purchase. Every style of tile is available in different sizes in cases It’s crucial to figure out the number of square feet are contained in each case for your chosen tile. When you have determined this you’re sure, it’s recommended to add about 10-20% of additional tiles to your purchase. It’s because it’s not uncommon to see tiles damaged or damaged. It’s also a good idea to purchase extra in case any mistakes occur or tiles are damaged during installation.

Now that you’ve gone through and learned about all of these steps, it’s time to stop at one of our stores and begin your shopping for tiles!