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Home » Tiles – How To Buy

Tiles – How To Buy

There are a myriad of options for tiles and it can be overwhelming when you are searching for it. Like any other new material you’ll find in you home, it is best to have some helpful ideas to think about that will assist you in determining the things you require so that you can choose the ideal tile.

The best way to begin the shopping for tiles is to determine the space and the area where the tile is to be placed (floor or shower, wall and so on. ) and then, take measurements of the area and then choose the kind that you want, its color pattern , and size. After you’ve figured that out it is important to consider the ratings and grades of tiles that you can be certain that it’s the right choice for your area. The last steps once you’ve selected your preferred style of tile is to get samples and figure out the amount of tile you’ll need you’ll need to order.

It may seem to be a lot to think about and consider and think about, but we’re here assist and provide the information for you to help you get the most out of the process.

The location of the Tile

The process of buying tile starts with the room. While tile is a fantastic and durable flooring choice however, various types of tiles may be better for your particular project based on the area. Therefore, the first thing you consider is the area you’ll be renovating using tile. For instance, if you’re performing the work to the shower area, then a tile with a texture will be more effective than a tile with a smooth surface which becomes very slippery in wet. However, in a place such as your entranceway the tile with a texture will be more difficult to wash than a smooth tile. If you have a lot of traffic in your home, sturdy porcelain that is resistant to scratching and chipping is an excellent option. If you’re considering ceramic tile, be sure you keep it indoors as ceramic tiles are more porous and don’t last long in the elements. You can get the picture.

Find the location

The next step is to measure your area, since this will aid in the final step of the procedure – which is, determining the amount of tiles to purchase. For each area you’d like to tile, take measurements of your length as well as the wide in feet. Then, multiply these two numbers to determine the area of your space.

Color & Pattern

Color affects the overall mood of your space and this makes picking the right color extremely important. Dark tiles are warm however, make sure you have an open space with plenty of light to prevent the color of the tile from overpowering the color scheme of your room. To make a room appear bigger, choose lighter shades. For areas with a lot of traffic you can consider a mix of shades. A small contrast on your flooring can help hide dirt (a useful tip to you!). Additionally your wall or floor tiles do not have to have a solid shade. The choice of a beautiful pattern for your flooring could be the next step for your floor bathroom, backsplash, or wall.

These days tiles can be found in a variety of designs that will complement the decor of your home.

Tile Ratings and Grades

Tiles are rated with a grading system that is solely based on tiles’ resistance to damage on surfaces. One way to look at the concept is to think of it as a grade or grade 1 indicates that tiles are more prone to dents or scratches and dents, whereas the grade 5 tile is thought to be more durable and is resistant to surface damage.

Here’s a list of the 5 ratings levels, along with their appropriate applications:

Grade 1 No pedestrian traffic. These tiles are suitable on walls only.

Grade 2: Light traffic. Great for interior commercial and residential walls. These walls are suitable for areas with there is a little chance of abrasion, such as bathrooms!

Grade 3 – Moderate to light traffic. These are ideal for residential areas that have normal pedestrians. They are also ideal for walls and countertops.

Grade 4 – Moderate to Heavy traffic. These tiles can be used in any home and commercial spaces that are medium in size.

Grade 5 – Heavy to extra heavy foot traffic. Tiles that are approved for all residential uses as well as commercial spaces that are heavy.

Water Absorption Rate

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration when choosing a tile is the absorption rate of water or W.A. This rating can tell you which tile is appropriate to be used in a moist space or outdoors. Four categories are included included in the W.A. rating. They are stated in terms of a name and a percentage of water that is absorbed from the floor tile.

Slip Resistance

The resistance to slip of tiles is another crucial rating. What it’s known as is the coefficient of friction, also known as C.O.F. It refers to the tile’s resistance to slippage and is measured using the force needed to move an object over the surface, divided by the weight of the object. The lower C.O.F. number indicates less friction which means that the floor will offer less grip. A greater C.O.F. number indicates that the flooring is less slippery.

Request Samples

The samples are essential! The colors of tiles near me that we sell and your home can be quite different due to the differences in lighting. It is always recommended to purchase samples from your sales representative to give you an impression and feel of how it will appear inside your house.

What is the best amount of tile to buy and when to order It

After you’ve selected your tile and have the dimensions of your space now is the time to determine the amount of tile you’ll need to purchase. Every style of tile is available in different sizes of cases therefore it’s essential to know the square feet of space within each case for the selected tile. If you’ve determined that you know, it is recommended to add 10% to 20% more tiles to your purchase. It’s because it’s not uncommon to see tiles that are broken or damaged. It’s also worth purchasing extra tiles in case mistakes occur or tiles damaged when installing.

After you’ve completed and been educated about all the steps in these directions, you’re ready to visit our store and start the adventure of shopping for tiles!