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How To Start Shopping For Tiles

There are a myriad of options for tile , and it may seem overwhelming when you are looking for it. But, as with any new product for you home, it is best to have some helpful suggestions to be aware of that can aid you in determining what you require, so that you can select the right tile.

The best way to begin the process of buying tiles is to pinpoint the room and the area where the tile is to be placed (floor or shower, wall etc. ) Measure the space and choose the type that you want, its color pattern , and size. After you’ve determined these it is important to consider the rating and grade of the tile to make certain that the tile is suitable for your area. The last steps after you’ve decided on the style you like best, are obtaining samples and working 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 however, we’re here to help you and provide the information for you to help you get the most out of the process.

Placement of Tile

The process of the best tile to purchase starts with the space itself. Although tiles are a wonderful option for flooring but different kinds of tiles may be better depending on the area. The first thing to consider is the space you’ll be renovating using tile. For instance, if you’re performing renovations to the shower area, then a tile with a texture is better than a tile with a smooth surface which becomes very slippery after wet. In a room such as your entranceway one would expect a tile with a texture to be more difficult to clean than a smooth tile. If you have a lot of traffic within your home, a sturdy porcelain that is resistant to scratching and chipping is the best option. If you’re considering ceramic tiles, ensure that it’s placed in a protected area as ceramic tiles are more porous, and will not last long in the elements – you know the drill.

Find the location

The next step is to measure your area, since this will aid in the final step of the process , which is, determining the quantity of tile you want to order. For each space you wish to tile, take measurements of your length as well as the wide in feet. Then, multiply these two numbers to determine the amount of square footage in your space.

Color & Pattern

The color of your walls affects the general mood of your space and this makes picking the right color crucial. Darker tiles can add warmth However, ensure that you have an area with plenty of light to prevent the color of the tile from overpowering the space. To make your room appear bigger, choose lighter shades. If you have a large area that is heavily used think about using a variety of shades. A subtle contrast in your flooring can hide any dirt (a useful tip that you can use!). Additionally your wall or floor tiles do not need to have a solid shade. Picking a pleasing pattern for your flooring could be the next step for your floor bathroom, backsplash, or wall.

These days tiles near me can be found in a myriad of designs to match the decor of your home.

Tile Ratings and Grades

Tiles are graded with a grading system that is solely determined by the tiles’ durability and resistance to damage to surfaces. One method of thinking about the concept is to think of it as a grade or grade 1 signifies that tiles are more prone to dents and scratches and dents, whereas an average grade 5 is thought of as more durable and is resistant to surface damage.

Here’s a list of the five rating levels, along with their appropriate applications:

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

Grade 2 Light traffic. Ideal for 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. You can use these in homes that have normal pedestrians. They also work well for walls and countertops.

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

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

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 location or even outside. Four categories are included within the W.A. rating. They are stated by a name as well as the percent of water absorption from the floor tile.

Slip Resistance

The resistance to slip of tiles is a different metric. The actual rating 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 by the force needed to move the object on an area divided by the weight of the object. Lower C.O.F. number indicates less friction therefore the floor will have less grip. A greater C.O.F. number indicates that the flooring is less slippery.

Request Samples

It is essential to have samples! The shade of tiles in our showrooms as compared to the one you have in your home may be quite different due to the differences in lighting. It is recommended that you purchase samples from your sales representative to give you an understanding of the way it would look inside your house.

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

After you’ve selected your tile and are aware of the dimensions of your space It’s time to determine the amount of tile you’ll need to purchase. Each tile style comes in different sizes of cases It’s crucial to determine the square feet of space in each case of your selected tile. If you’ve found that out then, you should always be sure 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 additional tiles in the event that any errors occur or tiles have been damaged in the process of installation.

Once you’ve finished and learned about each aspects of this process, you’re ready to visit our store and start the adventure of shopping for tiles!