There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right tile. You must pick from an array of colors, sizes, and designs. Trendy styles like large formats and tiny mosaics are rising, but timeless shapes like squares remain relevant. You must also decide if you want a water-resistant or slip-resistant flooring option. This guide will help you make the right choice for your project.
Cost
Tile is stylish, durable, and relatively affordable but can also come with a hefty price tag. That’s why it’s important to research before purchasing to ensure you go to the tile shop in Chicago to get the best selection and service when shopping for tiles for your home. With a huge inventory, most tile and flooring stores offer an impressive array of options to fit any budget. Their selection includes subway, hexagon, penny round mosaics, and textured, patterned, and natural stone tile. The site is organized by brand, format, and product, making finding what you’re looking for easy.
If you’re working with a tight budget, consider purchasing your tiles by the box or pallet rather than per square foot. Typically, you’ll save money this way since you’ll have fewer tiles to install, and the total cost of materials will be more manageable. Several shops offer customization services for high-end products, specializing in glass, porcelain, and stone tile with a contemporary edge. Visiting their showroom for more valuable information about the tiles you may need is a good idea.
Style
When choosing a new tile for a kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor, or exterior wall, style is just as important as cost. There are many different designs, colors, and materials to choose from. Some of the most popular are ceramic, porcelain, and cement. But glass, slate, granite, and other natural stone options exist. Each material has its unique aesthetic, from subway tile perfect for a modern kitchen to rock pebble tiles that add a natural touch to a bathroom.
Almost any home improvement store can find various tiles, but some online stores specialize in this product. Purchasing tiles online can be a fast, convenient experience, but there are some things to remember before you shop this way.
One of the best things about online tile shopping is seeing many options simultaneously. Most online retailers have a search bar where you can input keywords to filter through the different tile options. Most online stores also offer a zoom-in feature on thumbnail images, so you can get a closer look at the texture and color of the tile before you buy it.
If you’re looking for a specific color, design, or texture, it’s best to go with a reputable brand. This is because they’re more likely to have a larger inventory and will be able to supply you with the tile that you need for your project quickly.
Installation
Like most home renovation projects, tiling can be messy and expensive. However, it’s worth the inconvenience when you end up with a beautiful new floor. To help keep your costs down, consider limiting the area you want to tile and opting for simpler tiles that require less cutting (which cuts labor costs). You can also get multiple estimates from different contractors to ensure you’re making apples-to-apples comparisons.
Many types of wall tile are now available to homeowners who would prefer an attractive alternative to natural stone or bare walls in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas. With so much size, shape, color, and texture variation, you will surely find a tile option that fits your style and decor. And since glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are completely water-resistant, you don’t have to worry about your new bathroom or kitchen walls becoming damaged by standing water.
Maintenance
The tile’s hard-fired surface is incredibly durable and stain-resistant. It can withstand much more abuse than other flooring products, such as vinyl and wood. This makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas of the home and commercial spaces.
The cleaning process is simple as well. Sweep, mop, and rinse with water to keep your tile looking like new. You can use a neutral cleaner designed for tiles or a mildly alkaline cleanser when necessary. However, it is important to remember that any scouring powders should not be used as they can scratch the surface of your tile.
Wall tile is available in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It can be installed in a herringbone pattern, offset, stacked, or even in a mosaic or randomized design. It is also available in non-square shapes such as diamonds and rectangles. The options are limitless, allowing you to create the room of your dreams with tile.
Whether you’re considering flooring for a single room or the entire house, it is vital to stay within your budget while choosing a product that provides beauty and value. Fortunately, with some knowledge and the right shopping strategy, you can find beautiful, long-lasting tiles that will complement your style.