How to Buy the Right Tiles for Your Project

Your Guide to buying the best Tiling

Overview

Tiling is a popular home improvement project that can add value to a home and create a more stylish and modern look. Shopping for the right kind of tile can be a daunting task due to a wide variety of types, materials, sizes, and designs available. This guide will help you make an informed decision by providing detailed information on the different types of tile, materials, sizes, and installation tips that you need to consider when selecting the best tiles for your project. With the right information at your disposal, you can easily choose the perfect tile that meets your needs and budget.

Key features

  1. Size: The size of the tiles should be determined by the area that needs to be covered. Measure the space to determine how much of each tile is needed for the project.
  2. Texture: Tiles come in a variety of textures, from glossy to rough. Consider the space where the tiles will be placed and the overall desired look to decide which texture will work best.
  3. Color: Find tiles in the desired color to fit the overall look of the room. There are a variety of colors, so take time to look through the options.
  4. Material: Tiles come in a variety of materials such as ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and more. Consider which material is best suited for the job.
  5. Maintenance: Tiles require different levels of maintenance depending on the material. Research the type of tile being used to understand the maintenance requirements.
  6. Grout: Grout is used to fill the gaps between the tiles. Choose a color and type of grout that will complement the tiles being used.
  7. Installation: Consider if the tiling should be done by a professional or if it’s a simple enough job to do on your own. If installing on your own, research the proper installation techniques.
  8. Tools: Invest in the necessary tools to properly install the tiles. This includes trowels, spacers, grout tools, and more.

See the most popular Tiling on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Tiling is extremely durable, lasting for decades with proper care and maintenance.
  • Cleanliness: Tile is waterproof and easy to clean, making it ideal for areas susceptible to spills and messes.
  • Easy Installation: Tiles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are relatively easy to install.
  • Variety: There is a huge selection of tiles available, from classic to modern designs, and many colors, sizes, and textures to choose from.
  • Heat Resistance:Tile is highly resistant to heat, making it an ideal choice for areas like fireplaces and kitchens.
  • Cost Effective: Tiles are generally affordable and can be an economical solution for a variety of projects.
  • Low Maintenance: Tiles are very easy to clean and require minimal maintenance over time.

Cons

  • Cost - Tiling can be a costly project with the cost of materials and the cost of labour. It is important to factor in the cost of tiling before beginning a project.
  • Time Commitment - Tiling a project can be a time-consuming endeavour, with a large surface area consuming a lot of time. It is important to factor in the time commitment of a tiling project.
  • Difficulty of Installation - Properly tiling a surface can be a difficult task, as the tiles must be installed properly to ensure a good seal and prevent water damage. It is important to consider the difficulty of installation when tiling.
  • Care and Maintenance - Properly maintaining and taking care of tiling can be a difficult task. It is important to factor in the amount of care and maintenance necessary for the tiling.

Best alternatives

  1. Tile Adhesives - These are special adhesives used to secure tiles to a surface.
  2. Grout - This is a material used to fill the spaces between tiles.
  3. Epoxy Fillers - These are used to repair cracks in tile and grout.
  4. Tile Spacers - These are used to ensure consistent spacing between tiles during installation.
  5. Tile Cutters - These are used to cut tile to fit a space.
  6. Tile Sealers - These are used to protect tiles from damage and make them easier to clean.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tile Saw - A tile saw is a type of saw used to cut hard materials such as ceramic, stone, and porcelain.
  • Grout Float - A grout float is used for laying grout between the tiles and smoothing it out.
  • Tile Spacers - Tile spacers are small plastic pieces used to keep the tiles even when grouting.
  • Trowel - A trowel is a tool used to apply or smooth out mortar or grout.
  • Tile Cutter - A tile cutter is a tool used to cut tiles into various shapes and sizes.
  • Tile Nippers - Tile nippers are small pliers used to break off small pieces of tile.
  • Sponge - A sponge is used to wipe up any excess grout or mortar.

Common questions

  1. What types of materials are used for tiling? Tiles can be made out of many different materials. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most common, but other materials used for tiling include glass, stone, cork, rubber, and even metal.
  2. How do I choose the right tile for my space? When choosing tiles for a space, there are several factors to consider. You should take into account the size of the room, the amount of traffic in the area, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Additionally, you should consider the cost and durability of the tile.
  3. How do I prepare a space for tiling? Before tiling a space, the surface needs to be prepared. This includes cleaning the surface and making sure it is level. It may also require repairing any cracks or damage and filling in any gaps.
  4. How much time does it take to tile a space? The amount of time it takes to tile a space depends on several factors, including the size of the space, the complexity of the tile layout, and the tiler's experience level. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to tile a space.
  5. What tools are needed for tiling? Depending on the type of tiles and the complexity of the tiling project, the tools needed for tiling may vary. Generally, the tools needed for tiling include a trowel, a level, a tile cutter, grout, a sponge, and a sealer.
  6. How do I maintain tile? To maintain tile, it is important to regularly clean and seal the tile. Additionally, it is important to check regularly for any cracks or damage and repair it quickly to prevent further damage.

Trivia

Tiling has a unique connection to space exploration. In 1969, the Apollo 11 mission became the first to land on the moon. The mission carried several tiles made by the Ohio-based company, Asbestos & Rubber Company, which were used to protect the spacecraft from the heat of reentry. The tiles were the same type of tiles that are used today in many homes and businesses to provide a durable and attractive finish to walls and floors. In honor of this legacy, the company changed its name to Armstrong World Industries in 1986. Armstrong World Industries now produces a variety of tile, as well as many other flooring and ceiling products. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.