So, you want to give a room (or two, or three) the beautiful touch of tile flooring, huh? Many people are drawn to ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile floors because these floors create a whole new atmosphere in a home. Carpets can be boring and are certainly more durable than decorative. It’s also difficult to be creative with wood floors. However, the possibilities for tile flooring seem endless!
As a result, shopping for the right tile flooring can be quite a task. Here are some simple steps you can take before you start walking on your new, gorgeous floor.
Not Just Any Tile Will Do
Before you start envisioning your new room with tile, you need to figure out which type of tile suits it best. The three basic types of tile are porcelain, stone, and ceramic. Ceramic is the most commonly used, as it’s easy to install yourself, but stone and porcelain can be much more visually appealing. You’ll need to consider the durability of each type of tile before deciding on the style and color. For example, if you expect the floor to endure a lot of wear and tear, you might want to go with sturdy stone. However, keep in mind that there’s variation in quality within each basic tile type. (Some stone tiles last longer than others.) Think about how the room will be used—will it be a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, or living room? Who will be frequently walking through the room? Answering these questions will help narrow down your many tile choices.
Room for Creativity
Once you’ve decided which type of tile is best for the room, it’s time to let your creativity flow. Now is the time to have fun and bring your imagination to life while shopping for tiles. Fortunately, there are so many styles to choose from that you’re sure to enjoy the process! Do you want to buy tile that’s casual or formal? From there, you can choose between glazed or unglazed tile. One reason people love tile floors so much is the vast range of styles available. Art deco, country rustic, and contemporary designs are all options. And remember, you don’t have to make every tile the same as the one next to it. You can add trim or spice up your flooring with distinctive individual pieces. However, be careful not to overdo it—your floor should complement, not overpower, the rest of the room. Additionally, consider the color schemes and furniture in the room. Will they change over time? Most likely, that floor will remain permanent, so it’s best if it blends well with its surroundings, even if they change in the future. For kitchens and bathrooms, you generally have more freedom in choosing a pattern, as countertops typically don’t evolve as quickly.
What Price Will You Pay?
It’s one thing to pick out the perfect tile for a room in your home, but it’s another thing to pay for it. Flooring—whether carpet, wood, or tile—is a significant investment for your home, and it’s not cheap. When it is cheap, it likely won’t last long. Tile flooring is definitely worth budgeting for, so go ahead and spend as much as you can, ensuring you buy from a reputable retailer who can also help with proper installation. Before you go shopping, it’s a good idea to measure the dimensions of the room where you’ll be adding the new floor. This will help you estimate how much tile you’ll need and how much it will cost.
Remember, while it may be tempting to take on the project yourself, especially with ceramic tile, it’s usually best to hire a professional to install the flooring for you. Installing tile is a tedious and extremely important process, and it might be worth the extra money. If the tile is installed incorrectly, it can quickly become a waste. So, unless you’re confident in your DIY skills, be sure to save some extra money for professional floor installation on top of the cost of the tile itself.
Now that you’ve got some guidance, what are you waiting for? While tile flooring is a significant and expensive investment, it can also be a fun one that will improve the look and value of your home.