Lesser Known Facts For First Time Tile Buyers

After deciding to decorate your floors or walls with beautiful tiles, next consideration becomes the selection of best suitable tile. Normally, first timers focus their selection on the size and design. But there are many other aspects that need equal consideration as well. The basic knowledge of these aspects will help you to optimize the selection as well as to get the real best in terms of cost, look and durability.

The composition of even designer vitrified tiles glaze varies at large. Different tiles of same brand may have different gloss. Generally the look of tiles of cheap brands varies more but you can’t take 100 percent similar look granted in premium brand also. Solid color of tiles create consistent look; however, shade variation is inherent in certain tiles. If you are using the tiles in well exposed area, select the best matches first for this particular area and use the left out tiles for lesser exposed area.

All the premium tiles brands come with shade variation or color consistency grade marked at the back. You may find following four grades.

• Low - Consistent texture and shade 
• Moderate - Average texture and shade variation 
• High - Extreme texture and shade variation 
• Random - Severe texture and shade variation 

Naturally the tiles marked with ‘low’ are costlier than the tiles marked with ‘high’ or ‘random’. You can use the moderate or high grade tiles in lesser exposed areas or in the areas of lesser use. Different brands of ceramic and polished porcelain tiles offer different type moisture absorption capability. If you are selecting the tile for the areas that are more prone to water like in bathrooms, you need to confirm this aspect essentially. Non-Vitreous tile absorbs seven percent more moisture. These are best suitable for indoor areas. Semi-Vitreous tile absorbs about 3% to 8 % moisture. Vitreous tile absorbs less that 3% moisture.

When you approach the stores dealing in popular type of tiles like elevation tiles, designer vitrified tiles, polished porcelain tiles, ask for complete project cost. Just knowing the price of different tiles can’t give you the idea about the complete cost. Comprehensive project cost includes grouting cost, furniture replacement, demolition of old floor covering, installation and fixing materials besides the cost of tiles.

Home Work Tips To Optimize Tile Selection

So you are planning to enhance your floor look with designer vitrified tiles. For many building owners, it is not less than specific profession. But how can you get the desired quality just transferring the entire responsibility over the tile fixing experts? It is you, who will select the tile first. Therefore, it is must to know to optimize the selection according to the permissible budget and specific needs. Certainly you do not need to be professional for this task. There are various online sources that furnish enough information about the tiles; however, you need to match the recommendations with your specific requirements. Before directly landing in the tile showroom, do little home work.

Identify the space and consider its utilization. Every space is used differently. Some have more traffic while some have low traffic. Some are more prone to mechanical stresses while some are not. Some are exposed to visitors while some remain unnoticed. Decide about the type of tile. When you start online search, you come across variety of different types of tiles like designer vitrified tiles, polished porcelain tiles and elevation tiles. Each tile has its own positive and negative properties. Selection entirely depends upon the intended use.

Finalize the color and theme. Different brands offer different shades and designs. To get the best looking is never ending search. The best way is to finalize the color according to the planned decoration theme. Combination of two or three tiles are also in practice because it allows to make unique patterns.

Tiles are available in different sizes. Commonly available sizes are 6x6 inch, 6x8 inch, 8x12 inch, 12x 12 inch etc. The selection of the size should be done according to the dimensions of targeted space. Proper size selection will reduce the wastage considerably. Finalize the layout pattern. There is vast difference in cost of different kinds of tiles. By combining two or three types of tiles in a unique pattern, you can reduce the overall cost besides making the spaces trendy looking. Leading stores and quality tile manufacturers offer complete guidance to the buyers. Few manufacturers offer comprehensive turnkey tile fixing solution also that frees you from most of worries.