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It Should Last the Life of Your Home
In the desert, tile is perhaps the most popular floor covering. It is durable, attractive and cooling in the hot summer months. Choosing tile may be the hardest part of a project. There are literally thousands of colors, sizes, styles, shapes and grades from which to choose.
The trend in ceramic tile was to stay as neutral as possible. In fact, most of the tiles sold for home use were white, almond or gray. Today, white and almond are still the most popular, but people are experimenting more with colors that are warmer and brighter, as well as clearer and cleaner.
Tile Sizes and Shapes. The trend is toward larger tiles and this has several positive advantages. Larger tiles make both floor and wall areas appear more open and less busy. They also reduce the amount of grout, which can be difficult to keep clean.
Wall Tiles.Wall tiles have grown from the standard 4-inch by 4-inch of years past to 8-inch by 10-inch, 9-inch by 13-inch, 12-inch by 18-inch and even 12-inch by 24-inch. Floor tiles are even bigger: 18-inch by 18-inch is the most sought-after size, while 20-inch by 20-inch and 24-inch by 24-inch are common. Modular settings, using tiles of different sizes and shapes set in a pattern, are a great way to create an exciting and unique look.
Tile Types. The material used to make tile generally falls into five categories. It is important to evaluate your individual situation to determine which will best meet your needs.
Ceramic tile. Most ceramic tile has a clay body with a glaze on the surface. The clay body can range in color from dark red to light white. The lighter-bodied tiles are typically of better quality. The glaze can have a glossy, satin, matte or textured finish. Select a style that most suits the feeling you want to create in a given area.
Porcelain tile. These tiles have recently become very popular because they are more resistant to chipping, cracking and scratching. There are porcelain tiles for walls, floors, countertops, porches and patios. Their strength, low absorption and wide range of styles, colors and finishes make them perfect for almost any application.
Terra Cotta tile. Satillo, Mexican and Adobe are all examples of this rustic clay tile. Uneven thickness and imperfections enhance the warm character and charm. Since this tile does not have a glazed surface, it needs to be sealed (and resealed on a regular basis) to prevent staining. For homeowners who like the look but not the maintenance, many ceramic and porcelain tiles can duplicate the look.
Natural stone. Marble, granite, slate, travertine and limestone have been used as floor and wall coverings for centuries. The variety and awesome beauty make natural stone an obvious choice for discerning homeowners. Though generally the most expensive of tiles, many people prefer stone for its texture and unique character.
Specialty tile. Glass and metal are design trends that are here to stay. They may be used as accents with other tiles, or to cover walls and backsplashes.
Trim tile. Most lines of tile have special tile for creating borders and accents. They should also have tile for finishing corners and edges. These will give your project a professional look.
Marble medallions are an excellent way to create interest in the foyer or hallway. Many floor tiles have matching border and corner pieces that can be arranged as an "area rug" to accentuate a dining room or living area. This type of application can create a beautiful focal point in any room.
The use of listellos and decos can really dress up bathroom wall tile or kitchen backsplashes. A listello is a feature strip that is typically at eye level in the shower or along the edge of a garden tub. Many are made by the tile factories to blend with the field tile, or made of molded marble resin to be quite ornate. Decos are decorative accent pieces made to replace a single tile. A little extra money spent on tile accents goes a long way toward making your home stand out. Make no mistake, prospective home buyers look favorably at the extra attention to detail.
Bullnose is a term used to describe a tile with a rounded edge. It is used to finish off any area where an unfinished tile edge will be exposed. Sink rail edging is a molded tile cap used to finish the edge of the tile countertops. This has replaced bullnose as the most common finish method in this application and is very attractive.
Buying Tips
Be prepared before you go tile shopping. That will help you when you get to the showroom. Most tile is sold by the square foot and by the tile; this is helpful in comparing costs. If you will install the tile yourself, it is critical that measurements be accurate. You do not want way too much or too little to complete the job.
It is good to have a general idea of the color, size and style of tile you want. Ask to take home samples that interest you. Seeing them in your own light and surroundings is the only way to know if the tile will work in your environment. Clearly, if you plan on selling your home, you want to stick with very current styles with wide appeal. This will make your home a lot more attractive to potential purchasers. Find a tile store with a good reputation and an attractive showroom. Ask a lot of questions of your salesperson to establish trust and rapport. When you select your tile with care, your home improvement money will be well spent.
(Source: www.howtobuycarpet.com)
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