The correct tiles may transform a bathroom or kitchen from practical to stunning. However, with so many different materials, designs, and features to choose from, purchasing tiles may be intimidating. This detailed guide delves into important variables to consider when purchasing bathroom and kitchen tiles, allowing you to make informed choices for a beautiful and practical area.
Beyond the Showroom Appeal: Introducing the Functionality of Buying Tiles
While looks are essential, prioritise practicality when purchasing tiles.
Traffic Flow: Consider the amount of foot traffic in the location. Durable tiles with a high PEI rating (abrasion resistance) are required for high-traffic areas such as kitchen flooring and bathroom entrances.
Moisture Resistance: In bathrooms and kitchens, moisture resistance is essential. Choose nonporous tiles such as ceramic, porcelain, or glass to prevent water damage and mould formation.
Slip Resistance: To reduce the danger of falls, prioritise slip-resistant tiles with a textured surface, particularly on bathroom floors.
Ease of Cleaning: To ease maintenance, choose tiles with a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, particularly in high-splash areas like as backsplashes.
Beyond the Ceramic Staple: Unveiling Tile Material Options for Buying
Understanding the various tile materials enables educated purchasing selections.
Ceramic tiles are a popular and economical solution with a broad range of shapes, colours, and patterns. However, they are prone to chipping and cracking in high-traffic areas.
Porcelain tiles are denser and more durable than ceramic tiles, making them excellent for high-traffic and moist applications. They provide a broader selection of colours and patterns than genuine stone.
Natural Stone: Natural stone tiles, such as granite, marble, or slate, provide a sense of elegance. However, they are more costly, need special cleaning, and are prone to stains.
Glass tiles add an air of elegance and can assist generate a sense of space. They do, however, need to be handled with care and are prone to scratches.
Metal tiles give a contemporary and industrial aesthetic, but they are prone to scratches and dents. They are not suitable for high-moisture environments.
Beyond the Square Foot: Introducing Tile Size and Shape Options for Buying
Tile size and form have a huge influence on the beauty and functioning of your room.
Small tiles provide a detailed appearance but require more grout lines, which can be difficult to clean. They are best suited decorating little areas or creating patterns.
Large tiles from Tile Village Orpington provide a more smooth and contemporary look. They are simpler to clean since there are fewer grout lines, but they might be more difficult to cut and install, particularly for DIY projects.
Standard Shapes: Square and rectangle tiles are timeless options with limitless design possibilities.
Hexagonal, octagonal, and mosaic tiles may produce visually appealing patterns.
Beyond the Colour Palette: Unveiling Style Considerations for Buying Tiles
Style is an important factor in the overall design of your bathroom or kitchen:
Matching Existing Decor: When selecting tiles, keep your bathroom or kitchen’s existing colour scheme and style in mind. Choose complimentary colours and finishes to create a coherent effect.
Create a focus point by using contrasting tiles or mosaics, such as a backsplash below the sink or a shower accent wall.
Timeless Appeal: While fashionable styles may be enticing, timeless designs offer a long-lasting appearance. Neutral colours and basic designs provide more variety.
Beyond the Visual Appeal: Revealing Technical Specifications When Purchasing Tiles
Aside from aesthetics, examine the technical features of the tiles:
Thickness: Thicker tiles are more durable, particularly on flooring. However, they may necessitate changes to existing entrances or counters.
Water Absorption: To avoid moisture damage in wet places such as showers or around bathtubs, use tiles with a low water absorption rate.
Grout Colour and Material: The grout colour has a considerable influence on the overall appearance. Select a grout colour that compliments the tiles while minimising the appearance of dirt or mildew. Consider utilising epoxy grout in locations with a lot of wetness.
Beyond the Impulse Purchase: Unveiling Key Steps Before Purchasing Tiles
Before purchasing tiles, careful planning is essential.
Measure Your Space: Take accurate measurements of the floor and wall areas where you intend to put tiles. Consider waste while determining the number of tiles required.
Order samples of the tiles you’re thinking about to evaluate the colour, texture, and general appearance in your lighting circumstances.
Consider Installation Costs: In addition to the tile price, take into account the cost of expert installation. DIY installation can save money, but it needs experience and the proper tools.
Read Reviews and Warranties: Research the brand and read online reviews of the tiles you’re thinking about. Understand the warranty provided by the manufacturer.
The Perfect Match: Accepting Your Design Vision
When purchasing tiles for your bathroom or kitchen, you may make educated selections by prioritising usefulness, knowing material alternatives, investigating size and shape variants, embracing design choices, and taking technical requirements into account. Remember that the right tiles will not only improve the appearance of your area, but will also assure its longevity and functionality for years to come. So, take your time, look into your possibilities, and choose the tiles that best suit your design vision and practical requirements.
Get in Touch:
Tile Village Orpington
94 Crofton Ln, Orpington BR5 1HD
01689 890909
tilevillage.co.uk