
Different aesthetic elements are considered when elevating spaces. The most intriguing decor element for kitchens and washrooms is tiles.
Tiles are key interior design components that dramatically enhance any area’s aesthetic appeal. Depending on the design purpose and usability, they can be installed on floors or adored on walls.
You can explore countless tile options in the market or at the online tile store and can make informed choices based on your home interior and space convenience.
In this blog, we will guide you about important factors you must consider the ideal tiles for your home or any other space. But, at first we will delve into how important it is to make the right tile choice. So, let’s see:
Importance of Right Choice Of Tiles
Buying tiles from an online tile store is not a cakewalk act. For this, one can gather information about the top tile trends in 2024.
Now, let’s look at some essential reasons why tiles should be bought carefully.
- Enhanced Aesthetics
Tiles come in different styles, shapes, and colors and give a unique aesthetic to any space. Careful decisions must be made, questioning your mind, like whether you prefer a sleek and subtle appearance or a cozy rustic feel. The decision must be made consciously to match your design vision.
- Value-Addition
Using tiles in any place means adding value to the space. It means spending some bucks to transform the area so the right choice seamlessly integrates with other space elements, like cabinets, fixtures, furniture, etc.
- Natural Brightness
Tiles enhance a space’s natural lusciousness, making it elegant and bright. So, always look for tiles with natural shine to make your spaces look brighter.
- Resistance To Stains
The premium-quality tiles do not get stains or scratches and maintain the cleanliness of the space. The high-quality tiles do not catch dirt or stains easily.
- Safety In Places
Safety is another critical factor when buying tiles from an online tile store. The slip-resistant tiles prevent mishaps in the kitchen & washrooms from slipping and ensure utmost safety while walking through these most risky areas.
Crucial Factors To Consider While Buying Tiles For Any Space
Are you planning to revamp the appearance of your dreary-looking floor? Then, you must consider suitable options for your space at an online tile store or researching at other outlets.
Count on the below-lying factors before you finalise your tiles purchase from the merchandiser.
- Anti-Slipping
The first thing that is pivotal when buying tiles is their water resistance. Tiles are used primarily in kitchens, washrooms, and shower rooms. So, checking out if the tiles have enough grip and ideal anti-slipping features will help you move freely in your most usable areas. Ask for anti-slipping tiles when you buy them from an offline or online tile store.
- Size & Shapes
Size is one of the most crucial things that demands undivided attention from the buyer. Spacious places need bigger tiles like 100*200 cm, 120*120 cm, and 120*180 cm. The smaller tiles are used for creating intricate patterns.
Knowing which shape the tile should be bought is also a valued decision. Different shapes are available in the online tile store, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc. Finding the right one can help achieve your space’s desired look and foster convenience.
- Durability & Finish
For durability, one can check the PEI rate, which stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute. This rating determines the tile’s longevity, and it ranges from one to five. Rating one means that it is suitable for light residential use, while five means for heavy commercial use.
Choose appropriate textures, too, like glossy and matte finishes, that align with your existing floors and marbles in the space.
- Diverse Types
Tiles come in extensive types, such as ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, and cement tiles. One must gauge the characteristics of each tile first and understand where a specified tile can be used.
Ceramic tiles are generally used in backsplashes and countertops. It is analyzed that despite the economic slowdown, the tile ceramic tile industry is in the boom and is growing by 15% annually because people mostly use ceramic tiles to design their interiors.
- Right Grout
Selecting suitable grout is also a core factor to consider. Grout is the construction material used to fill and seal tile spaces. This decision significantly impacts the tile installation functionality, structural support, and maintenance, as well as enhancing the visual appeal and longevity of the space.
- Easy Maintenance
If one’s house or office experiences heavy moving traffic, tiles that are easy to maintain should be preferred. Instead of relying more on looks, count on the maintenance factor. Matte finish porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles require less care and highly recommended for crowded spaces.
- Colors & Patterns
Make sure you choose a color that matches the overall hue scheme of the home. Check out the color palettes, which are always showcased at the online tile store. Light-colored tiles are chosen for more spacious looks, while dark ones add depth and intensity.
The tiles also come in patterns, like the subway patterns, which are rectangular ones in a brick-like layout. These are used on floors like in kitchens and washrooms. Then, there are also V-shape patterns for tiles that are employed especially for modern architecture. So, choose the patterns according to the purpose and style.
Now that we have discussed essential things to consider while buying tiles, we will delve into some tips suggested by experts to make effective tile-buying decisions.
Expert Practical Tips Before Purchasing Tiles
Tiles can be exposed to extreme conditions like these, can be affected by weather, lead to breakage, and be spoiled with time. So, the point is to ensure you are investing money into the right purchase.
Here are some of the key practical tips that must be taken care of while planning to buy tiles. Let’s have a look:
- Efficient Research
First, research the different types of tiles available in the market. Check listings of reputed companies or customer reviews of tiles listed below. People should not just explore one online tile store to make the decision but different online and offline shops to understand the tile type and its basic specifications.
- Request Tile Samples
Different samples have different features, so it’s important to get a sample from the manufacturer or the online tile store. Request samples and test them.
Follow the below recommendations for testing:
- Do they look different at all times of the day?
- Check if the tiles work with other materials and finishes in the room, like countertops, cabinets, and fixtures.
- See if those are moisture-prone and how they perform in different weather conditions.
- Check Warranty & Return Policy
It’s crucial to understand the warranty policies of the tile manufacturers, too. See the coverage factor and length of the warranty and know the conditions that can void it. Apart from this, knowing the return policy is also important. Some retailers allow returns only within a specified period, ranging from 30 to 90 days from the date of purchase. So, read and understand these terms carefully.
- Seek Professional Advice
It’s always beneficial to seek professional advice on whether a tile is worth buying. For example, you can contact Exocera experts to make informed decisions regarding tile purchasing. The experts will also recommend the right tile options from the online tile store and help you choose one within your budget.
Conclusion
Floors and walls are the most highlighted parts of spaces. Giving them a distinctive appearance raises not only the space’s beauty appeal but also uplifts property value. So, one must take adequate time in formulating effective decisions for upgrading a home, such as buying tiles.