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How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Home

Go into any home, and you’re almost guaranteed to find tile. Tile is extremely popular, partially because there are endless options for the color, style, shape, and size of tile. It helps that it is durable, and it looks great too!

But with so many options, which should you choose? Here’s a quick guide to get you started on your search for the perfect tile.

What to Know Before Selecting Tile

Before you jump in and choose the prettiest tile you can find, you will need to consider where it will be used and the type of material that would work best. Since different types of tiles hold up better than others, thinking about where they will be used is step one. 

Maintenance is something else you should consider. Most tile just needs an easy sweep or mop, but some may require a little more work to keep it looking fresh and clean.

Modern kitchen renovated with vertical subway tile, solid surface counters, and tile floor

Where Will the Tile Will Be Installed?

Here are some things you may want to consider for the different areas of your home:

Floors – The tile you choose for your floors must be durable and not slippery. Bonus points for hiding dirt so you won’t have to clean as often.

Backsplash – Anything goes for a backsplash! Small glass tiles, larger ceramic tiles. As long as they are moisture and stain-resistant, it’s hard to go wrong.

Countertops – Yes, you can tile a countertop! Again, you’ll want to look for something easy to clean and won’t stain if something spills on it.

Mudrooms – Mudrooms are usually only used a couple of times per day when you’re coming and going, but they take a lot of punishment from dirty shoes. They don’t call it a mudroom for nothing! You’ll want tile that is easy to keep clean.

Bathrooms – You’ll definitely need your bathroom tile to be moisture resistant. If you’re tiling a shower, you can choose different types that complement each other to make your bathroom look luxurious.

Outdoors – You’ll want to think about how hot the tile will get if you plan on using it for an outdoor patio.

Large selection of tiles for your home

Types of Tile

Once you’ve determined where the tile will go, you’ll have to consider the type of tile you will use. Each type of tile has different pros and cons.

The main factor you will need to consider is its durability and how slippery it gets – you don’t want your floors to feel like a skating rink! Let’s look at some of the most popular types of tile:

Porcelain

Porcelain is water-resistant, durable, and affordable. It is an excellent choice for heavy traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms and can also be used in outdoor spaces.

Ceramic

You know the subway tiles that have been trendy for years? Chances are those are ceramic tiles. Ceramic tile can be used in high-traffic areas like the mudroom or bathroom. It is also great to use as a backsplash since it is easy to clean.

Ceramic tile should not be used outside since it will not hold up to the effects of weather.

Glass

Glass tiles are popular because they refract light and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and transparencies. Glass is durable, non-porous and impervious to water; however, can be slippery so it not used for flooring very often. It works great  for walls, backsplashes, and decorative elements.

Natural Stone

Natural stone tiles will do the trick if you’re after a unique look. We especially like natural stone for outdoor patio areas. There are quite a few types to choose from; onyx, travertine, limestone, or marble.

Mosaic

If you’re looking for tile for a backsplash or countertop, mosaic is an excellent choice. Mosaic is more about the look than the material, as they can be made with just about anything. Anywhere you want a nice splash of color, mosaic tiles are an excellent choice.

Ready to get your project started? We are here for you! Give us a call so we can do all the hard work for you.

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