Introduction:
Renovating our homes is something we all eagerly anticipate. The idea of giving everything a fresh look can be a bit overwhelming, but it also sparks a sense of excitement like that of a cheerful kid getting everything new!
And when we talk about renovating our houses, we can't skip the conversation about flooring, especially when it comes to choosing the right floor tiles. Either porcelain or vitrified floor tiles every tile holds significance in different areas of your home.
So, here are 5 essential tips on floor tiles you need to know before you start renovating your home.
7 Things To Consider Before Choosing Floor Tiles When Renovating Your Home
Selecting the Tile Types
Choosing the right type of tile for your home is crucial. Nowadays, tiles are available in various forms, textures, colors and patterns.
Porcelain Tiles
If strength and durability are your main concerns, porcelain tiles are the best floor tiles for home. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than ceramic tiles and also resist stains and scratches. They are perfect for damp areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor walkways. Opt for rectified or joint-free porcelain for a smooth finish tile.
Vitrified Tiles
Another strong option is vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles are incredibly durable and resistant to stains and scratches. They are available in many sizes and forms, such as full-body, soluble-salt, double-charged, and even glazed, known as PGVT Tiles.
Natural Material Tiles
Natural material tiles are best for outdoor tiles. They are sturdy, resistant to atmospheric changes, and can last for ages. There are numerous alternatives in natural tiles as well, including limestone, marble, travertine, and many others.
Laminated Wooden Flooring
Laminated wooden flooring consists of multiple layers pressed together under high heat and pressure. The top layer, known as the wear layer, features a hard and transparent plastic sheet. It adds warmth to the home decor, replicating the look of natural wood.
Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles provide a warm, earthy, and rustic look, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, available in various shapes and sizes. However, due to their high porosity, they absorb moisture and need periodic sealing.
Cement Tiles
If you need tiles for commercial space, cement tiles are a good choice. Choose cement tiles with traditional patterns for a powerful appearance. However, they may need some extra care with regular sealing because they are permeable.
Luxury Vinyl Plank And Tile Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring is a peel-and-stick flooring material. It is scratch-resistant, water-resistant, easy to maintain, and highly durable. Available in designs that replicate the look of wood, it's suitable for moisture-laden areas like bathrooms and kitchens. One drawback is that it's not resistant to UV light and tends to fade in sunlight.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are a great choice with plenty of benefits and affordability . However, keep in mind that these tiles are fragile and brittle, even though they are highly durable and affordable. So, it's best to install them in areas that experience light to medium traffic.
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl flooring is one of the most affordable options available. It's thin, flexible, and easy to maintain, with a soft underfoot feel. Installation involves rolling it out in a single piece. However, one drawback is that it contains harmful VOCs, which release gas into the air after installation.
You also have other alternatives because the tile market is vast. So, don’t limit yourself to the options mentioned above if they don’t fit your needs. There are plenty of options available in the market from which you can select the type of tiles that best suits your preference and purpose.
Be Precise with Measurements
It could be a big mistake if you're not accurate about the measurements of your space and the size of the tile you're installing. Taking the measurements might seem simple, but this is where you have the most chance of making mistakes.
When measuring, you need to be precise about the floor inclination, off angles, edges, and several other factors.
Therefore, the smart decision would be to hire a qualified tile installer to do the job. These experts will measure your area precisely, determine the size of tiles you'll need, and estimate how many tiles you'll need to complete the project.
Choose the Right Finish
Paying close attention to the type of finish that would best suit your area is the key to enhancing the aesthetics of your space. In the market, there are two main classifications of tiles based on their finish: glossy and matte.
For an anti-slip surface, matte-finished tiles are a great choice. Look for tiles with a COF (Coefficient of Friction) of more than 0.6 for the highest level of safety.
Gloss finish tiles reflect light, provide brightness, and create the illusion of space in the home due to their appealing mirror-like sheen. So, they are ideal for areas like the living room and dining room.
In addition to glossy and matte tiles, you may select from a range of finishes, including semi-matte and lapatto finish and stone tiles . Even though they are more glossy than regular matte tiles, they are nonetheless non-slip. For instance, Casa Stone tiles offer a beautiful finish and excellent anti-slip properties.
Consider the Space
When selecting tiles, you can't always just pick what you like. You have to consider the space you're buying them for. This is crucial. Everything depends on the area of your space that you plan to remodel.
Your tile selection should be affected by whether your specified area is part of your home or a commercial space. In offices, if you want a room to appear larger, larger tiles are the way to go. Tiny mosaic patterns, like my tile risers, work well when tiling a non-straight surface.
Moreover, white square tiles work well in a modern home, you might want to consider an irregularly shaped tile if your home is a historic property with uneven surfaces.
Tiles in dark grey or black will provide a striking effect in your space. They may provide the impression of darkness if the area is congested, but they are perfect for busy households since they hide dirt.
Contrastingly, a tiny space might appear big with all-white tiles. It could be challenging to maintain them, though.
So, it all winds up to your space and how you want it to appear. Therefore, you need to be thoughtful and sure of what you select. Ensure to choose the best floor tile design to match your space.
Opt for “Quality in the Budget”
The last part, but the toughest one, is confirming tiles within your budget. Every remodeling project has a pre-set budget bracket. So, you will be looking for options that match your pocket. Whether you choose ceramic and vitrified tiles or porcelain and cement tiles dont compromise on quality at any cost.
During tile selection avoid selecting subpar items from questionable vendors simply because they are being offered at a “good rate.” Spend some time learning why some tiles are priced high and some are priced less.
It could be because the vendor is unreasonably listing them, or it could be due to the material quality and efficiency. Allow your finances to be slightly flexible to get products with quality within the budget.
Calculate the Number of Tiles Required
After choosing the right tiles, it's important to figure out how many tiles you'll need for your flooring. Your architect or construction engineer can help you with this.
Be sure to account for 10% waste when estimating the number of tiles needed. Calculate the cost of the tiles you want to use and see if it fits within your budget.
If it does, you're good to go. If it exceeds your budget, you can replace it with a comparable but less expensive tile.
Renovate Your Space And Get A Nice Ambience For Your Home.
Selecting the perfect floor tile for your home renovation project is essential. Whether you opt for porcelain or vitrified floor tiles, make sure to consider the above information to ensure the best renovation for your home.
