Tile and what you need to know!
I spend a lot of my time in tile shops! I will be the first to tell you that sensory overload is a real thing and can be paralyzing when trying to choose and coordinate. To keep things calm and stress free, follow these basic steps and before you know it you will have your design complete.
Choosing tile.
When choosing tile for a renovation or new area, start with your paint palette to guide you to your tile palette. Go to your local paint store and either have a sample made or pick up swatches. I like to make a sample of the paint on a piece of drywall to have a good representation. Take your sample or swatches with you to the tile shop. Keep in mind that the paint will read differently under the florescent light of most retail outlets than it will in your home. Do not make your final decision on tile and paint until you see both in multiple light scenarios in the room it will be applied. Paint has a sort of living quality to it in that it will look different in sun light, incandescent light and no light.
Once you have samples of what you like, lay them out by overlapping any tile that will intersect in the room. Don't forget the flooring. If you have wood flooring or tile flooring, be sure to check if you like the combinations. Two wall tiles that look relatively the same when compared to one another will look one way but may look completely different if you introduce your flooring or your paint to the mix. Certain colors will become more pronounced when next to others. For example, grey and white paint can have an under-tone that will read pink or blue when paired with certain colors or light.
Note on trending tile patterns.
When designing for a home that you plan on living in for a while, choosing trendy patterns is not so much an issue. However, when designing for a house you are going to sell anytime soon; be careful! It's important to keep in mind that what is appealing to you may not be appealing to everyone and may result in potential buyers having issues. Also good to keep in mind that just like everything else, trends go out of style. If you use tile that is super popular today, a couple of years from now it won't be trendy anymore and you will assign a date to your renovation. Using more basic tile and having it laid in a geometric pattern or unique way is a much safer way to get a unique look without the risk!
Tile setters are artists! Laying tile is a lot harder than you would guess. Consistent grout lines, proper amount of setting material, sharp cut lines; you will get what you pay for! Also be aware that there will be added charges for certain types of tile that are not standard in material or shape. When you chose to lay tile in a unique pattern, it usually will require more cuts which leads to more waste, a.k.a more cost!
Tile is made from a lot of different materials.
The material you chose will greatly effect how the tile is installed and the overall cost.
The most basic and cost effective materials are glazed ceramic and porcelain. The designs on these types of tile are ink jet printed. This is important to know for two main reasons. The cut edge of the tile will usually be white, regardless of the top color. So if you are using this for wall tile, you will need to add a trim piece. The most popular edge trim is the use of metal strips that are made for different thicknesses of tile. The most commonly used is Schluter Systems Brand. It comes in many finishes to match fixtures. They also carry floor transitions for when the tile is to marry with carpet or wood flooring.
The other concern with ceramic tile is the durability. Ceramic tile will have a PEI rating between 1 and 5. This number doesn't matter if used on walls but on floors it is quite important. PEI of 5 is a commercial grade tile and will withstand pretty much anything a family can deliver. Moving down the scale will lessen the durability. Over all, the glaze on ceramic tile makes it impervious to standard traffic. It's shoes and pets that will need to be considered.
Natural stone like travertine, marble, and slate are beautiful and mostly timeless. These tile are best when sealed before individually and after install to create the most impervious surface. Adding a yearly seal to your maintenance schedule is best practice.
Cement tile is very popular right now. The tiles are hand made and use mineral pigments for the designs. Few things to keep in mind: They are thicker than most tile. This will come into play when marrying up with other flooring or wall trim. They are priced by the piece, unlike most tile that is priced by the square foot. They are super absorbent. Seal each tile and then seal the floor. Buy more than you need as going back for additional tile can land you in a different die lot with an altered color on the pattern.
Glass and recycled tile. These tiles are the most colorful and creative in my book. The mosaic patterns are meshed and are laid in sheets that inter lock. Larger glass tiles are individual and can be laid in a myriad of patters. Caveats: Glass tile is either colored glass or glass with the color applied in a thin layer on the back. This layer can scratch and effective the look when installed. Glass tile is difficult to cut straight without a sharp "glass cutting blade". If the blade is wrong or not sharp, it will chip or fray the edge and effect the look when installed. depending on how opaque the tile is, setting material can show through and effect the look when installed.
Well, I could go on and on but I think that's enough info for now! If you have any questions, just reach out!