Tile
Tiles are extremely durable, easy to care for, and very attractive, which is why many people choose to use tiles for flooring and other areas of the house. Tiles are made from hard substances like clay or stone They are either naturally resistant to moisture and damage or they have been treated with substances to make them more durable. Unlike carpeting, tiles can maintain their appearance for several years. The downside to buying and installing tiles in a home is that the initial investment can be pretty large depending on the size of the area to be tiled. Fortunately, buyers have several options available to them when it comes to finding affordable tiles. Before shopping for tiles, buyers should know what to look for. Once they know what type of tile will work for their space, they can begin looking for bargains. Shopping online at sites like LeaderMarket is one way that buyers can find beautiful and high-quality tile at an affordable price.
How to Shop for Tile
Looking for tiles can be a difficult process, since there are so many different types to choose from and factors to consider. Tiling a floor is one of the most expensive home improvement projects, so knowing what to look for can help to keep the overall costs low. Buying the wrong tiles could result in a costly mistake. When shopping for tiles for a home, buyers should consider the size and shape of the tile, what the tile is made of, and the tile’s PEI rating.
Choosing a Tile Size and Shape
People should consider the room or area that they will be installing tile in when choosing a size and shape. Their level of skill may also play a factor in the type of tile that they choose, since larger tiles are easier to install. To determine the size and amount of tiles that is needed for a project, buyers will need to measure the room to determine how many square feet of tiles are needed to cover the surface area. The price of tile is often given per square foot with the square shape of tile being cheaper than other shapes.
Small Tiles
Small tiles often measure one inch on each side. People who want to make a mosaic pattern will need these smaller tiles. Additionally, the smaller tiles are needed for projects where detail is important. Buyers often buy small tiles for use in kitchens for backsplashes or to make decorative designs. They are commonly shaped like squares, but are also available in circles and other odd shapes.
Rectangular Tiles
Rectangular tiles are also known as subway tiles. These tiles are often used in interior design for bathrooms, kitchens, and around pools. Subway tiles usually come in rectangular shapes that measure three inches by six inches. When they are installed, they are usually laid in rows to make them look like bricks. When shopping for these rectangular tiles, people should look for tiles that are at least 8 mm thick. This ensures that they are strong and durable enough for just about any tiling project.
Flooring Tiles
While just about any tile can be used for flooring, typically larger tiles are used. The reason for this is that larger tiles are easier to install. Because floors are so large, it would take a long time to install small tiles over the entire area. Additionally, with large tiles there are fewer grout lines which makes the floor look less busy. Flooring tiles are available in smaller eight and six inch sizes, medium 12 inch sizes, and large 18 inch sizes.
Choosing a Tile Material
Once the square footage of the space has been determined, it is time for the person to start looking for the type of tile that will work best in the space. The appearance and durability of the tile is dependent on the materials used to make the tile. Most tiles are made from a natural clay substance, but some can be made from glass, stone, or even vinyl. The table below lists the main types of tile available and a description of their appearance and properties.
Type of Tile |
Description |
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Made from clay that has been fired in a kiln; glazed with color then fired again to produce bright colors; often has an abrasive added to keep the tile from being slippery when wet |
|
Quarry Tile |
Unglazed ceramic tile; resistant to scratching, chipping, and changes in temperature; prone to staining, so it must be sealed when used as a floor; only available in select clay colors |
Type of ceramic tile that was fired at an extremely high temperature to make a denser tile; moisture and stain resistant; harder to cut, so the price is often higher than other types of tile |
|
Made from natural stone; each tile is unique, so floors and other areas with marble tile have a one-of-a-kind design |
|
Tiles made from other natural stones including granite, slate, onyx, and sandstone; colors and variation depend on the type of stone |
|
Terrazzo |
Tiles made from marble chips or other stone chips that are embedded in concrete; the surface is polished to be shiny |
Terra Cotta |
Made from clay that has been fired but not treated with color; only available in an orange color; the surface is porous and can absorb water; must be treated when used for flooring indoors |
Made from the tough man-made substance; can mimic the appearance and properties of almost any other material; often cheaper than other materials used to make tiles |
Ceramic tile is the most common type of tile used in home improvement projects. This type of tile is available in all sizes and in virtually any color. It can be used for floors, backsplashes, and even decorative pieces. There are many types of tiles available to suit anyone’s budget and taste.
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U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Bright Wedgewood 4 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Cove Base Wall Tile
$8.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Bright Cobalt 3 in. x 6 in. Ceramic 6 in. Surface Bullnose Wall Tile
$1.00 -
Daltile Sonterra Glass Cancun Blue 12 in. x 12 in. x 6mm Glass Sheet Mounted Mosaic Wall Tile (10 sq. ft. / case)
$17.00 -
EPOCH Oceanz Arctic Blue-1726 Crackled Glass Mesh Mounted Tile - 4 in. x 4 in. Tile Sample
$3.00
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Daltile Cliff Pointe Mountain 3 in. x 12 in. Porcelain Bullnose Floor and Wall Tile
$4.00 -
MS International Midnight Blue Iridescent Mosaic 3/4 In. x 3/4 In. Glass Floor & Wall Tile
$4.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Bright Wedgewood 4-1/4 in. x 4-1/4 in. Ceramic Wall Tile (5 sq. ft. / case)
$0.00 -
Jeffrey Court 14 in. x 11-3/4 in. Pacific Blue Glass Mosaic Wall Tile
$19.00
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Daltile Travertine Indian Multicolor 6 in. x 6 in. Tumbled Stone Floor and Wall Tile (6 sq. ft. / case)
$7.00 -
MS International Blue Pearl 18 in. x 31 in. Polished Granite Floor and Wall Tile (7.75 sq. ft. / case)
$14.00 -
MS International Island Marine 6 in. x 6 in. Glazed Porcelain Pool Tile
$1.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Bright Dusk 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Surface Bullnose Wall Tile
$0.00
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U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Bright Wedgewood 3 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Surface Bullnose Wall Tile
$10.00 -
Daltile Travertine Indian Multicolor 4 in. x 4 in. Tumbled Stone Floor and Wall Tile (6 sq. ft. / case)
$6.00 -
Daltile Fashion Accents Lagoon 2 in. x 2 in. Glass Insert Wall Tile
$6.00 -
Daltile Sonterra Glass Medium Blue Iridescent 12 in. x 12 in. x 6mm Glass Sheet Mounted Mosaic Wall Tile (10 sq. ft. / case)
$24.00
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Solistone Hand Painted Field 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Wall Tile (2.5 Sq. Ft./Case)
$11.00 -
12 in. x 12 in. Ardesia Blue Ceramic Tile (15 sq. ft. per/case)
$1.00 -
Daltile Semi-Gloss Waterfall 4-1/4 in. x 4-1/4 in. Ceramic Bullnose Wall Tile
$0.00 -
EPOCH Oceanz Southern Tumbled Matte Glass Mesh Mounted Floor & Wall Tile - 4 in. x 4 in. Tile Sample
$3.00
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TAFCO PRODUCTS 12 in. x 12 in. x 1/4 in. Thick Mosaic Mixed Blue Glass Tile
$11.00 -
Jeffrey Court 12-1/2 in. x 12 in. Out to Sea Glass/Metal Mosaic Wall Tile
$19.00 -
Daltile Isis Whisper Blue 12 in. x 12 in. x 3mm Glass Mesh-Mounted Mosaic Wall Tile (20 sq. ft. / case)
$8.00 -
Daltile Cristallo Glass Aquamarine 3/4 in. x 8 in. Glass Pencil Accent Wall Tile
$12.00
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EPOCH Monoz M-Blue-1402 Mosaic Recycled Glass 12 in. x 12 in. Mesh Mounted Floor & Wall Tile (5 Sq. Ft./Case)
$15.00 -
Solistone Micro Pebble Cayman Blue 12 in. x 12 in. x 6.35 mm Mesh-Mounted Mosaic Floor and Wall Tile (10 sq. ft. / case)
$11.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Bright Wedgewood 3 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Wall Tile
$26.00 -
Daltile Egyptian Glass Lapis 12 in. x 12 in. x 6mm Glass Face-Mounted Mosaic Wall Tile (11 sq. ft. / case)
$18.00