Where a durable, water resistant, cleanable, yet attractive finish is required in your home, the role is often filled by utilising tiles. Tiles offer a durable and waterproof surface that cannot be matched by paint. When choosing tiles there are a few things to consider that make the difference between a great job and one that is full of challenges from start to finish. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing tiles.
Tiles are a durable finish which will last a long time if it is cared for. This makes it all the more important to choose tiles that are right in all aspects.
Size
Choosing the correct size tile for your project is sometimes a little tricky. The choice between larger format tiles or smaller tiles may come down to more than style. It is important to create a grid of tiles where each individual cut tile is no less than 1/3 of a full tile. This is to avoid slender pieces of tile which do not look good and potentially may be weak enough to crack in future use.
Material And Finish
Tiles generally are either ceramic or porcelain. Porcelain tiles are harder and more durable than ceramic tiles which are generally reserved for use on walls. If you are using tiles for a wall your choice of finishes is greater than for a floor where a suitably strong porcelain tile must have a suitable finish to remain non-slip in wet conditions. These non-slip tiles tend to be textured or with a matt finish
Installation
Tiles are much more straightforward to install on a flat surface. The wall or floor you intend to tile should be in sound condition. To achieve a suitable surface for tiling, use plaster for walls, or self-levelling compound for concrete floors. Wooden floorboards can be covered using a tile backer board system or thin plywood. Bathrooms may utilise a tanking system and the manufacturer’s instructions for laying tiles on this membrane should be followed rigorously. Use a tape measure and straight edge or chalk line to mark out a cross in the centre of the room and tile working to this.
Lay the main area first, only use full tiles and leave the cuts for the perimeter of the room until later. Work methodically towards an exit and leave the tiles long enough for the adhesive to dry. Measure and cut each perimeter tile individually, accuracy is important and you may require a variety of tools to cut the tiles depending on the layout of your room.
If you started your project with a good survey and measure up before choosing tiles and have now installed them carefully, you should have a brilliant finish which will last for many years.