When you are trying to decide which tiles would be best for your home, there are a few things to consider.
Start by figuring out how the tiles will be used. As you select colours and designs, look at the existing décor of your home in order to decide what works best. If you are having trouble determining which colours and styles will be most complementary to your home's design, consider enlisting the services of an interior designer. As you narrow down your options, make sure to take into account the wear rating and safety features of the tile.
If you are going to be applying tile in an area that is frequently wet, such as a shower, opt for tiles that offer slip resistance. Tiles that are glazed can be very slippery so it is a good idea to opt for a coating for additional safety. Unglazed tiles are highly porous so it is not a good idea to use these in a wet area unless they have been properly sealed. Sealing the tiles will help to minimise staining and the build-up of dirt and debris.
In order to ensure that there are enough tiles to complete the job, you must make sure that the area that is to be tiled has been measured accurately.
Purchasing some extra tiles can help during the laying process in the event of a miscalculation or breakage. It can be difficult to find matching tiles for older designs. Therefore, the extra tiles can also serve as replacements in the event that tiles chip or break.
Floor tiles can be used on the floor. However, floor tiles should never be used on the wall because they are not sturdy enough to handle the extra loads.
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Tiles come in several different varieties in order to offer a solution for many applications.
Some common tiles include:
Tiles also feature ratings in order to help convey the durability of the tile. The system ranks tiles from 1 to 5 with one being the least strong and 5 being the strongest. Tiles that receive the lowest ratings on this scale should only be used in areas that are sparingly used or in areas where the person is likely to be bare-footed or wearing soft shoes. Tiles that receive a rating of 2 should be used only in light-use areas where heavy footwear is not worn. Tiles that receive a rating of 3 can be used in medium-traffic areas such as kitchens or corridors. Tiles that receive a 4 rating are recommended for high-use areas such as entrances and common walkways. Tiles that receive a rating of 5 are recommended for heavy-use areas including commercial spaces.