?Tile To Make You Smile

?You’ve decided that you want to redo your kitchen or bathroom and you need to find the right tile for the job. Well, all types of tile are being used throughout the home these days – from inexpensive glazed ceramic to tumbled natural stone. The choices are endless. So, you will want to approach this task by first choosing the right tile for the proper application.
Please bear in mind that all tiles are not created equal. This being the case, you will want to choose durable ceramic or porcelain tile for high traffic areas, like the kitchen and foyer. Natural stone tile works best in a kitchen backsplash or as a chair rail border. You should check with the tile manufacturer to determine the recommended application.
Personally, I have found that, of all the tiles, ceramic tile is the most easily maintained, durable, and attractive. Ceramic is a man-made product. Each and every tile has the identical composition and therefore has predictable qualities. On the other hand, stone tile (granite, slate, marble) is a product of nature and can differ in composition from tile to tile and therefore has unpredictable qualities. Ceramic tiles are generally non-porous to slightly porous with a very low absorbency. Stone tiles can be very absorbent and for this reason can cause several different setting problems. Marble, for example, is very sensitive to acids, whereas ceramic tile is not.
Whatever type of tile you choose for your home, you should strive to create an interesting pattern by mixing different sizes, colors and textures. Take samples and rearrange them to determine which pattern works best. Most importantly, whether creating a symmetrical floor pattern or an irregular wall border, remember to take accurate measurements to make the best use of the materials. When installing tile in a small room, use larger tile to make the room seem more spacious. Not only will it open up the room, you will have less grout to clean.
Tile can be used in all types of design styles, from rustic to contemporary. Use it on walls, floors, countertops, backsplashes and tabletops and create artwork with mosaics and relief tiles. Inject personality into a basic white tile floor with a broken tile border or liven up an ordinary vanity mirror with an intricate mosaic pattern. Let your imagination be your guide!
Tiles are available in many sizes. The recent trend has been toward larger tiles for floor and wall applications. 13” x 13” is a popular size for floors and 8” x 10” is the most popular size for walls. The up and coming sizes are 16” x 16” for floors and 8” x 12” for walls. Why? Because, as mentioned earlier, larger tiles make a space appear larger. Some floor tiles come in multiple sizes, which allow the creation of interesting patterns.
Of course, only you can decide what color is right for you, but here are a few basic rules to remember: Lighter colors make a space appear larger. Darker colors add warmth and hide dirt well. Neutral colors allow you to change your accessories but if you love a trendy color, go for it! Just keep in mind that it will be with you a long time.
Generally speaking, textured or matte finish tiles are less slippery than smooth or shiny tiles – something you should keep in mind when choosing floor tiles. A tile’s “slip resistance” is measured by its “coefficient of friction,” which is provided by some manufacturers.
Rustic or stone-looking tiles are extremely popular because they fit in with any decor and are excellent at hiding dirt. Marbleized tiles lend a more formal look. Tumbled marble is a popular look for all types of decor. Glass tiles and metallic looks are now frequently used in conjunction with ceramic tile and natural stone to create a unique and striking installation. Italianate mosaic tiles like Florentine iridescent glass and Venetian enhanced vitreous glass are stunning, and will add great beauty to your kitchen or bath.
And let’s not forget about grout. Grout is available in a wide variety of colors. Using a grout that matches the tile tends to make the grout lines disappear. Using a contrasting color makes the individual tiles stand out.
With so many styles of tile to choose from, finding the “right” tile can seem daunting. If this is the case, you may want to consult with a professional interior designer for helpful suggestions. To get more information go to www.infotile.com. or www.interiordec.about.com
–Frank McChristian