Tile 101: Six Key Insights for Understanding Tile

Introduction

Tiles are a cornerstone of home design, offering a blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. Whether it's the glossy finish of a white subway tile backsplash in your kitchen or the practical elegance of bathroom floor tiles, tile has the power to completely transform any room. In this article, we look at 6 key insights—from the best places to install them to some of the common types available.

Where to Install Tile: A Guide to Elevating Spaces

Tiles are incredibly versatile, suitable for various spaces in your home:

• Kitchen Tile Backsplash A kitchen tile backsplash, especially in subway tile or glass subway tile, adds a clean, modern look while protecting your walls from spills and stains.

• Floor Tile: Durable floor tile can be ideal for high-traffic areas, including kitchens and bathrooms. Ask your tile store for slip resistant floor tile options.

• Shower Tile: The bathroom serves as a sanctuary for many. Opting for shower wall tile and shower floor tile can create a cohesive and serene environment. Consider a shower niche for added functionality and style.  Popular choices for wall tile are 12x24 tile or larger which results in less grout lines.  Shower pan tiles are commonly smaller such as 2x2 squares on a 12” mesh or 2” hexagon tile.  This allows the tile to conform to the pitch in your shower floor necessary for water to properly drain.

Understanding the Different Types of Tile

In your quest to find the perfect tile for your home, you'll discover a wide range of materials, each with unique benefits and applications. Here's a closer look at the differences between ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles, along with their common uses in home design.

• Ceramic Tile: This popular choice is commonly used as wall tile rather than floor tile. Made from clay and other natural materials, ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at a lower temperature than porcelain, resulting in a slightly more porous and softer surface. The vast selection of colors and patterns makes ceramic tile a go-to for creative projects, like a kitchen tile backsplash or decorative wall tiling.

• Porcelain Tiles: A subtype of ceramic, porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures, creating a denser and less porous material. This process grants them superior durability and water resistance, making porcelain tiles an excellent choice for either floor or wall applications.  They can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for floor tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Additionally, porcelain's low water absorption rate makes it suitable for shower tiles and other moist areas.

• Glass Tile: Glass tile is a unique and visually striking option that adds light and depth to any space. Typically used in smaller areas or as decorative accents, glass tiles are perfect for a glass subway tile backsplash, shower walls, and other surfaces where you want to make a statement. While not as durable as ceramic or porcelain for flooring, glass tiles offer a reflective beauty that can brighten up any room, making them a popular choice for creating focal points or adding a touch of elegance.

Wonderstar Leaf Glass Mosaic By Daltile

Tile Design and Layout Patterns

The selection of tile design and layout pattern is pivotal in defining the character and mood of a space. Beyond the material and color, the way tiles are arranged can dramatically alter the appearance and atmosphere of your rooms. Here are some popular layout patterns that can transform ordinary spaces into visually captivating ones:

• Brick Joint Pattern: Often associated with the classic subway tile backsplash, the brick joint pattern arranges tiles in a staggered manner, mimicking the layout of bricks on a wall. This timeless design adds rhythm and visual interest to your kitchen or bathroom walls, offering simplicity with a touch of elegance. It's a versatile pattern that works well with both the traditional white subway tile backsplash as well as floor tile, providing texture and depth to the area.

Blue Shimmer Glass Tile By By MS International(MSI) Brick Joint Layout

• Herringbone Pattern: A standout choice for adding sophistication and visual interest, the herringbone pattern involves arranging rectangular tiles at alternating 45-degree angles, creating a zigzag pattern reminiscent of the bones of a fish's skeleton. This intricate layout is perfect for drawing attention to floors and walls, from shower enclosures to kitchen backsplashes. Opting for a herringbone installation can elevate the style of your shower tile design or add an elegant touch to your kitchen tile backsplash, making it a distinctive design choice for those looking to infuse their space with personality and flair.

Gray Gloss Herringbone Tile By MS International(MSI) Herringbone Layout

• Grid Pattern: For a clean, modern look, the grid pattern aligns tiles squarely against each other in a straightforward, grid-like fashion. This layout emphasizes the uniformity and precision of the space, lending a contemporary edge to floors, walls, and backsplashes.  The grid pattern can enhance the minimalist aesthetic of your home, making everything look neat and orderly.  This can work well for your small kitchen remodel.

Grid Layout

Types of Grout: The Unsung Hero of Tile Design

Grout might seem like a small detail, but it's a critical element that can significantly influence the aesthetic and functionality of your tile work. The right grout not only complements and accentuates the beauty of your tiles but also affects the durability and cleanliness of the tiled surface. Here's a closer look at the types of grout available and how to choose the best one for your project:

• Sanded Grout: Ideal for wider grout lines, sanded grout contains fine sand particles that add strength and prevent shrinking as it dries. It's a great choice for floor tiles where the grout lines are typically larger, providing a robust fill that can withstand the pressure of foot traffic.

• Unsanded Grout: Best suited for narrower grout lines found in wall tiles and delicate tile materials like glass. Without the abrasive particles, it's gentler on the surface of tiles, making it the preferred choice for intricate mosaic backsplashes or tiles that are prone to scratching. Unsanded grout allows for a sleek, clean look that enhances the sophistication of your tile work.

• Epoxy Grout: Renowned for its durability and resistance to stains, epoxy grout is a resilient option composed of epoxy resins and a filler powder. This type of grout is more resistant to most chemicals and stains, making it ideal for areas that require rigorous cleaning or are exposed to harsh substances. Epoxy grout is particularly well-suited for commercial kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas where maintenance and hygiene are paramount. While it can be more challenging to apply, the longevity and ease of cleaning it offers make it a worthwhile investment for many projects.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining the beauty of your tile, be it a kitchen tile backsplash or shower tile, involves regular cleaning and, for some materials like natural stone, periodic sealing. Always follow the best practices and cleaning methods recommended by the tile manufacturer. If you are unable to reach the manufacturer, contact your local tile store.

Finding the Right Tile Installer

For those searching for a tile installer, it's important to choose professionals with experience in the specific type of tile you're using, whether it's for a shower floor tile or a kitchen tile backsplash. Be sure to ask for pictures of their previous work and as how many years experience they have.

Conclusion

Tiles offer a unique combination of durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, capable of transforming any space. Whether you're drawn to the classic look of a white subway tile backsplash or the durability of porcelain tiles, the right choice can take your home's design to new the next level. Remember to consult with a professional tile installer to ensure the best outcome for your project. If you are in the greater Seattle area searching for tile near me or tile stores near me, consider us at SMY Home Improvement. We are located in Lynnwood WA. Come shop at our showroom and find the best tile options for your home. Remember, we offer tile installation for all of your kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling needs! We offer many popular brands such as MSI, Daltile and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is best to use on tile floors?

The best material for tile floors depends on the room's function, foot traffic, and your aesthetic preferences. Porcelain tiles are often recommended due to their durability, water resistance, and low maintenance. They're suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain tiles come in a variety of designs.  Options that look like natural stone or wood look tile can be great choices.

What is the cheapest way to tile a floor?

The most cost-effective way to tile a floor involves several strategies:

• Choosing budget-friendly tile materials:  Porcelain tile can start around $2 per square foot, material only. 

• Doing the installation yourself: If you're handy and have the time, DIY installation can save you the cost of professional labor. There are plenty of resources and tutorials available to guide you through the process.  Please proceed with caution.  If you are not sure what you are doing, you run the risk of having to pay for rework, therefore eating away at your savings.

• Be careful when looking for sales or clearance items: Often, tile stores or online retailers will have sales or clearance sections where you can find high-quality tiles at a reduced price.  You may run the risk of receiving an order with multiple dye lots.  Another possibility is the tile is discontinued.  This will provide a very frustrating situation if you need more tile and are not able to order more of the same product.

What is the easiest floor tile to maintain?

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are among the easiest to maintain. They can be cleaned with a simple mixture of water and mild detergent and do not require special cleaning products. Porcelain tiles, in particular, can be highly resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture, making them an excellent choice for areas prone to spills.