Start a tile file

If you’re thinking that the tile in your home looks a bit dated, dirty, or not the color it originally was, it might be time to start a tile file. Technophobes have no fear, I just want to say that the first step to buying new tile is to store “files” in your mind of flooring that catches your eye at friends’ houses, photos online, and anywhere else you find tile flooring. It’s easy to stick with the tile that came with your home when you bought it, however re-tiling can make a lasting difference to the look and feel of your home.

Where does the tile go?

The tile is used in many rooms of the house. More traditional is found in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, mud rooms, entryways, countertops, and backsplashes. The advantages of using tiles are that they are easy to clean, quite durable and give a stylish look to the house. The tiles are also used outdoors on the sides of houses, patios and as decoration in patios.

Tile color and shades

Tiles are sold in many different colors, giving buyers the flexibility to find the “right” match for any room’s style. Tile color can be solid, textured, or have added details and designs. There are different ways to make tile color work in your favor. For example, white tiles, if properly cared for, can give bathrooms a fresh, clean look. On the other hand, laying neutral brown marble tiles on a busy sidewalk can hide dirt well until it is swept away. Dark tile is popularly used as a backsplash in kitchens, adding depth and elegant style to the cooking area.

The shape of your mosaic

Mosaics come in most basic shapes, including squares, rectangles, hexagons, diamonds, and triangles. Each shape gives a distinctive look to the floor it covers. Smaller squares are usually found in bathrooms, rectangles can give a retro look to kitchens, large square tiles fit nicely in entryways, but in the end, your style preference will determine your choice of shape.

Tiles also come in large and small forms. The thing to keep in mind when choosing tile sizes is that larger tiles are generally easier to lay and take less time, while smaller tiles require more time and care to lay.

Tell me what it’s made of!

The tile is made from a variety of materials. Some of the most popular materials are:

• Porcelain
• Stone
• Eucalyptus
• Marble
• Board
• Glass
• Ceramic
• Vinyl
• Linoleum

The material will affect the texture, weight, and color of your mosaic. Some materials, like slate, have a more matte color, while porcelain and stone can be polished to a shine. Eucalyptus is a great eco-friendly option for tile floors. One of the deciding factors when choosing your mosaic material will be the amount of durability you need and your budget.

Shall we glaze?

About half of the tiles sold in the United States are glazed. Glazed tiles repel water to some degree, but become slippery when wet. Glazed tiles are more commonly used for walls and countertops rather than floors to prevent accidents from someone slipping. Always refer to the manufacturer’s care advice, whether the tiles are glazed or not, to extend the life of your tiles.

What holds us together

Grout is the material that holds tiles together. The grout is also available in a variety of colors and should complement the color and style of your tile. Light beige and ivory are common grout colors, but dark, unusual colors can be used for a bolder look. Grout is very porous and therefore it is important to seal it.

There are two common ways to seal grout, with a caulking sprayer or applicator. The applicator method is much more tedious, but leaves less room for error, making it the best choice for grouting between tile materials that stain easily (natural materials) or are difficult to clean. Spray sealer is a simpler option, but you will most likely have to wipe the excess off the tile after the sealer has dried.

sometimes change is good

Different tile materials, including porcelain, slate, and more, will have variation in colors and tones between individual tiles. These variations are due to natural variations in the material used to create the tiles. Normally, the variation adds to the natural look of the tile and is not considered a dig for the purchase of tiles of natural material.

To seal or not to seal

It is important to seal tiles that are made from natural products. Many times the tiles are pre-sealed, but it is important to reseal them if necessary because the tiles can easily stain with water and other spills. Sealing is also a great way to protect exterior tiles from the elements. However, not all tiles need to be sealed, such as ceramic and porcelain, but you should always check the manufacturer’s details.

This is just a basic overview of mosaics for your home – keep an eye out for more specific articles, and in the meantime, start your mosaic archive (in your mind, of course) and you’ll be on your way to beautiful new mosaics in your home. . !

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