Tile
Tiles are extremely durable, easy to care for, and very attractive, which is why many people choose to use tiles for flooring and other areas of the house. Tiles are made from hard substances like clay or stone They are either naturally resistant to moisture and damage or they have been treated with substances to make them more durable. Unlike carpeting, tiles can maintain their appearance for several years. The downside to buying and installing tiles in a home is that the initial investment can be pretty large depending on the size of the area to be tiled. Fortunately, buyers have several options available to them when it comes to finding affordable tiles. Before shopping for tiles, buyers should know what to look for. Once they know what type of tile will work for their space, they can begin looking for bargains. Shopping online at sites like arearugstock is one way that buyers can find beautiful and high-quality tile at an affordable price.
How to Shop for Tile
Looking for tiles can be a difficult process, since there are so many different types to choose from and factors to consider. Tiling a floor is one of the most expensive home improvement projects, so knowing what to look for can help to keep the overall costs low. Buying the wrong tiles could result in a costly mistake. When shopping for tiles for a home, buyers should consider the size and shape of the tile, what the tile is made of, and the tile’s PEI rating.
Choosing a Tile Size and Shape
People should consider the room or area that they will be installing tile in when choosing a size and shape. Their level of skill may also play a factor in the type of tile that they choose, since larger tiles are easier to install. To determine the size and amount of tiles that is needed for a project, buyers will need to measure the room to determine how many square feet of tiles are needed to cover the surface area. The price of tile is often given per square foot with the square shape of tile being cheaper than other shapes.
Small Tiles
Small tiles often measure one inch on each side. People who want to make a mosaic pattern will need these smaller tiles. Additionally, the smaller tiles are needed for projects where detail is important. Buyers often buy small tiles for use in kitchens for backsplashes or to make decorative designs. They are commonly shaped like squares, but are also available in circles and other odd shapes.
Rectangular Tiles
Rectangular tiles are also known as subway tiles. These tiles are often used in interior design for bathrooms, kitchens, and around pools. Subway tiles usually come in rectangular shapes that measure three inches by six inches. When they are installed, they are usually laid in rows to make them look like bricks. When shopping for these rectangular tiles, people should look for tiles that are at least 8 mm thick. This ensures that they are strong and durable enough for just about any tiling project.
Flooring Tiles
While just about any tile can be used for flooring, typically larger tiles are used. The reason for this is that larger tiles are easier to install. Because floors are so large, it would take a long time to install small tiles over the entire area. Additionally, with large tiles there are fewer grout lines which makes the floor look less busy. Flooring tiles are available in smaller eight and six inch sizes, medium 12 inch sizes, and large 18 inch sizes.
Choosing a Tile Material
Once the square footage of the space has been determined, it is time for the person to start looking for the type of tile that will work best in the space. The appearance and durability of the tile is dependent on the materials used to make the tile. Most tiles are made from a natural clay substance, but some can be made from glass, stone, or even vinyl. The table below lists the main types of tile available and a description of their appearance and properties.
Type of Tile |
Description |
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Made from clay that has been fired in a kiln; glazed with color then fired again to produce bright colors; often has an abrasive added to keep the tile from being slippery when wet |
|
Quarry Tile |
Unglazed ceramic tile; resistant to scratching, chipping, and changes in temperature; prone to staining, so it must be sealed when used as a floor; only available in select clay colors |
Type of ceramic tile that was fired at an extremely high temperature to make a denser tile; moisture and stain resistant; harder to cut, so the price is often higher than other types of tile |
|
Made from natural stone; each tile is unique, so floors and other areas with marble tile have a one-of-a-kind design |
|
Tiles made from other natural stones including granite, slate, onyx, and sandstone; colors and variation depend on the type of stone |
|
Terrazzo |
Tiles made from marble chips or other stone chips that are embedded in concrete; the surface is polished to be shiny |
Terra Cotta |
Made from clay that has been fired but not treated with color; only available in an orange color; the surface is porous and can absorb water; must be treated when used for flooring indoors |
Made from the tough man-made substance; can mimic the appearance and properties of almost any other material; often cheaper than other materials used to make tiles |
Ceramic tile is the most common type of tile used in home improvement projects. This type of tile is available in all sizes and in virtually any color. It can be used for floors, backsplashes, and even decorative pieces. There are many types of tiles available to suit anyone’s budget and taste.
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Megatrade Cliffstone 17 in. x 17 in.
$0.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Matte Cocoa 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Surface Bullnose Wall Tile
$0.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Matte Bone 4-1/4 in. x 4-1/4 in. Ceramic Stackable Cove Base Wall Tile
$0.00 -
Daltile Semi-Gloss Elemental Tan 2 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Bullnose Wall Tile
$0.00
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U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Bright Khaki 3/4 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Quarter Round Wall Tile
$0.00 -
Daltile Semi-Gloss Urban Putty 2 in. x 2 in. Ceramic Bullnose Corner Wall Tile
$0.00 -
Daltile Semi-Gloss Elemental Tan 2 in. x 2 in. Ceramic Bullnose Corner Wall Tile
$0.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Matt Bone 2 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Surface Bullnose Wall Tile
$0.00
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Daltile Brazos Taupe 12 in. x 12 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile (15.49 sq. ft. / case)
$1.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Astral Sand 3 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Surface Bullnose Wall Tile
$1.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Bright Bone 6 in. x 3/4 in. Ceramic Liner Wall Tile
$1.00 -
Emser Origin Essence 13 in. x 13 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile (15.52 sq. ft. / case)
$1.00
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Daltile Sierra Aspen 12 in. x 12 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile (11 sq. ft. / case)
$1.00 -
Emser Toledo 17 in. x 17 in. Noce Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile
$1.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Bright Bone 4-1/4 in. x 4-1/4 in. Ceramic Wall Tile (10 sq. ft. / case)
$1.00 -
Daltile Rittenhouse Square Artisan Brown 3 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Bullnose Left Corner Wall Tile
$2.00
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Emser 1 in. x 7 in. Coliseum Rome Quarter Round
$2.00 -
Daltile Rittenhouse Square Urban Putty 3 in. x 6 in. Surface Bullnose Right Corner Wall Tile
$2.00 -
Daltile Sandalo Raffia Noce 2 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Radius Bullnose Wall Tile
$2.00 -
Daltile Quarry Sahara Sand 8 in. x 8 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile (11.11 sq. ft. / case)
$2.00
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Daltile Matte Artisan Brown 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Corner Bullnose Wall Tile
$2.00 -
Daltile Quarry Sahara Sand 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile (11 sq. ft. / case)
$2.00 -
Daltile Quarry Sahara Sand 4 in. x 8 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile (10.76 sq. ft. / case)
$2.00 -
Daltile Quarry Adobe Flash 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile (11 sq. ft. / case)
$2.00
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Daltile Brancacci Fresco Caffe 12 in. x 18 in. Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile (16.42 sq. ft. / case)
$2.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Stratford Copper 3 in. x 12 in. Glazed Ceramic Single Bullnose Floor & Wall Tile
$2.00 -
Daltile Modern Dimensions Matte Artisan Brown 4-1/4 in. x 4-1/4 in. Ceramic Bullnose Corner Wall Tile
$2.00 -
Daltile Stratford Place Willow Branch 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Bullnose Wall Tile
$3.00
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Daltile Santa Barbara Pacific Sand 12 in. x 12 in. x 6 mm Universal Mosaic Floor and Wall Tile
$3.00 -
Daltile Salerno Marrone Chiaro 3 in. x 10 in. Glazed Ceramic Bullnose Wall Tile
$3.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Avila Marron 12 in. x 3-1/4 in. Glazed Ceramic Single Bullnose Tile
$3.00 -
PORCELANOSA Kali 12 in. x 8 in. Tabaco Ceramic Wall Tile
$3.00
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PORCELANOSA Kali 12 in. x 8 in. Pulpis Ceramic Wall Tile
$3.00 -
Daltile Sandalo Raffia Noce 1 in. x 1 in. Ceramic Quarter Round Corner Wall Tile
$3.00 -
Daltile Semi-Gloss Uptown Taupe 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Wall Tile (12.5 sq. ft. / case)
$3.00 -
Daltile Union Square Terrace Beige 4 in. x 8 in. Ceramic Paver Floor and Wall Tile (8 sq. ft. / case)
$4.00
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Daltile Fantesa Cameo 12 in. x 12 in. x 8mm Ceramic Mosaic Wall Tile
$4.00 -
Daltile Union Square Heirloom Rose 2 in. x 8 in. Ceramic Paver Floor and Wall Tile (6.25 sq. ft. / case)
$6.00 -
PORCELANOSA Kali 1 in. x 8 in. Tobaco Ceramic Quarter Round Trim Tile
$6.00 -
Daltile Salerno Cremona Caffe 3 in. x 10 in. Glazed Ceramic Floral Accent Wall Tile
$7.00
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Daltile Identity Matte Imperial Gold 5/8 in. x 10 in. Ceramic Accent Wall Tile
$7.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Bright Copper 6 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Surface Bullnose Wall Tile
$7.00 -
Daltile Identity Matte Oxford Brown 5/8 in. x 10 in. Ceramic Accent Wall Tile
$7.00 -
U.S. Ceramic Tile Color Collection Bright Cocoa 4 in. x 6 in. Ceramic Cove Base Wall Tile
$8.00
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Daltile Identity Metro Taupe 8 in. x 20 in. Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile (15.06 sq. ft. / case)
$8.00 -
Daltile Colour Scheme Urban Putty Speckled 6 in. x 12 in. Porcelain Cove Base Floor and Wall Tile
$10.00 -
Daltile Fashion Accents Illusion 2 in. x 10 in. Taupe Ceramic Listello Wall Tile
$11.00 -
Daltile Heathland Edgewood 1 in. x 6 in. Glazed Ceramic Cove Base Floor and Wall Corner Tile
$11.00