Picture: Topps Tiles
People forget how important it is to choose the right floor tiles for their home. While floors are not the first thing you notice upon entering a home, it is also the most basic structure of the house. Have you ever stepped into a home with uneven flooring, or had broken tiles? It doesn't create a good first impression at all.
In the past, tiles were used as artistic accents on the walls or floors of homes, but since they are easier to maintain than carpeting and hardwood floors, many people now choose tiles to line their floor.
There are many varieties of floor tiles available in the market today. Depending on the look and color that you want, you will be spoilt for choice. To help you narrow down your choices, here are a few tips to help you.
Style Star
The type of floor tiles that you choose for your home will depend on the style you are going for. If you are attracted to modern and industrial looking designs, then regular machine manufactured tiles should work well. But getting them all in the same size is important to maintain regularity.
If you are looking for a more rustic design, then you can opt for hand-made tiles. These tiles have uneven edges and are usually used for patios or driveways. Your contractor would need to cut the tiles to fit the space accordingly.
If mosaic tiles are more to your liking, then consult a decorator to give you design ideas on how to lay the tiles out in an attractive manner. The last thing you want is to have your contractor lay the tiles with no design in mind, which would be messy.
Size It Up
Before you can start shopping, you have to determine how much ground to cover. Exact measurements are imperative, as that would dictate how many tiles should be purchased. Tiles are usually 1x1 foot in size, so an accurate measurement of the floor space in square feet should be done.
If you're unsure about the size of your room, consult the blue-prints. Remember that any inaccurate measurements of your floor space could be a problem. You don't want to end up with too many tiles, which is a waste of money.
Hard Or Soft?
If you're looking to buy tiles for the floor, choose a harder variety. Determine how much walking is going to be done in the room. The more walking involved, the harder the tile should be. Other than that, you can choose softer tiles. Bathrooms don't need hard tiles as they aren't used as much as the living room. Determine how much walking is going to be done in the room and buy the right tile.
Budgeting
Tiles are sold per piece, so buying them for a large space could be an expensive proposition. Choose good quality tiles that are being sold at a lesser price. And if you're only re-tiling a small room, why not spend a little bit more on something luxurious. It so happens that Italians make the most expensive and beautiful hand-made tiles, often used for fountains and frescoes. So have a think about your budget before-hand.
If you're on a tight budget, then ceramic tiles are a good choice. They are the most affordable tiles on the market and are relatively easy to care for. A few quick swivels with a soapy mop will take care of most messes. And should an accident happen resulting in a few broken tiles, they can be easily replaced.
Article: Courtesy of Propertyguru.com
