4 min read | Post Date: 2023
Are you planning to renovate your home? If so, then choosing the right tiles for your space is essential as they can add elegance, style and a point of difference in any room. There are many factors to think about when selecting tiles, such as size, shape, colour, material, layout, and cost considerations.
In this useful article, we will help you understand what choices you will be facing while searching for the perfect tiles for your home renovation project. Keep reading to learn more!
Choosing the right tiles for your space can be tricky - tile trends come and go and you want to make sure your choice will still look trendy long after installation.
Besides aesthetics, it's also important to consider the functional properties of the tile that are suited for the room; for instance, glossy bathroom flooring may look gorgeous at first but will be unbearable to walk on when wet. To make sure you invest in a tile that provides both trendy and functional qualities, do your research (start here with our Tile Material and Tile Finishes Overview) or consult a professional - we have tile showrooms with tile experts ready to assist you.
In summary, here is a quick breakdown of tile finishes:
Ideal for bathroom walls and kitchen splashbacks. Not suitable for flooring as gloss tiles have poor slip ratings. Gloss is also known as polished tiles.
The ideal tile for indoor flooring as they can handle foot traffic, have a high slip rating and adsorb light rather than reflect it.
Perfect tiles for outdoor flooring which can handle weather elements. It feels a bit like sandpaper which provides the non-slip functionality.
Lands somewhere between the Gloss and Matt tiles in terms of reflectiveness and feel. Lappato tiles are also suitable for indoor flooring, including wet areas.
In addition to all the functional benefits that tiles provide that other flooring doesn’t, they are capable of creating stunning points of difference in your house or complimenting the overall look of your home.
When designing your space it's important to consider your preference for a classic or modern aesthetic. Whether your home is traditional and timeless or contemporary and trendy, your choice should suit your life and reflect your personal style.
Thanks to the wide range of styles, woodgrains and colours, wall and floor tiles are highly complementary with other decorative elements in your home - from furniture, to accessories, to art - choose items that fit your overall vision of the space. With careful planning and intentional selections you can create an atmosphere that will be both aesthetically pleasing and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
When deciding which type of tile is right for your project there are multiple factors to consider. Not only do you need to choose the size and colour that best suits the overall look, but you also have to select a style of tile.
Think of the Classic white subway tiles that have stood the test of time for decades and look great in both contemporary and classic homes. Otherwise, there are other modern tile trends such as stone, timber, marble, concrete and decorative patterns and more porcelain tiles.
There is also the question of what pattern do you lay the wall and floor tiles. This means the pattern. Here is a quick overview:
This universal pattern is one of the most common layouts and perhaps the easiest way to install wall and floor tiles. Each tile is simply put next to each other in a row then the next row starts - imagine a chess board if you were using square tiles.
The timber flooring layout you’re probably most familiar with is the 50/50 Offset layout which positions the start of one tile halfway through the one next to it. This classic look will be your safest option as it is a timeless layout!
This pattern is achieved when positioning rectangle shaped tiles perpendicular to one another then aligning them alongside one another. A simpler way to think of the Herringbone pattern is a zig-zag which delivers a point of difference in your layout design.
If modern style is more your taste you can find many different sized tiles, in a range of colours from classic neutrals to bright bold hues. With so many options out there, it's important to take the time to compare styles, sizes and colours before making your final decision.
When budgeting for new tiles, it’s important to factor in installation costs.
For the DIY tiler you will want to understand the material, tool and safety equipment required when installing your new wall or floor tiles.
A major benefit of using a local tiler who instals your tiles will not just know how to lay them correctly and skillfully but also ensure that they are fixed securely, safely and apply waterproofing for wet rooms such as bathrooms.
You can quickly find a list of your local tiler through the traditional Yellow Pages and the tradie-finder website HiPages. Otherwise, find your local Volare tile outlet and give us a call to get a good recommendation on your local tiler.
With all of these factors to consider, it’s no wonder tile shopping can be so overwhelming. But don’t worry – the Volare Tiles friendly staff here to help. Our flooring experts will take into account your budget, the space you’re tiling, and the look you want to create before making recommendations for the perfect tiles.
Once you’ve made your selection we can help organise your order, delivery and even refer a good tiler. So what are you waiting for? Visit one of our tile shops near you, organise a free online design consultation today and get started on your next home improvement project!
Speak to a Volare flooring and interior design expert for free via video to discuss your project and to be guided through tile and flooring ranges you may be interested in.
Book your free online design consultation here.Volare Tiles + Flooring are committed to supplying Australians with top quality, attractive, modern and cost effective wall and floor tiles.
RICHMOND showroom location details CANBERRA showroom location details GEELONG showroom location detailsWe’ve launched a Free Online Design Consultation service
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