December 12, 2024

Tile 101

Nothing catches the eye when you first walk into a room, like a pop of color or unique design, so why not consider tile as a candidate for bringing a bit of fun and functionality to your space? 

Tile is an extremely popular and versatile material. It is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even sunrooms. It can come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and materials. In a coastal climate like Charleston, it is an immensely popular choice for construction and renovation because it is easy to clean and maintain and can be on the walls or floors. 

With 30 years of renovation experience, our contractors and designers are well-versed in tile and its many benefits. If you’re considering incorporating tile into your renovation, check out our helpful tips and information below to guide your decisions. 

Different Types of Tile

Tile can come in a variety of different materials, and each material has an ideal place and purpose. Once you determine where you want to put your tile, knowing what material will work best for the space will ensure your tiles last and look great. 

Tile materials include ceramic, porcelain, cement, glass, zellige, and natural stone. 

Ceramic: Ceramic tiles are beautiful but also very fragile. They are intended for walls only, and you should avoid putting them on walls that may see a lot of wear and tear or they may break. Ceramic tiles are perfect as a decorative feature and can add a splash of color to a space. 

Porcelain: It may surprise you, but porcelain is a lot more durable and can be used for floors or walls. It is one of the most popular title choices and comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors. 

Cement: Cement tiles offer a unique and classic look. While not often seen, they can add a touch of beauty to floors and walls and make excellent decorative tiles. 

Glass: While once immensely popular, glass titles have seen less spotlight over the years. However, they are beautiful in showers or for kitchen backsplashes. Subway-style glass tiles are most often the preferred choice over the square style. 

Zellige: Zellige tiles are hand-crafted and originate from Morocco. They are becoming a very popular look but are a bit more challenging to install and are typically only recommended for wall applications. Because they are handmade, they aren’t all uniform, creating a one-of-a-kind look.

Natural stone: Natural stone tiles require the most upkeep as they are usually very porous. They must be sealed regularly, and it’s a good idea to research what cleaning products to use to avoid damaging them. While natural stone tiles make for a beautiful and rustic look, make sure you consider your time and the amount of work it will take to keep them looking great. 

Different Tile Styles

We could write several books alone on the many different styles of tile. Depending on the type of tile, where you’re installing it, and the purpose it will serve, your options are vast. However, there are a few styles that we see a lot of in our projects, and they tend to be very popular in many homes as tried-and-true classics. 

Subway tiles: Subway tiles have evolved from just small white rectangles to many sizes and colors. We are seeing a slightly larger subway formal becoming very popular as homeowners like the simplistic look. 

Thin rectangular tiles: These almost look like subway tiles but are much thinner and longer (3×10 or 3×12). We mostly see them installed horizontally, but they can also be stacked, applied vertically, or even in a herringbone pattern.

Mosaic tiles: Mosaic tiles come in many shapes and sizes but are typically smaller and used for decorative applications. The tiles are mounted on a mesh backing to hold their pattern and make for an easier installation. These are also commonly used for shower floors, as the amount of grout between the tiles makes them grippy enough to meet the slip rating requirement in wet spaces. They can also be used as an accent in the shower wall, as the entire shower wall, especially if they are a bit larger, and backsplash tiles. They typically come in very small sizes, up to about 2×2 or 3×3 dimensions for individual tiles. 

Tile Applications and Advice

Tile can go in any room as long as you plan ahead for it. Proper research, selection, and preparation will ensure the installation process is smooth and that you don’t end up with a pile of broken or useless tiles. 

Tiled floors are great in rooms where plumbing is installed, like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms, to help ensure that floors are not damaged in the event of leaks. If you want a tiled floor in your shower, make sure you do your research and opt for a smaller tile to ensure you meet the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) requirements. The DCOF requirements encompass flooring safety and dictate what materials can be used to ensure there are no slips or accidents when the flooring gets wet. 

Tile backsplashes don’t just look great. They also can help protect your walls from water and grease and make for an easier clean-up in messier areas like the kitchen. 

If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of tile options available, we can help! First, get an idea of your personal style and what you want the space to look like. Then, we will invite you to our office, where we have a showroom filled with samples, and we can help you find the perfect fit. 

Pricing and grout are other important factors to consider when deciding on tiles. Tile isn’t always cheaper than wood flooring, and some can be very expensive. Be sure to review your budget carefully before falling in love with a style that might be out of your price range. 

Grout is vitally important for sealing the cracks between the tiles, creating traction for tiled flooring, and sometimes changing the look of the tiles overall. Some clients will try to match the grout to the tile; if they pick a more neutral color for a seamless look, others may choose colored grout. You can create contrast or select a color if you have a multi-colored pattern and match the grout. There is a wide range of options to ensure your tile pops and is safe. 

Finally, when it comes to caring for and cleaning your new tile, the upkeep is straightforward. Most tiles, like ceramic and porcelain, require very little regular maintenance and can handle most common cleaners. Grout, however, can be a little sensitive, so it’s a good idea to go with a title-specific cleaner that can be found in any grocery or home improvement store. 

If you use well water instead of city water, be sure to give your tiles a good scrub every time you clean your shower to prevent mineral buildup. 

Overall, tile can be a beautiful, low-maintenance way to add functionality and a pop of color to your home. 

Ready to make your home inspiration a reality with our 30 years of superior performance, craftsmanship, and service? Contact us today!