Finding the right tile for your space
Jul 18, 2014
Shopping for tile can be an overwhelming task. Design styles have evolved in recent years, and there are now so many options to choose from, including a variety of products, styles, texture, and sizes. A recent trip to The Tile Shop truly underlined the shift in styles.
Natural stone tiles, faux stone tiles, faux wood tiles and so many beautiful decorative/accent tiles filled the showroom, as well as a wide spectrum of sizes. Gone are the days where tiles are square shapes, 9"x9", 12" x 12" or 16"x16. There has been a real shift with many rectangular shaped tiles now available and it was refreshing to see that within a single box of tile there are a variety of sizes that allow for the creation of some interesting pattern layouts.
Beyond the look of the tile though, here are a few things to consider when shopping for tile.
Where do you plan to use the tile?
It's important that you select a tile that's appropriate for the area where you plan to install it. Some tiles are for indoor use and others for outdoor use, while others can be used both inside and out.
National Rating Systems
There are two types of rating systems based on national testing standards that are used to categorize tile and they are helpful in determining the suitability of a tile for where you want to use it: 1) grade of the tile, which is based on the thickness and quality; and 2) wear rating, which is based on the ability to resist abrasions that result from every day wear and tear.
No need to get too bogged down in these numbers, but having a basic understanding will help you through your tile shopping experience and help you as you converse with your tile supplier.
Grade
A rating of 1 (standard) is the highest quality and thickest tile (3/4-inch) available and can be used anywhere. Grade 2 (secondary), approximately1/2-inch, reflects a step down in thickness and quality, but is still usable on walls or floors. Grade 3 tiles (1/4-inch) are the thinnest and are appropriate for use on walls only. The latter is referred to as cull grade.
Ceramic Tile Wear Ratings
In addition to grade you'll also find a rating by the Porcelain Enamel Institute for glazed tiles, called the PEI rating. The higher the roman numeral the better the resistance. A PEI rating of V represents a tile that is as tough as it gets and made to take a beating, whereas I is the least durable and easiest to damage.
The Porcelain Enamel Institute hardness ratings are:
PEI I: No Traffic - the least durable tile surface limited to use as wall tile
PEII: Light Traffic - Best used on bathroom walls or floors
PEI III: Light to Moderate Traffic - Walls, floors with some foot traffic
PEI IV: Moderate to heavy traffic - Recommended for all residential applications as well as medium commercial and light institutional.
PEI V: Heavy to extra heavy traffic - Recommended for all residential as well as heavy commercial and institutional applications.
Your tile supplier can help you sort out the tile ratings for tiles you might be interested in and can make sure that you have an appropriate tile for the space you are tiling.
Ordering Tile
Once the task of choosing tile is complete, be sure to order from the same lot number and shade number. Tiles that are not manufactured at the same time can look very different. To determine the quantity of tile you need, take the square footage of the space you are tiling and add 5-10 percent for waste. If you choose to lay tile in a pattern instead of straight, you may require an additional amount for waste. Consult with your tile supplier on these details.
As you can see, planning is critical. It will not only save you time, but also aggravation. Be sure to factor in the time for the tile to be shipped. The Tile Shop generally commits to getting the tile in story within 10 days or less. If a tile is backordered that information is available immediately to give the client the opportunity to reselect if necessary.
The Tile Shop, which has locations throughout the country has served Raven Homes well. Locally, we appreciate the wide variety of tile they have to choose from, as well as the professional customer service we have received from the staff in the Shrewsbury, MA showroom. If you're in the market for tile, we encourage you to check them out.