Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, tile selection is crucial to the overall planning and design. There are many aspects to consider before choosing the right tile for your project.
What to consider when selecting tile…
Material: Does it need to be durable? If it is going on the floor, it does! A lot of tile can be used for decorative purposes on walls, but floor tile must be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of potential heavy foot traffic.
Ceramic and porcelain tile is broken down into durability categories from less to more resistant. Natural stone has long lasting durability for flooring selections. More tiling options include glass, mosaics and metals that can be mixed with traditional selections to create custom designs for your surface. You and your contractor will need to decide your need for tile durability in planning process.
Texture: Choosing a tile with texture is optimal for areas of moisture in a kitchen, bath or entryway. Matte finished tiles are also less slippery and ideal for floors that are more prone to moisture. Seeing your tile in person to touch and feel it’s surface is important when exploring tile options. Keep in mind that smooth or shiny tiles tend to be slippery and should be used with caution as flooring.
Size: Tile shape and size will greatly impact a room. When planning your tile design you will need to size it in relation to the room you are remodeling. As a rule of thumb, large tiles with make a small space seems larger and with less grout lines it tends to make the space more open and streamlined.
Color: There are a few basic rules for working with color in home design:
- darker colors convey warmth
- lighter colors can a make a space seem open, airier and larger
- neutral colors allows you to change accessories
- vibrant colors tend to be more of a personal choice and less desirable from a resale standpoint
Cabinet Discounters of Maryland and Virginia has years of experience helping homeowners plan and install the kitchen or bathroom of their dreams. They offer a variety of products for your project to fit your needs and budget!