EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SELECTING TILE: FROM STYLE TO GROUT

Selecting tile is often overwhelming because there are so many variables. Whether you are working with a designer or navigating this on your own, my hope is that this guide will make the whole process easier for you. 

WHERE WILL THE TILE BE INSTALLED? 

Will this be a floor tile or a wall tile? Answering this question will determine the type and size of your tile. There are certain tiles that are only rated to be installed on a wall, meaning that if it is on the floor it has the potential to break or be a slipping hazard. Many tiles are rated for both wall and floor installs, but be sure to check. Another consideration is the size of the tile. If you want tile on your shower floor, it must be a mosaic tile, around three inches or smaller. This will allow it to be installed on a slope for the drain without cracking. 

WHAT STYLE?

Once you decide where you would like the tile, consider the style. One question I like people to ask themselves is: How often will you be in that space? Kitchens and entryways are more frequented areas of the home, while a powder bath or laundry room will be used less often. If you’re in the kitchen more, you will likely get tired of your tile sooner if it is a bold pattern or color, so you should opt for something more subtle or neutral. A powder bath or laundry room is perfect for using a more fun, trendy tile because they are smaller, less frequented, and potentially less expensive to remodel if you tire of the style. 

LIFESTYLE

Another question to reflect on pertains to your lifestyle. How high or low maintenance are your routines? This is another factor in what your tile is made out of. Currently, the most common materials used to make tiles are ceramic, porcelain, and marble. Ceramic tile is the least expensive option, but also the least durable. The best place to use ceramic is as a backsplash. Marble tiles are beautiful, but require a larger budget, need to be sealed about once a year, and properly cleaned. If your lifestyle allows for marble tile, it will be a beautiful, timeless addition to your home. Other stones are also available as tile, but their porous nature will also require them to be sealed and maintained. Porcelain is by far the most popular because of its wide range of styles, its durability, and low maintenance cleaning needs. Porcelain not only comes in patterns and solid colors, but is manufactured to look like marble, concrete, and the ever-more popular terrazzo. If you want the luxury look of marble without the upkeep, porcelain is the perfect option. 

TRIMS

Once all of your tile is selected, you will need to choose the trims to finish off the edges. The traditional way to finish off tile is with a bullnose or “pencil” trim. This is a small, rounded tile that usually matches the larger tile. Fewer and fewer manufacturers are producing coordinating bullnoses because people are turning to metal trims. Metal trims are commonly referred to as “Schluter”, although Schluter is a name brand. Schluter offers a sleeker profile and comes in a variety of flat, rounded, or squared trims. They are offered in different metal finishes or in a powder-coated color. When choosing a Schluter color, the best idea is to consider other metal finishes in the space, such as faucets, shower heads, and drawer pulls. 

GROUT

Once the tile and trims have been chosen, grout is the last selection that can cause stress. The grout color will appear darker when wet. Keep in mind that lighter-colored grout looks dirtier faster, especially if the application will be a shower floor or the backsplash behind the stove. You should choose a grout color that coordinates with the color of the tile, Schluter, and any other large elements that will be near the tile (cabinets, walls, doors, etc). For example, you can pull out the gray in the vein of your marble. Be wary of choosing a high-contrast color, such as the trend of white subway tiles with black grout. The more defined the grout is, the easier it will be to see imperfections in the tile itself, or in the installation. Choose a color in low contrast to your tile, and your installer will thank you. 

Cement grout has been the most common type, but epoxy grout is gaining popularity. Cement grout is divided into two subsections: sanded and unsanded. Sanded grout has ⅛” or larger grit and is used to add stability to larger grout joints. Unsanded grout has less than ⅛”grit and is used for smaller grout joints. Either sanded or unsanded, cement grout is more forgiving to work with and can be used in several applications. Epoxy grout is great for commercial spaces like hospitals or restaurants because it holds up when cleaned with commercial cleaners, and has fewer pores for mold and bacteria to seep into. Epoxy grout is more expensive and harder to work with than cement grout, so you will need an experienced installer.

When selecting tile, consider how the space is used, the budget, and your lifestyle. Researching inspiration images and consulting with a designer can help you decide on the style that is the best for you. While there are a lot of factors that go into tile, the end result can be a durable, beautiful addition to your business or home.

XOXO,

Holly Mickelsen