07 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Tiles
When remodeling your home or business, you can consider various ways to accent the space. Installing new tiles is just one of them. After all, what better way to bring your space together than by making it look as good as it feels?
Although updating your home with tiling is a creative and straightforward task, it does require a bit of forethought. Before you go about buying tiles for your project, here are some things you should keep in mind to avoid spending money on unnecessary tiles and purchasing from unqualified contractors who might cause more harm to your investment.
Buying tiles can be pretty confusing. After all, there are so many types of tile, and you might not even know what you’re looking for. To help you, list some of the most common mistakes people make when shopping for new tiles. Read on to learn more about ensuring you get the right type of tile at the right price.
Top 7 Mistakes To Avoid While Buying Tiles
There are certain common mistakes to avoid while buying tiles that will ensure that you have a pleasant experience and that your home looks great:
- Not Reading the Tile Spec Sheet
Before making your final tile selection, take the time to read the spec sheet for the type of tile you’re interested in. While you shouldn’t rely on the sheet wholesale when choosing your tile, it can be a helpful resource. You will see what the tile is made of and how it should be cared for.
It also gives you an idea of how much the tile will cost, so you don’t have to keep checking back to ensure you’re getting a good deal. When looking for a new flooring option, you want to choose something that will last. You also want a floor you can afford, so you need to ensure you find the right type of tile for your budget. That is why you need to read the spec sheet before making your final selection.
2. Not Knowing the Different Types of Tile
The first mistake people make when shopping for new tiles is assuming that they’ll know what they need. It is especially true if replacing it with a new kitchen or bathroom. You might have some general ideas of what you want, but you don’t know what you need until you see what’s out there.
That’s why it’s essential to take the time to learn about the types of tiles available today. There are thousands of different types of flooring, wall, and countertop tiles available today, so knowing what you’re looking for is key. You’ll be able to find the right tile for your needs and save yourself a lot of hassle down the road. Whether you are buying tiles for the bathroom or buying floor tiles, assessing the tile’s type is vital.
3. Not Assessing Proper Maintenance Of Tile
You should know that your tile will require maintenance, even if it’s not explicitly mentioned in the product specs. That’s just the case with any type of flooring, and you should expect to do some upkeep on it. It may be as simple as vacuuming your tiles once a week or mopping them whenever they feel filthy.
You will also want to occasionally apply a sealant to protect the tiles from spills and stains. Keep in mind that tile is not meant to be scratch resistant. It will be considerably more durable than laminate or vinyl flooring, so you’ll need to be a little more careful.
4. Not Considering Durability
When it comes to tile, you need to ensure that it is durable enough to stand up to regular foot traffic. It also needs to withstand spills and minor abuse without breaking or wearing out quickly. You can do diverse things to ensure your tile can withstand the wear and tear of daily living. You should clean your tiles before you use them and scrub them with a brush once a week.
Ensure there is nothing in the grout between the tiles that are not supposed to be there. And finally, make sure to place anything that you do not want to stain on your tile, so the dirt and grime will not be able to get into the grout.
5. Guessing Tiles are Installed Similar Way
This is a big mistake that many people make. Tile is a very versatile material, and each tile has the potential to be installed in several different ways. You might assume that all tiles are installed the same way, but this is far from the truth. Make sure you ask the installer what type of subfloor they are installing on, and then ascertain you choose a tile that will not wear out as quickly.
6. Assuming Pricing is Set in Stone
Not all tiles cost the same amount. Some high-quality tiles are priced much higher than those that are not nearly as good. You need to be aware of this when making your final tile selection. Make sure to shop around at different stores, read reviews online, and compare prices to make sure you get the correct type of tile at the right price. You want to make sure that you are getting a good deal, but you also want to make sure that you are getting an excellent tile for the price.
7. Making the Final Choice Based Solely on Price
You should also remember that you shouldn’t buy based solely on price. You might think that the cheapest tile will do, but that’s rarely the case. Many people end up frustrating themselves and having to replace their tile long before it’s even needed because of low-quality and poorly made tiles.
Instead of making your final selection based on the price, try to find the tile with the design, look, and quality you want. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised by how satisfying this can be, and you might even save yourself some money in the process.
Bonus: You Only Buy Online Tiles
Many homeowners are often under the false impression that they can find the perfect tile just by looking online. While that’s one way to narrow your search, you shouldn’t let that be your only option. While you might think that all the tiles you need are available online, you’ll find that’s not the case.
Many of the tiles you need aren’t available online, so you’ll have to pick up a sample kit and make your selection at a local tile supply store. This won’t be an issue if you know what you’re doing, so you’ll want to ensure you don’t make this first mistake.
Summing up
Buying a new tile can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve never installed a tile before. The guide will help you to avoid some of the most common mistakes when buying a new tile. Make sure you understand the differences between ceramic and porcelain tile, read the tile spec sheet and consider the proper care of your tiles.
The best way to avoid these mistakes is to take the time to understand the different types of tiles available today. This will allow you to find the right tile for your home, ensuring that it’s durable and looks great.
Following these guidelines, you can avoid the faux passes and find the perfect tile for your home without worth for each penny you have spent. To initiate your search for buying tiles, you can scroll through the online tile store Mosaic Tile Outlet and try out the samples they offer to understand your needs.
