Sounds simple enough, but tiles like many other products used to
construct our built environment, come in many shapes, sizes, textures and generic types.
Our guide to the most common tile types details the intrinsic benefits and characteristics
of each particular member of the tile family. The descriptive text is supported by
appropriate images.
There is also a table specifying the PEI rating of various
tiles. This grading system is commonly used to enable consumers and specifiers to select
the right floor tile for the job at hand. Any tile salesman should know the PEI rating
of the tile he has on offer and should be fully conversant with the system and its function.
If you have already browsed your way through TILE CATALOGS
and RETAILERS IN REVIEW, you're probably ready
to rush out and purchase your tiles. Before you do, consider carefully if you are going
to fix the tiles yourself or employ a professional. It might be an idea to visit
INSTALLING TILE so that you can access the skills
and equipment required to do the job properly.
When you eventually arrive at the retailers, you should have a clear idea of the area you
wish to tile, the amount of foot traffic it will be exposed to and if relevant, the amount
of water the combination of tile, adhesive, grout etc., will have to withstand.
Remember you may need accessories like soap dishes, brass strips to finish off your tiling
in doorways. Here's a list of things to do:
Measure the floor and wall areas to be tiled. If the tiles are regular in size (15x15cm or 20x20cm) then you should add no more than 10% for wasteage. Some tiles will have to be cut and the offcut may not be useful anywhere else, others may be damaged in transit or blemished. Always order an extra 10%, even if you don't use them, they often come in handy at a later date.
If you are using a floor or wall border, measure the linear distance to be tiled and divide it by the length of each border to arrive at the net number of tiles required. Again add a few extra pieces for waste.
If you are tiling the bathroom walls, why not tile the whole room. There's only one thing more tiresome than painting a 900mm strip of wall between tiles and ceiling, and that's having to repaint it every few years.
Don't forget to check carefully if the floor tile selected will withstand the foot traffic it will be subjected to.
Consider slip resistance and its relevance to your household or environment.
What about ease of maintenance? Ceramic tiles are easy to clean, but what about terracotta, marble or porcelain. Make sure you understand what's required to keep your floor looking good.
Everyone wants a bargain but if you discover an attractive but average tile in terms of appearance and durability that only costs $20 a meter, compared to excellent product available at $30m2, don't sign on the dotted line without considering:
if you need 10m2 at an extra cost of $10 per m2, what's $100 compared to living with your second choice for 10, 20 even 30 years. Remember many grade 4 and 5 floor tiles are guaranteed for 30 years plus.
Make sure you buy the right adhesive for the tile in question.
If employing a tiler, check out his reputation and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Don't be too staid in your choice of colour, use a complementary grout and be inventive. Tiles are fun, they are an ancient and durable product that will reward the inventive user.
