Start a mosaic file
If you’re thinking that the tile in your home is looking a bit dated, dirty, or not quite the color it was originally, it might be time to start a tile file. Fearless technophobes, I just want to say that the first step to buying new tile is to store “files” in your mind of floors that catch your eye at friends’ houses, online pictures, and anywhere else you find tile flooring. It’s easy to stick with the tile that came with your home when you bought it, however, re-tiling can make a lasting difference in the look and feel of your home.
Where does the tile go?
Tile is used in many rooms in the house. More traditionally found in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, mud rooms, entryways, countertops, and backsplashes. The advantages of using tiles are that they are easy to clean, they are quite durable and they give a classy look to the house. Tiles are also used outdoors on the sides of houses, patios, and as patio decoration.
Tile color and shades
Mosaic tiles are sold in many different colors, giving buyers the flexibility to find the “perfect” match for any room’s style. Tile color can be solid, textured, or have details and designs added. There are different ways to make the color of the tiles work in your favor. For example, white tile, if cared for properly, can give bathrooms a fresh, clean look. On the other hand, laying neutral brown marble tile on a busy sidewalk can hide dirt well until it is swept away. Dark tile is popularly used as a backsplash in kitchens, adding depth and elegant style to the cooking area.
The shape of your mosaic
Tiles come in most basic shapes, including squares, rectangles, hexagons, diamonds, and triangles. Each shape gives a distinctive look to the floor it covers. Smaller squares are usually found in bathrooms, rectangles can give kitchens a retro look, large square tiles fit nicely in entryways, but in the end, your style preference will determine your choice of shape.
Tiles also come in large and small shapes. The thing to keep in mind when choosing tile sizes is that larger tiles are generally easier to lay and take less time, while smaller tiles require more time and care to lay.
Tell me what it’s made of!
Tile is made from a variety of materials. Some of the most popular materials are:
• Porcelain
• Stone
• Eucalyptus
• Marble
• Board
• Glass
• Ceramic
• Vinyl
• Linoleum
The material will affect the texture, weight, and color of your mosaic. Some materials, like slate, have a more matte color, while porcelain and stone can be polished to shine. Eucalyptus is a great eco-friendly option for tile floors. One of the deciding factors when choosing your mosaic material will be the amount of durability you need and your budget.
Shall we glaze?
About half of the tiles sold in the United States are glazed. Glazed tiles repel water to some extent, but become slippery when wet. Glazed tiles are more commonly used for walls and countertops rather than floors to prevent accidents from someone slipping. Always refer to the manufacturer’s care advice, whether the tiles are glazed or unglazed, to prolong the life of your tiles.
What keeps us together
Grout is the material that holds the tiles together. Grout is also available in a variety of colors and should complement the color and style of your tile. Light beige and ivory are common grout colors, but dark, unusual colors can be used for a bolder look. Grout is very porous and therefore it is important to seal it.
There are two common ways to seal grout, with a sealing sprayer or applicator. The applicator method is much more tedious, but leaves less room for error, making it the best choice for grout used between tile materials that stain easily (natural materials) or are difficult to clean. Spray sealer is an easier option, but you will most likely have to wipe the excess off the tiles after the sealer has dried.
sometimes change is good
Different tile materials, including porcelain, slate, and more, will have variation in colors and shades between individual tiles. These variations are due to natural variations in the material used to create the tiles. Variation typically adds to the natural look of the tile and is not considered a dig for purchasing natural material tile.
To seal or not to seal
It is important to seal tiles that are made from natural products. Many times the tiles are pre-sealed, but it is important to reseal them if necessary because the tiles can be easily stained by water and other spills. Sealing is also a great way to protect exterior tiles from the elements. However, not all tiles need to be sealed, like ceramic and porcelain, but you should always check the details of the manufacturer.
This is just a basic overview of mosaic tiles for your home – stay tuned for more specific articles and in the meantime start your mosaic archive (in your mind of course) and you’ll be on your way to beautiful new mosaic tiles in your home. . !