Buying new tile for your home can be a very exciting experience. However, it can also feel a bit overwhelming with all the choices out there. There are also several common mistakes that you will want to avoid so that you don’t incur any unnecessary expenses or heartache.
1. Measuring incorrectly
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is not measuring correctly. This leads to either buying not enough tile or too much. If you don’t buy enough, you will need to order another batch. This will not only seriously delay your project, but you also run the risk that the second batch of tiles will not match the first one. The best thing to do is let a professional tile installer do the measuring. Experienced installers will know how to accurately calculate the square footage, account for angles, trim pieces and extra tiles that will be needed to complete the job right the first time. If you are going to do the measuring yourself, make sure you follow the directions provided by your tile supplier or someone experienced with installing tile.
2. Not ordering samples
Samples should be ordered ahead of time to make sure the tiles will look the way you want them to look in your home. You need to take into account the actual lighting conditions, room dimensions and other features unique to your home. Tile can look entirely different in different settings. Another thing you can do is place tile samples on a backboard with the actual grout and adhesive that you plan to use on your tile installation job to make sure everything looks and works the way you want it to.
3. Choosing the wrong grout or adhesive
It’s very important to choose a high quality grout and adhesive for your tile project. Color is also important when it comes to the grout. Having a grout that is too dark or too light can completely change the look of the tile. Again, having samples is important before tiling an entire room. In addition to the multitude of different color variations, grout also comes in two basic types: un-sanded grout and sanded grout. For most tile projects, sanded grout is the best choice.
4. Hiring the wrong tile installer
Having an experienced tile installer is vital to the success of your project. A bad installation job can ruin even the most gorgeous tile in the world. Not only can it ruin the aesthetics of your room, but a botched job can result in additional problems down the rood such as cracked titles, tiles popping up out of the floor or moisture seeping up under the tiles. It is absolutely imperative to find an experienced tile installer who does high quality work. Ask for referrals from people you know as well as other local resources such as your tile supplier and general contractor. Make sure you thoroughly check the references and ask several installers for samples of their work before making your final decision and hiring an installer to do your tile job.
This post is brought to you on behalf of http://www.beyondtilestone.com/, a premium tile store in Toronto providing high quality tiles from top brands around the world. Learn more and visit us at: http://www.beyondtilestone.com/products
