Interior Design Tile Blog: A Guide to Tile Selection
Tiles, where would we be without these gorgeous pieces of colour and pattern? First recorded for their decorative use thousands of years ago and widely associated with the mosaics of the ancient Greek and Roman eras, tiles have been a form of creative expression and a reflection of decorative trends for centuries.
From walls and floors to rooftops and tabletops, tiles can be used almost anywhere to add decoration and functionality to your home. However, with such great potential comes some not-so-great dilemmas, like tile type, pattern, size, and grout.
So, I thought I'd share some information on tiles and the selection process for my fellow design lovers and DIY go-getters in this tile selection guide to help you achieve your dream tile finish. So, grab a brew, get comfy, and let's talk tiles.
Tile type
You may recognize the terms porcelain and ceramic when it comes to tiles, and these are the most common types of tiles you will come across in your local tile store. However, there are a few others to be aware of too, so here's a quick breakdown of some of the most common types.
Ceramic - These tiles are baked at a lower temperature than porcelain which creates a lighter tile that is durable but not as strong as porcelain. The backs of the tiles are often red or biscuit colour as they are made from clay which can be a handy way to help you identify them. In contrast to porcelain, ceramic is more likely to chip or crack upon impact and can absorb moisture due to its lower density, which makes it unsuitable for outdoors, floors and some interiors such as bathrooms. Its advantage is it can be a cheaper alternative to porcelain so is perfect for budget-friendly projects.
Porcelain - Baked for a long time at a very high temperature compard to ceramic tiles to create a denser and more durable tile. They are great for heavy traffic areas and are known for their resistance to water, scratches and frost. Available in contemporary patterns as well as stone and wood effect, there are plenty of options to suit any design style.
Natural stone - Made from naturally occurring materials found in the ground, which are excavated and cut to size. This option is perfect for those wanting to achieve an authentic and tactile finish for their home. From marble and limestone to slate and travertine, there are many natural options for your home, but make sure to ask about the suitability for your project. Natural tile products can stain or damage easily and can require sealing and long-term maintenance to protect the finish, so you need to know the commitment you are making when considering these types of tiles, especially as they often come with a high price tag.
Concrete/Cement - These tiles are made using powder pigment layers but aren't fired in kilns like ceramic tiles. Instead, they are pressed, and the chemical reaction that occurs within the cement mix makes the tile become solid. Concrete tile colours are more vivid as the pressing process maintains the colour pigments, unlike fired tiles, which can lose some of their vibrancy during the baking process. Concrete tiles are considered hard-wearing as the patterns and colours continue through the tile, meaning you won't lose a pattern over time due to wear and tear, and they can be cleaned back to remove dirt, much like a wood floor. The downside to these gorgeous tiles is they require a LOT of maintenance like sealing to protect them from stains, and problems can arise with appearance if not installed correctly.
Encaustic - Now, this type of tile can also be referred to as inlaid and it's an old type of tile dating as far back as the medieval period and was made in a similar way to cement tiles where clay dust of different colours was arranged and then fired to create beautiful patterns that continued throughout the tile and you can still find examples in some of Britain's oldest churches to this day. They became popular again in the Victorian period, but the manufacturing process was altered, whereby, the patterns were laid on top of a base tile, more like a glaze or inlay. As they look like encaustic tiles, they are commonly still referred to as encaustic but are inlaid. Now I'm not losing any sleep over this, and nor should you, most tile suppliers will understand what you are after if you use either term and these tiles are great for reintroducing period details or for restoring a heritage property.
Mosaic - These intricate and interesting tiles are another historic form of decoration and consist of small tile shapes arranged to create a pattern and affixed by hand in a very time-consuming process. More recent mosaics, however, are supplied in small sheets and attached to a backing mesh to make installation quicker and to help achieve a more uniform finish. They can be made of natural stone, glass, or ceramic and porcelain tile, so be sure to check what your mosaic is made of to ensure you get the right tile type for your project and avoid any maintenance headaches.
Layout (pattern)
Tile layout is the pattern in which your tiles are arranged and should always be part of your tile selection process. Layout has the power to transform a basic tile into something elegant and show-stopping, so don't miss your chance to create something spectacular by overlooking this vital step.
Examples of some popular tile layouts include:
Vertical stack bond
Diamond
Herringbone
Geometric
Brickbond
Chevron
Basketweave
Tip - If you are using a patterned tile, it can be better to use a simpler pattern to not overwhelm the space with too much detail and detract from the tile pattern itself.
Extra tip - if you don't like patterned tiles but want some more detail, try mixing colours of the same tiles to create a simple design, such as stripes or diamonds, to bring some individuality to your project.
As well as tile layout, the thickness of grout can also be used to add extra design detail. Grout thickness is determined by those little crosses, called tile spacers, that are placed between tiles during the installation process. Do you like thin grout lines or are you a fan of bolder, thicker joins? Whichever your preference, treat grout spacing as an extra design detail to play with.
Tile format (size)
The size of a tile is often referred to as its format, and a tile's size can have a big impact on the harmony of a room. Choosing the wrong format can make a space feel busy, imbalanced, or jarring, so it's an important factor to consider.
As a general guide, I find the larger the area to be tiled, the bigger you can go with the tile size, as smaller tiles may feel lost or lose their impact in a larger setting.
Also, be aware that using a large format tile in a small room can be just as troublesome, as it will make it difficult to achieve a balanced look. Fewer, larger tiles will not allow enough repetition of the pattern to create a harmonious space; instead, it will make the room feel awkward and badly planned.
Now, this is just my opinion, it's not the only way and I will always say, with design, it's all about what you feel. If it looks right for YOU! that's what matters. You can totally rock a large format tile in a small room if it makes your heart sing. I often use my gut feeling when making design decisions as sometimes, you can follow all the design rules in the book, but if it aint right, it aint right. Therefore, always make tile size a key component in your tile selection process and use samples to get the best match for your project and create a home that makes you FEEL good as well as looking good.
Grout
When tiles are applied to a surface, the gaps between them are filled with a substance known as grout. Grout has two main purposes: visually, it can be used in different colours to enhance the tile design and provide greater opportunities for creative expression; and structurally, it provides a strong joint between tiles that prevents cracks by absorbing the stress from tile expansion and retraction during temperature changes.
The colour you choose for your grout will depend on your design preference. Do you want to create a striking and bold statement by choosing a contrasting grout colour, or do you want to create a refined and subtle look by choosing a similar grout colour to your tiles?
There are so many amazing colours available now that the possibilities are endless. From white, cream, and brown to black and even gold! Most are available as a sample strip so you can try before you buy and see exactly what shade of grout works for your design.
Maintenance tip - Grout is notoriously difficult to keep mold and mildew-free, especially if it's not dried or wiped down after every use, even if it claims to be anti-mold. So, it is worth considering a grout sealer which will protect it from water, stains, and oils that could impact the look of your tiles over time.
Important Points
With the basics covered for some of the most common tile types and what to look out for when doing your initial product searches. there are a couple of other important bits of information to be aware of when selecting tiles.
Consult Your Tile Supplier First - The most important thing is always speak to the tile supplier to confirm the appropriateness of your desired tiles against your intended use before making any purchases. They can advise on these aspects as well as on adhesive advice and any potential sealing needs or aftercare that could be required for your tiles.
Check the Surface Suitability - Some tiles are only suitable for wall applications, others only for floors, and some tiles can be used for both, so it's important to check that the tiles you are considering are appropriate for their intended area of use. Consult your tile supplier for clarification.
Adhesives - Most tiles need to be fixed with some form of adhesive, and it's essential for longevity and to prevent damage, that the correct adhesive for your tile type is used. Your tile supplier and tile contractor will be able to advise on the best type for the tiles you have chosen, so don't be afraid to ask, especially if you are supplying the adhesive yourself. You don't want to waste money or tiles on incorrect adhesives.
Slip Ratings - If you are selecting floor tiles, this is REALLY important. You need to be safe in your newly renovated space, and some tiles do not offer much resistance when mixed with water, so you need to make sure that any floor tile has the appropriate slip rating for its location. Domestic slip ratings are usually known as "R" ratings, which stands for Ramp test and range from R9 to R13 where R9 offers little resistance and better for dry areas and R13 offering greater slip resistance for wet areas such as bathrooms. Your tile supplier will be able to advise you on the slip ratings and appropriateness of your desired tile for its area of application.
There is so much choice when it comes to tiles that it's impossible to cover it all in one blog post without sending you all to sleep, but with that said, I will be covering more tiling tips in a future blog, so get in touch if there is anything you want me to cover that could help you with your design journey.
So go have some fun with this exciting part of the design process and whether you are refreshing a backsplash or remodelling a bathroom, there is a perfect tile to be found for everyone. From formats and grout lines to herringbone and brick bonds, the design possibilities and opportunities to express your unique style are limitless and by carefully considering some of the aspects covered in this blog, you can create a cohesive and successful tile scheme that is everything you had hoped for and more.
Are you planning a renovation or starting a tile selection journey? Let me know in the comments or join the graded interiors community by entering your email in the subscribe box below and be part of our design lovers and DIY go-getters family. Happy tile sourcing my loves.
Kimber Gray
Interior designer
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