Tiles are a popular choice in homes, and almost every bathroom now incorporates both floor and wall tiles. There is a trend towards residential flooring tiles in kitchens, living areas and outdoor areas as well. Before starting on a tiling project, there are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration.
Your experience is the first consideration. If you have never laid tiles before, then you do need to seek expert advice. You need to ensure the surface is well prepared, you have the right tools, and you are using the right adhesives and grouts. If you can afford a professional installation, then it is generally the best recommendation. A few extra dollars could save you thousands in the long run.
When selecting a tile, you need to consider whether or not you need water proof tiles. In wet areas such as bathrooms, a water proof tile is a must, otherwise you will be spending a lot of time drying off those tiles. Stain resistance is another factor. Kitchens are areas where stains can be a frequent problem. Some tiles are more porous than others, so they will stain a lot more easily.
Other factors include traffic volume, who will be using the surface, for example, children or the elderly – you may need to consider non-slip tiles rather than those polished to mirror like finish. In outdoor areas, you will need to ensure your selected tiles are weather proof, or at least sealed against the weather. Some tiles require a moisture barrier before being laid to ensure they don’t suffer any long term damage from moisture.
Before starting a residential flooring tile project, talk to us at Éco Dépôt. We have over 40 years of experience in the tiling industry – that’s a lot of knowledge that you can put to good use. We can advise on which tiles are best suited to your residential flooring project, how to lay them, and most importantly, how to care for them to maintain them. Well maintained floor tiles can last decades – some will last centuries if laid and maintained properly.