Porcelain Tile vs Ceramic Tile - Which one should I use? That is a very common question most of my customers ask me when it comes time to select tile for their house. There is a trade off between the two. Ceramic is generally less expensive, but not as durable and may chip easier. Porcelain tends to be more expensive, but may not have chipped like the ceramic tile. There are some key differences and I will try to explain the differences to help give you a better idea so you too can select the best tile for your project.
Tile Layout - is a very important step in a successful tile project. Determining where all the cuts will be is part of the layout process. There are some common guidelines with tile layout. There may be more than one "good" layout. The key is to be able and give a reason why you put a cut in one location and had a "full tile" at another location. It is interesting to see where one person would put a full tile or cut in a specific place and be able to give a reason why they felt it would look better than a different layout. I sometimes will ask my customers where they would like to see full tile and where the small cut should be. If their layout makes more sense than mine...I have no problem in using theirs.
Tile Designs - Some of the best tile designs for floors and walls are have a clean look. Try to keep it simple with just the right amount of extra detail to your tile design. Don't make the mistake of incorporating all your favorite ideas into one project. This can sometimes lead to a "busy" design that may take away from what you're trying to accomplish. keep it simple or "KISS" and remember that you can dress up your room with pictures,paint,furniture and linens.
Tile Inlay - projects are a great way to give that certain area some "pop". You may have seen cool ideas that are simple yet very attractive and set the room off perfectly. The idea of a tile inlay is provide a personal touch to an otherwise standard tile area. A very common location for tile inlays would be an entry. Another place would be a master shower wall if the wall is big enough and doesn't look crowded. You would be surprised how just a simple added tile design can bring the room to life.
Glass Tile - designs will kick it up a notch! Whether it's a kitchen back splash or shower wall, your creativity is limitless. Maybe a few strategic spots or a few rows. Maybe try using a diagonal theme to give it some pop. Try sketching some ideas on paper to make sure they are realistic or even better, pickup a few samples and make a mini layout. Getting a visual is a great way to get started on planning a glass tile design idea!
Saltillo Pavers - can bring an authentic spanish look to the interior of your house. The raw beauty of this soft clay product can be just the touch to top off your theme. Creativity with design ideas are limitless for floors. The natural beauty of these pavers can include paw prints or chicken foot prints when these animals walk across the pavers that are set on the ground drying in the sun. These are considered "good luck" and are strategically placed in areas where they can be noticed easily.
Ceramic Tile Wainscot - is a traditional method that has been around too long to remember. Generally it consists of bathroom walls tiled approx 3-4 foot high. If you like tile in your bathrooms, a wainscot could just be what your looking for. Not only a visual attraction, but can also be considered an added plus in wet areas. Tile is great in bathrooms as it holds up so well to water. Years of enjoyment and pleasure can be expected from a tile wainscot design.
