Selecting Tile Flooring Atlanta
SELECTING TILE
Selecting tile boils down to aesthetics and practicality. There are unlimited design possibilities. But before choosing a style, the homeowner should consider where it will be used (floor or wall, inside or outside) in order to ensure that the tile selected is appropriate.
Glazed, Smooth Tiles
Glaze is a surface coating made from a glass derivative and comes in finishes from matte (dull) to high gloss (shiny). Generally, the lower the sheen, the better the grip (or slip resistance). Less glossy surfaces are also less likely to reveal scratches.
The main benefits of glazed tile are more color choices and stain resistance. The downside to glazed tile is that it can chip. Higher gloss, smooth surfaces are also more slippery, so they shouldn’t be used in high traffic areas.
Unglazed Tiles
Unglazed tiles are better suited for high traffic and wear areas because they are more durable than glazed tiles and chips are less noticeable. Texturing also increases slip resistance. A downside to unglazed tiles is that they often contain nooks and crannies which can make cleaning more difficult.
Room Size
Room size helps determine tile size. As larger homes have become more popular, so have larger tiles. Larger tiles tend to visually expand a smaller area, and unify a larger area. From a design standpoint, larger tiles also mean fewer grout lines and a more tailored, less busy look.
However, in a small room, using a larger tile could result in numerous cuts and use of partial tiles, which can detract from the desired look.
Grout Color
Grout color is one more opportunity for the homeowner to define their style:
- Matching the tile color creates a more seamless floor.
- Complementing or accenting the tile with a shade slightly different from the color of the tile adds depth to the tile design without creating a bold outline.
- Using a contrasting color emphasizes the pattern created by the tile.
