Category: Guides

How to Estimate Tile Flooring Costs

Posted on August 30, 2023 by admin - Flooring options, Guides

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Let’s quickly revisit some of the inalienable benefits of tile flooring.

Tile flooring is versatile, low maintenance, hypoallergenic, and lasts for decades while being cost-effective. It’s the last benefit that we want to focus on here – how much does tile flooring actually cost and can you reach a reliable estimate on your own? Obviously, the best way to estimate tile flooring costs is by getting a quote from a supplier.

However, if you’re looking to do some preliminary research, we have some pointers to share.

Factors Influencing Tile Flooring Pricing

When you visit a hardware store and browse the tile flooring section, you’ll notice quite a broad range in pricing without much transparency as to how those prices were set. Here’s a quick summary of how two important factors are used to determine cost price.

Material

Ceramic Tiles:

Ceramic tiles are one of the most budget-friendly options. They come in various styles, patterns, and colors. The price can range from $1 to $10 per square foot, with intricate designs and larger sizes being on the higher end of the range.

Porcelain Tiles:

Porcelain tiles are more durable and less porous than ceramic tiles. They often mimic the appearance of natural stone or wood. Prices typically range from $3 to $10 per square foot, but can go higher for premium designs.

Natural Stone Tiles:

Natural stone tiles like marble, granite, travertine, and slate are luxurious and durable options. However, they tend to be more expensive due to the inherent qualities of the material. Prices vary greatly based on the type of stone, ranging from $5 to $30 or more per square foot.

Vinyl Tiles:

Vinyl tiles offer a cost-effective alternative that can mimic the look of other materials like wood or stone. They typically range from $1 to $5 per square foot.

Terracotta Tiles:

Terracotta tiles provide a rustic and warm look. Prices can range from $2 to $10 per square foot.

Quality

Tile manufacturers also use something called a Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating which can influence the price. It’s a scale from PEI 0 to PEI 5 that indicates the level of durability and hardness of a tile’s surface. The PEI rating is used to help determine where a particular tile can be used in terms of foot traffic and wear. The lower the rating, the less durable the tile, the more affordable it will be. In addition to the material you choose, pay attention to the PEI rating to get a clearer idea of your estimate for tile flooring costs.

Two Easy Ways To Estimate Tile Flooring Costs

Square Footage

Calculate the total area to be tiled and consider adding a waste percentage to account for cuts and errors (10% is standard). Multiply the area by the cost per square foot of your chosen tile to get an initial estimate.

Tile-By-Tile

Determine the quantity of tiles needed based on the size and layout of the area. Multiply this by the cost per tile to get an estimate. This method is especially useful for intricate designs.

What Other Costs Should You Expect to Pay?

The price of your tiles is only one component of the complete cost of tile flooring. The final cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as:

Subfloor preparation – If the condition of your subfloor isn’t ideal, some extra work will have to be done before installation starts.
Installation costs – Hiring professional installers is the best way to get your tile flooring done without error but it is an added expense.
Adhesives and tools (if you’re opting for DIY) – If you’re choosing to install your flooring yourself, prepare to pay for all the tools and additional materials that a professional installer would include in their service cost.

Are you dying to get started on your home renovation? We can save you a calculation! Browse our selection of ceramic porcelain and natural stone tiles and contact us to get a quote for raw materials. Now, all you have to do is factor in labor and prep costs, and you have your complete estimate for tile flooring!

7 Inspiring Walk In Shower Tile Design Ideas

Posted on August 22, 2019 by admin - Guides, Ideas

If you’re still in the process of bathroom tiling, here’s a new idea to push the idea further. Are you ready to renovate the most intensely private room in your house? Do you crave for a showering space that offers exceptional bathing luxury? If so, walk in shower tile design ideas are just the thing you need. An open showering space that boasts of both aesthetics and efficiency is the ultimate centre of calm and rejuvenation in your home.

Shower tiles for bathroom come in materials like ceramic tile, glass, ceramic wood-looking tile, porcelain tile, or granite, and there’s many ceramic tiles that resemble marble or quartz look. When selecting tiles for your bathrooms or walk in showers without doors, look for ones that are easy to install, sturdy and that offer great visual treats. Many shower tiles suitable for very wet locations can be used to cover walls, countertops, bathtubs, and flooring.

Here are 7 ideas to design enviable walk in showers without doors:

1. Add A Built-In Bench

Benches can be easily incorporated into door-free showers. It provides a sitting space while also doubling up as a pedestal to position your body for ease of showering. Tiling it up with marble or quartz look-alike tile will add a touch of opulence to the space.

2. Consider the aesthetics of wood

An element of wood in the master bath evokes nature in the best possible way. Ceramic wood-looking tile is an elegant and modern idea, plus you won’t have to worry like would if it were real wood. This new trend has been used in all types of projects and can give that pleasing and warm look that real wood brings. Pair it with real wood and natural stone tiles to give your bathroom a dramatic and warmth style.

3. Horizontal all the way

Flaunt your unique sense of style and go horizontal all the way. A majority of residential or commercial baths toe the safe line when decorating this space. However even arranging common tiles uncommonly holds our attention and creates a different atmosphere.

4. Tiles That Look Like Marble

Tiles that wear a distinct marble look are an exquisite addition to walk in shower design without doors. These tiles add a shine to the walls with their smooth texture. These are quite low on maintenance making them smart investment options for the long term.

5. Honed Natural Stone Tile

The best feature of a walk in shower is the absence of a shower curb. It eliminates the dangers of falling on a hard, wet floor. Honed limestone tile is the next best thing. Used in walk in shower tile design ideas, these tiles shine with a matte finish. They are also more accepting of wear and tear than sparkly, reflecting tiles, making them appear cleaner for years.

6. Boldly Mix Textures And Sizes

Follow your own styling star when designing walking showers without doors. Pore over the color palette, ransack tile stores and throw everything together again and again until the shower looks just right. Unequally sized tiles on the bathroom walls often create an arresting effect.

7. Mosaic Accent Walls

Break the line of sight with a sudden mosaic wall. It will surprise you every time you walk in. This feature works especially well to create depth. In a shower full of tiles an accent wall adds curiosity.

Whether it’s a new space waiting for a bath or an old one needing touch up, walk in shower tile design ideas can turn either into a classy spot readily. They protect the shower walls, reflect fine tastes and redefine effortless chic. Get in touch with us and start building the walk in shower of your dreams.

If you’re feeling audacious, check our DIY guide on how to install tiles.

Backsplash Ideas to Add More Spice to Your Kitchen

Posted on August 20, 2018 by admin - Guides

Your kitchen is the most unassuming space in your house. And while most of your guests may not see the kitchen too much, it seems okay not to dish out on the design of the kitchen, and we don’t blame you for thinking this way. But after you’ve read this article, the first thing you’ll want to do is go ahead and remodel your kitchen with our tile ideas to make your kitchen’s backsplash stand out and add some more zing to your cooking area. Ready to make more tasteful decisions?

Small is the new big

For a look that is intricate and keeps things interesting for your kitchen’s background, decorative accents are the way to go, mostly because of their customization options. But make sure you apply this style only if your cabinets are a pale color, such as white or gray, as they’ll blend well and make your backsplash stand out.

Add some international look to your kitchen

Take inspiration from international design styles such as the ever-popular Moroccan lantern shape that makes for a modern and elegant design, acting as a backdrop for your kitchen space. Clean and sophisticated, these shapely porcelain tiles for kitchen offer an added touch of detail to your kitchen without having to stand out and block out the rest of the elements. For a subdued look that accentuates a minimal and simplistic look, this is the way to go.

Go natural

Green and brown hues add not only a natural color scheme to the look of your kitchen, but the mix of light and dark shades will help in giving the kitchen a more outdoorsy look. For a plain white space, this burst of color will do wonders and instantly uplift the mood of the kitchen. Add some life to your cooking area with natural accents that keep it lively and fresh, like a hand-tossed salad.

Take advantage of the contrast

A two-tone color palette will make your kitchen tiles stand out and makes it look modern and distinguished. For example, if you’ve got white cabinets and shelves, invest in glossy, black tiles for your backsplash. Add a dash of granite countertops and white kitchen cabinets and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a beautiful kitchen setup. You can optionally use dark brown or maroon tiles to contrast the white with wooden floors to add a bit of warmth and atmosphere to the room.

Shine bright like a diamond

If your kitchen follows a traditional approach to design with the use of cabinets and shelves and uses vintage colors, you might want to consider complementing that with a background of shimmer to enhance the taste of the aesthetic. Ornate, delicate kitchen fittings will stand out more and look rustic, thanks to the neutral tones of the backsplash. Onyx mosaic tiles are the way to go for a luxurious look.

Get Set, with insets

Take the next step with your backsplash by adding another layer of design with the help of insets that further enhance your kitchen’s look and break away from the monotonous design that is otherwise prevalent in the rest of the backsplash. These insets can be accented differently and can have a contrasting tone as well if you’d like, and keep the overall look of the kitchen interesting.

That’s all, if you follow the above guidelines, you can change the whole mood of your kitchen and make it more lively.

What You Need To Know About Tiling Your Bathrooms

Posted on June 20, 2018 by admin - Guides

Not many people realize, but your bathroom can be one of the best rooms in your entire house, based on how you design it. Used often by you and your guests, it’s one of the only places in your home that is designed by itself. Bathroom tiles can make for a soothing ambiance based on the texture, dimensions, and the different designs you can choose from.

And there is no limit to how creative you can be when you tile your bathroom. To give you a sense of perspective and guidance, here’s our crash course on how to choose the right kind of bathroom tiles for better installation and maintenance.

Color coordinates

You will want to make your bathroom like a haven of peace and calmness, so the right colors will make all the difference. If your bathroom is small, using lighter colors will make the room appear more spacious and offer a soothing atmosphere. Darker colors should be used sparingly and strategically as they help mask trails of dirt but can be too overpowering if used too much. They might seem simple, but even the slightest difference in bathroom ceramic tiles can make a huge impact on the overall look of the room.

Use the illusion of horizontal lines

You can further enhance the space of your small bathroom by adding horizontal lines on the floor as well as the walls to give an extended look to the area, giving the illusion that the room is longer than it actually is. If your bathroom is one of the smaller ones, this approach should do wonders. Look at our porcelain tiles for bathroom.

Avoid a slippery situation

Tiles come in variations of slip ratings that determine the extent to how slippery they are when wet. Tiles are used in different locations and environments, from commercial to industrial and personal spaces. So make sure that you choose the right kind of tiles that match the amount of traffic they will be experiencing. Residential and commercial tiles are usually rated following the PEI Class 1 to 5 ratings. With 1 being recommended for only residential and commercial use while 5 is recommended for heavy traffic in commercial and industrial applications as well. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are recommended for indoor bathroom use.

Know your tiles

There are numerous kinds of tiles you can use for your bathroom that differ in shape and design. It’s always good to read up on the options so you are well-prepared when it’s time to make a selection. Some people believe that mosaic tiles are the most mesmerizing of all options as they are smaller than the others and can be customized to be more intricate.

Porcelain tiles are the easiest to maintain as they attract the minimum dirt and are meant for higher traffic. They are also more natural-looking and carry a design endlessly throughout the walls and floors.

Ceramic tiles, while being the most common, are still the most flexible to use, in any kind of setting, even outside of bathrooms like balconies, porches, and many other spaces in your house as well.

Stone tiles are more natural and come directly from the earth. They absorb water, so it’s a good idea to create a lamination to prevent the absorption to and create longevity.

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Installing and Maintaining Your Tiles: 101

Posted on May 20, 2018 by admin - Guides

After having gone through the trouble of finding the right kind of tiles and choosing the best colors, you’ll want to make sure that they remain looking just as good as the time as you first bought them. That’s why it’s important to know how to install and maintain your tiles so that they don’t lose their sheen and become accumulated with dirt and grime over time.

We know how much you like to keep your space clean and tidy, so we have come up with a few pointers to show you how to securely place your tiles and clean them.

Initial installation procedures

You may want to consider grouting the area where you will install the tiles because certain tiles require grouting

Make sure you first do a test spot on the surface for grouting to ensure that there are no pigmentation issues with the grout on the tile. Always commence grouting on a maximum of 10 square feet at a time. It’s also important to clean the tile surface a few times before you let the grout dry.

Keep in mind the flooring on which you will lay the tiles. The stronger the base is, the better and longer the tiles will last. Since porcelain and ceramic tiles require even floors, an existing rough flooring will need to be repaired using cement.

Make sure you know the exact route you’ll be taking around the room as you lay the tiles. Make a guide using chalk on the floor from wall to wall to find the center of the room.

Do a trial run of the installation by simply dry-laying the tiles over the floor and leaving just enough space for grout to pass through. In doing this, you’ll know the space you have to work with between the tiles and install them accordingly.

Installing the tiles

Using the guides that you made earlier using chalk, you can start the laying process from the center of the room.

With a trowel, simply spread the thin-set using its notch. Adjust the spread accordingly, based on the size of the tile.
You will need to place plastic spacers that will even out the grout between the tiles. Once the thin-set dries up, you can remove the spacers and clean out the excess.
Once the tile-laying reaches the edges of the room, it will be time to accurately cut and adjust the tiles and cut accordingly.
The last step will involve cleaning the tiles using a wet cloth or a sponge.

Tile Maintenance

With the right maintenance routine, your tile floors, walls, and countertops will look great and last for years

For porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles, simply using water or a cleaning agent should be enough to remove stains, followed by a final rinse and wipe dry. If you want to use a strong cleaning agent, make sure to use one that does not harm or blemish the texture or the look and feel of the tiles.

Make sure always do a test the cleaning agent in a small area first.

Sometimes, your tiles might be too dirty for you to clean it all yourself. That’s when you should consider leaving it to the professionals.

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5 Ways to Get Instant Wow Factor Inside Any Home

Posted on April 20, 2018 by admin - Guides

Your home is a part of your soul. It is a place that represents you and somewhere you can be your real, authentic self. So why should you settle for a mediocre setting for your home? Why not spruce things up with a little jazz and jive and dazzle your guests with sights that delight? Too much? The suggestions we have for you won’t be. In fact, whether you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a two-storeyed home, these suggestions are going to perk-up your place’s panache profoundly.

Ready? Here we go!

1. Add Some Art to your Home Décor

Not everyone can afford a Monet or a Van Gogh. But you don’t need those fancy names anyway. What you need is something fab and catchy. It can be commercial or indie depending on your style. For example, you can get the really popular three-piece paneled art. You can also make one yourself. Or just download a pic you like from the internet, get a sizeable print of it, cut it up into three pieces and frame it on your wall. Presto!

2. The Magic of Minimalism

Minimalism is IN right now and it is not going away anytime soon. So, if you have a rack you need to fill at home, choose just the right kind of things you want to put in there. Pick up only your most favorite books, your most eye-catching showpiece, and your favorite earthen pots or vases. Complement or contrast with the color and texture of your rack. Play with the visual appeal, experiment, and find out what makes your stuff really stand out!

3. Light it Up!

The way your room lights up has a major impact on its overall ambiance and appeal, so check out different types of lights you can install in your home. For an oriental look, you can go for Chinese lamps. Or pick out a fitting lampshade from your local thrift store. You can even make one of your own if you have the time. Whatever you do, remember to customize your home to make you feel like it belongs to you!

4. Find Fantastic Furniture

Your furniture is an integral part of your home. It has to be in the same spirit as the overall appeal of your rooms. Pick out furniture that perfectly complements the walls, lights, and shades in your rooms. You don’t need to spend big bucks on it, just enough to manage the space in your rooms efficiently and strike a balance between style and functionality.

5. Fix your Feng Shui

Sometimes it’s great to have things that don’t match put together. At other times, it’s just wrong. But above all else, you need to feel perfectly at peace with everything in your house. If something bothers you, change it. Shift things around to reflect your present mood. There is no single ideal setting for your home, so let your senses guide you to the perfect setting.

With these simple guidelines, you can change the whole mood of your home and make it more stylish. Still looking for more? Here’s what you need to know for selecting bathroom tiles. See our natural stone tiles.