An Expert Guide to Designing with Tile…
Design
Size and shape let you stretch your imagination in design. While, most tiles come in 12″, 13″ or 18″ squares, there are abundant alternatives. Ceramic tiles, for instance, can range from one inch square to two feet square. They can be square, round, octagonal or something more creative. With tile, you can combine patterns to make decorative borders and insets and create mosaics with different colors. And, when you consider that tile can be cut into nearly any shape and size, you again have a world of possibilities available in creating your unique tile design.
Your choices of both grout color and tile size can give you added flexibility in creating the look you want. Matching the grout to the tile color will result in a floor that looks seamless, and therefore larger. Backing off just a shade or two will create the illusion of depth without the contrast of bold outlines. A contrasting grout color, on the other hand, will add emphasis to the pattern of the tile.
Also keep in mind that using larger tiles in a small area makes the room seem larger, and fewer grout lines make it look more tailored and formal. But keep in mind that in a small area, it may be necessary to cut and piece the tiles to fit, so you may end up with partial tiles that don’t give you the clean look you can achieve with the larger tiles.
Grout is the filler material used between tiles to complete an installation. It is available in many colors to complement your design. In addition to color, consider the type of grout you plan to use. Traditionally, grout has come in powdered form and mixed with water when ready to use. Because water amounts can vary as well as the mineral content in the water used to mix with the grout, slight color variations may occur between grout batches. This type of grout also requires sealing every year or two to help manage staining. Newer acrylic grouts, while a little more expensive, come premixed ready for use. They are very consistent in color and do not require sealing.
More to consider . . . When choosing a tile for your home, consult the ratings from the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) to be sure you get the right product for your application:
Group I – for residential use when you won’t be walking in hard-soled shoes, such as in bathrooms
Group II – for residential use except in high-traffic areas, like kitchens, baths or foyers
Group III – for all residential and light commercial applications
Group IV – for high-traffic residential and commercial use
Group V – for high-traffic, typically commercial use
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