the tile selection for the bathroom floor, wall, and backsplash require new ideas. This guide is not only about bathrooms. It is about tile selection or in fact a guide for it. Buying tiles for your home may seem easy, but it can be very difficult. There is more to buying tiles than color, pattern, size, and cost. There are several factors you need to consider when shopping for tiles, whether at a brick and mortar tile store or an online tile store. Let us help you plan your tile shopping with this article! Today you will learn about 10 things to consider when buying new tiles. Consider this your ultimate guide to buying affordable and stylish tiles for your home!
- Choose the right tile material.
What tile material should you use for your home? It depends on where you are going to install the tiles. You can check out five tile materials:
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Vinyl
- Glass
- Stone
- Metal
Ceramic and tile are inexpensive, durable, and the tile of choice for use around the home. Due to the similarities between ceramic and porcelain, many people confuse them. But their main difference is water absorption - ceramic absorbs more water than porcelain. Ceramic is more suitable for indoor use, while porcelain is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. 
Vinyl tiles are waterproof and are a good choice for bathrooms or wet rooms. At the same time, glass tiles are very delicate and perfect for decoration. Stone tiles are perfect for floors. Natural stone tiles are also a great option if you are looking to purchase a kitchen backsplash. These tiles have a natural beauty and add elegance to your floor or wall. They are also durable, hard-wearing, and a bit more expensive than other tile materials. Finally, metal tiles are usually made of copper mosaic and stainless steel. These tiles add a touch of style and fashion to any room. They can be used on their own or as complementary tiles to more traditional tile materials. Metal tiles are often used in kitchens.
- Choose the color scheme or design of your tiles.
Next, decide on the color palette and/or pattern to use. This decision is important because color can affect the overall mood and attitude of your room. If you want to create an illusion of space in your room, go for a lighter color. Meanwhile, darker shades are best suited for open spaces. If you want to use dark tiles to keep the color scheme from overwhelming your space's existing palette, make sure you have enough lighting. Think a solid color tile won't bring your room to life? So don't stop there! Gradient contrasts in tile colors can also be used in high traffic rooms, such as living rooms. These tiles will create more depth and give the room a nicer personality. Not to mention that a little color contrast can help hide dirt on the floor! You can also choose tiles with subtle patterns to blend in with your solid color options. If you want to inject bolder colors and patterns into your room, choose accent color blocks. You can still create a color palette around these tiles. Remember to complement your room's existing color scheme so that the tiles blend in with the overall design of the room. Remember that the tile color you choose can powerfully change the look of the whole room! 
- Determine the appropriate size and shape for your tile.
Although this may be a common parameter for choosing tiles, it is worth pointing out. Tiles are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit your floor, wall, bathroom, or backsplash. Choosing the right size and shape of tiles for a particular room can be tricky! Tile manufacturers offer a dizzying array of tile sizes depending on the material and the intended use. Sizes range from small 1.27x1.27cm mosaic tiles to large 90x90cm tiles. The 45x45 cm format is one of the standard tile formats commonly used on house floors. Micro mosaic tiles with unique designs are also perfect for backsplashes and bathrooms. Most tiles come in the form of squares and rectangles. Large square tiles have become the dominant choice for flooring. Rectangular tiles are increasingly popular for their modern look. Round and hexagonal tiles are also available for cool aesthetic designs. This tile can be purchased at brick and mortar stores and online from glass mosaic tiles. Wood planks are also another option for an updated modern feel; they are primarily used for wood-look tiles that mimic the look and feel of real solid hardwood. Once more, you shouldn't be constrained to one tile size and shape. Some slabs, such as the 60x90 cm slabs, are very aesthetic because they can be mixed with other slab formats! It can be laid with 60x60 cm and 90x90 cm tiles. The result is a wonderful pattern, like a basket weave. Can't decide which size and shape are best for your project? A good tile store can offer you options depending on the specifications of your project. They can suggest possible tile shapes and sizes that match your vision and your current home. You will also benefit from tips and ideas for styling your tiles! 
- Decide which tile finish to use.
After deciding on the material, color, design, size, and shape of your tile, it's time to think about the tile finish you want. You can choose from four different finishes:
- Glazed
- Unglazed
- Polished
- Textured
For most tiles, glazed tiles are common. A glaze is applied to protect the tile from stains and moisture. Glazed tiles work well in living areas, bedrooms, and spaces that are not prone to humidity and humidity. Note that glazed tiles can become slippery when wet, which is why textured tiles are best used in bathrooms, kitchens, and damp rooms. Unglazed tiles skip the glaze after firing. The result is a more natural and earthy tile. Many people now prefer the natural look offered by unglazed tiles. However, they require maximum care and maintenance as they absorb liquids and dirt faster than their enameled counterparts. Tiles are usually in a polished finish. Use them if you want a smooth, flawless finish, especially on floors. The polished finish is also easy to maintain. Want to add depth to your tiled walls? Opt for tiles with textured finishes! Porcelain and tiles can be enhanced with certain patterns and textures. These tiles work best in a neutral room to create a beautifully textured space with a subtle industrial vibe. The textured finish can be used on walls, backsplashes, bathrooms, or wet room floors. Kitchen backsplash and bathroom tiles in the angle of 3 x 6 tiles
- Select the appropriate grout.
Grout refers to a spreadable cement-based mixture used to fill the spaces between each tile after setting. It seals tile joints so that water and debris cannot seep through the liner. There are four different types of grout to choose from:
- Unsanded
- Sanded
- Quarry-type
- Epoxy
Unsanded grout is used to fill thin lines of grout less than 1/8 inch wide. It is also recommended for most types of glass tile, delicate surfaces, and polished or honed stone. It works well on scratchable surfaces without damaging them because there is no sand in this grout. Grouting the tiles with unsanded grout is optional. Mortar is a common filler material for most tiling projects, with joint sizes ranging from 1/8" to 3/8" wide. It contains fine sand and is made from Portland cement. These substances help to create a tight interlock and strong connection between tile gaps. Sanded grout should always be sealed to prevent water infiltration behind the tile. Quarry grout is almost similar to sanding grout, but uses coarser sand in the mix. It can be used for tiling projects with joints from 3/8" to ½" wide. Consider sealing delicate natural stone tiles before using quarry-type grout to protect them from damage. Epoxy grout does not contain sand or cement. Instead, it uses an epoxy resin, hardener, and silica filler. Epoxy grout is fast setting and should be used where protection against stains, grease, and acids is required. This type of grout is commonly used in kitchens and tiled countertops. It's best to ask the staff at the tile store for grout recommendations based on the tile you choose. They can provide you with grout coverage charts and grout calculators to estimate the amount of grout needed to complete your tiling project. 
- Look for vendors that carry a wide variety of tiles.
We covered tile-related factors in the first half of this list. Now let's move on to store-related factors. You should look for stores that carry a wide variety of tiles. Many brick-and-mortar tile stores already have a large collection of tiles, so this tip is especially important when buying tiles online. A good online tile store has an impressive range of tiles in different sizes, shapes, colors, patterns, and textures. When you have plenty of options, you can find a tile that resonates with your needs and specifications! Worried about having too many tile collections in one store? Don't worry, because the knowledgeable staff is always there to help you. You can ask the store staff for their recommendations based on your needs. Meanwhile, chat with an online agent to help you choose the best tiles from the online tile store.
- Buy tiles from reputable stores.
Suppose you want to update the tiles in your bathroom. Would you choose a store with a relevant number of worse reviews? Of course not, right? You would consider going to a ceramic bathroom tile store with good reviews! Use the Internet to search for physical or online stores with a good reputation. Google Reviews and Yelp are two sites that can help you find "positive review tile stores near me". They are reliable platforms that provide unbiased reviews to help you make informed tile choices and purchases. Stores such as BELK Tile have received positive reviews from satisfied customers. These positive reviews stem from the store's wide selection of tiles, efficient service, prompt delivery, and responsive customer service. 
Showroom and online store staff are always ready to help you find the perfect tile for your project. They also have an updated website and regularly upload new collections to their online tile store.
- Choose tiles from top brands.
Tile is a long-term investment in your home. Therefore, it is wise to buy quality tiles from well-known brands. Tiles from major brands look great and are durable. Some homeowners automatically think that brand name tiles are expensive. Well, they are more expensive than tiles from lesser-known manufacturers. However, branded tiles are more durable and cost less in the long run because you don't have to pay for rigorous maintenance, repairs, and renovations. Well-known brands have also created a wide variety of designs, color combinations, and interesting tile shapes that lesser-known brands may not have. For example, we own different brands such as Soho Studio, Giorbello Tile, Unique Building Concepts, and many more. These brands offer high quality tiles in all materials, colors, and designs. 
- Check the physical address of the online store before completing the purchase.
Some customers even want the convenience of ordering online from a physical store. That's why, if possible, check the physical address of the online store before shopping or placing an order. Find the best local tile suppliers that also have showrooms. A nearby supplier will save you the stress of waiting for a long shipment of tiles from another state. Plus, he's easier to reach if you have any issues that really need to be discussed in-store. Buy new tiles wisely by following our 10 things to consider when buying tiles. Be sure to do your research before choosing a tile supplier to work with. It's best to buy kitchen backsplash tiles, ceramic bathroom tiles, and floor tiles from reputable stores with physical showrooms and online stores, just like us!