Are you planning a home renovation? Reflooring your apartment? Or are you in the midst of a dream home construction project?
One of the important decisions you will have to take is choosing the flooring for your home. Finding the right flooring is like searching for that elusive needle in a haystack. There are dozens of choices – stones, hardwood flooring, tiles, red oxide and many many more. And everyone has an opinion. Your friend swears by granite, where your parents prefer old-school marble. So, which is the right option and which should you choose?
Allow us to help! Decorcera, the leading tiles manufacturers in India, have compiled this easy-to-follow tile selection guide to help you find the perfect tiles for your home. We've got just 5 steps! Yes, five simple steps and you can find the perfect flooring tiles in a few minutes. So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive right into the guide.
Step 1: Understand the Pros and Cons of Different Tiles
“Knowledge is power.” And, knowledge about tiles is the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Before you go tile shopping, it’s a good idea to fire up Google and check out the different types of tiles available in the market. You don’t have to do a thesis on tiles. But, knowing the names of different tiles, features and pros and cons helps you make an informed decision.
Here's a quick overview on the top tiles:
On our blog, we have published several articles on the pros and cons of different tiles. If you still have any doubts regarding the right type of tiles, you can always reach our friendly sales team.
Step 2: Decide on the Tile Size
Once you have shortlisted your preferred tile type, the next step is to figure out the size. Yes, you need to zero in on the tile size, before you choose the colour and pattern. Here are a few tips to find the right tile size:
Step 3: Figure out the Right Tile Finish
Is it time to decide the colour and pattern? Umm, not yet! Let's get other factors out of the way, before we get to the fun part:
Tile finishes can be divided into two broad categories:
bathroom as they get slippery when wet
kitchens, bathrooms, utility areas and outdoor corridors
If you are looking for an anti-slip surface, then matte finish tiles are the perfect choice. Look for tiles with a COF (Co-efficient of Friction) of more than 0.6 for maximum safety. Besides glossy and matte-finish tiles, you can also go for other finishes like lapatto or semi-matte finish. They have higher shine than regular matte tiles but are still slip-resistant.
Step 4: Fix the Colour and Design
Next, calculate the exact number of tiles that you require for your flooring. Your architect or construction engineer can help you with this. Make sure to factor in 10% wastage to the number of estimated tiles. Calculate the cost of your chosen tile and check if it fits your budget. If yes, you can proceed. If it overshoots your budget, you can find a similar tile that is within your budget.
That's it. You are now ready to go tile shopping!
