Many people are unsure of what to do with tile in their homes.  I am here to help.

There are many options when it comes to tile.  Ceramic tile works for use indoors, where temperatures are consistent and is usually available at a lower cost.  Porcelain tile is more durable than ceramic and can be used indoors or outs as it can withstand extreme temperature changes.  Pricing on this can vary from inexpensive too expensive. Glass tile has become very popular in recent years.  While some can be found for a good price, many tend to be more expensive.  The most expensive option is natural stone.  This can cost 2-10 times more than a man made tile but has a look that is difficult to replicate with man-made products.

Next you consider the edging of the tile. Rectified tile has a clean sharp edge and can be spaced closer together virtually eliminating any grout lines. Irregular tile requires a wider grout line and is most common in natural tile. Choosing a slip resistant tile for floors is a safer option leaving polished tiles for walls. I recommend when working on a tight budget in a bathroom to choose a less expensive tile for the walls and floors and add in an accent tile through the shower. You can spend a little more on this since it will be used sparingly. When doing a kitchen backsplash I often mix more than one tile using the same technique listed above. Choose an affordable tile then mix in a 3” or 4” strip of a more expensive tile and it will dress up the less expensive tile in a way you never imagined.  Manufacturers have come a long way in creating man made tiles that replicate a natural stone, so before opening up your wallet ask to see what they have available. The less times a tile company repeats a pattern in a tile collection the more it looks like the real thing. Don’t be afraid to get creative with patterns as this will give your space a more custom look.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Emil Ceramiche, Keystone tiles come in four different colors and only repeat their patterns every 60 + tiles…this creates a close match to a natural stone at less than a quarter the price.  This product is available through Architectural Ceramic Interiors in Rockville, MD.

• DalTile I like to use the Stone Radiance Collection.  These come in 12×12 mesh sheets and mix natural stone with glass.  Cutting these in half and hanging a 6” strip through a shower dresses the space up considerably while only using one box of a more expensive product.

•  DalTile, check out their line of San Michelle tiles.  Great look without a high price tag to match.   Dal is one of the largest manufacturers of tile in our country and can be found at most tile showrooms as well as the big box stores.

Be sure to create a timeless space that you can enjoy for many years to come by avoiding items that are too trendy. Happy tiling!