5 Tips on Floor Tiles You Need To Know Before You Start Renovating Your Home

Nov

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Home renovation is something we all look forward to. The thought of getting everything re-done may give a slight bit of anxiety but simultaneously ignites the most cheerful kid inside us, who loves the whole nine yards brand-new! 

As we’re here talking about renovating our houses, it’s criminally offensive to not bring up the flooring conversation, especially for selecting the floor tiles. And obviously, we can’t be that much wrong! So, here it is. 5 Tips on Floor Tiles You Need To Know Before You Start Renovating Your Home.

#1 Select the Tile Type

You can take it as a tip or an instruction, but selecting the type of tile for your home is truly important. These days, tiles are available in an array of forms, textures, hues, and designs. So, be sure to pick the right one that coincides with the requirements of your space. If you’re still confused about what to get, here are the top tiles that you can consider. 

• Ceramic Tiles: If you have something affordable in mind, Ceramic Tiles are the one for you. But you must keep in mind, nevertheless, that these tiles are fragile and brittle, even though they are durable and affordable. So, the smart choice would be to get them installed for areas that experience light to medium traffic.  
• Porcelain Tiles: If strength and durability are your concern, porcelain tiles can be the ultimate win for you. In addition to being denser and stronger than ceramic tiles, porcelain also resists stains and scratches. Thus, they are perfect for damp areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor walks. Choose rectified or joint-free porcelain tiles for a smooth finish. 
• Vitrified Tiles: Another strong option is to have vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles are incredibly durable and resistant to stains and scratches. They can be found in many sizes and forms, such as full-body, soluble-salt, double-charged, and even glazed, which are PGVT Tiles.
• Natural Material Tiles: Natural material tiles are best as outdoor tiles. They are sturdy, resistant to atmospheric changes, and can stay up to ages. You will find numerous alternatives in natural tiles as well, starting from limestone, marble, travertine, and many others. 
• Cement Tiles: If you’re looking for some commercial-purpose tiles, cement tiles are a good choice. Pick cement tiles, which come in traditional patterns, for a powerful appearance. However, they may need some extra care with regular sealing because they are permeable.

You also have other alternatives as well because the tile market is huge. So, don’t just stick to aforesaid options if they don’t fit your needs. Do a little more research and select the tile type that best suits your preference and purpose. 

#2 Don’t Mess with the Measurements

It could be an unmanageable blunder if you’re not accurate about the measurements of your space and the size of the tile you’re installing. Taking the measurements might appear to you as straightforward, but this is the task where you have the most chance of messing things up. 

When doing measurements, you need to be precise about the floor inclination, off angles, edges, and several other parameters. Therefore, the wise decision would be to appoint a qualified tile installation to do the job. These experts would measure your area precisely, determine the size of tiles you’ll need, and estimate how many tiles you’ll need to complete the project. 

#3 Choose the Right Finish

Giving careful consideration to the type of finish that would best suit your area is the key to enhancing the aesthetics of your space. In the market, there are broadly two classifications of tiles based on their finish. The first are tiles with a glossy finish, and the others are tiles with a matte finish. 

When selecting tiles for an anti-slip surface, matte-finished tiles are a great pick. Choose tiles with a COF (Coefficient of Friction) of more than 0.6 for the highest level of safety. Gloss finish tiles reflect light, provide brightness, and create the illusion of space in the home because of their appealing mirror-like sheen. So, they fit best for areas like the living room and dining. 

In addition to glossy and matte tiles, you may select from a range of finishes, including semi-matte and lapatto finish. Even though they are more glossy than regular matte tiles, they are nonetheless non-slip.

#4 Don’t Forget to Consider the Space

You cannot always choose tiles to your liking. You have to consider the space you’re buying them for. This one is important. Everything relies on the area of your space that you plan to remodel. It should affect your tile selection depending on whether your specified area is a part of your home or commercial space.

In offices, if you want a room to appear larger, larger tiles are the way to go. Tiny mosaic patterns, like my tile risers, work well when tiling a non-straight surface. Moreover, while square tiles work well in a modern home, you might want to consider an irregularly shaped tile if your home is a historic property with uneven surfaces. 

Tiles in dark grey or black will provide a striking effect in your space. They may provide the impression of darkness if the area is congested, but they are perfect for busy households since they hide dirt. Contrastingly, a tiny space might appear big with all-white tiles. It could be challenging to maintain them, though. So, it all winds up to your space and how you want it to appear. Therefore, you need to be thoughtful and sure of what you select. 

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#5 Go for “Quality in the Budget”

The last part, but the toughest one, is confirming tiles in budget. Every remodeling project has a pre-set budget bracket. So, you will be looking for options that match your pocket. But our suggestion here would be to not compromise with the quality at any cost. Avoid selecting subpar items from questionable vendors simply because they are being given at a “good rate.” Spend some time learning why some tiles are priced high and some are priced less. It is because the vendor is unreasonably listing them or it is just because of the material quality and efficiency. Allow your finances to be slightly flexible to get products with quality within the budget. 

Wrapping Up!

We hope you find the aforementioned tips helpful. Summarising it all, first, you ought to select a few floor tile types that complement the interior of your house. Next, you need to be accurate with the measurements of the flooring. 

As you’re selecting tiles, you have to consider whether it has the finish you desire or if it fits into your budget bracket. Most importantly, make sure that the chosen floor tile vibes with the overall appearance of your space. Because, as we always say, a space’s tone is set by its tiles, which, when installed with proper planning, can give the area a polished, finished look. And if not, well, it could give you nightmares! 

Large format tiles have taken over Pinterest boards and showroom displays—and for good reason. Their clean lines, minimal grout joints, and expansive look can instantly modernize a space. But before you fall in love with that stunning 24×48 porcelain tile, there are a few key things to consider to make sure it’s the right fit for your project.

1. Understand What Counts as “Large Format”

Any tile with at least one side longer than 15 inches is technically considered large format. Common dimensions include 12×24, 24×48, and even massive porcelain panels that come as large as 48×110. The size you choose impacts installation method, subfloor prep, and overall aesthetic.

2. Subfloor Prep Matters More Than Ever

Large format tiles demand a level, properly prepared substrate. Any unevenness in your subfloor can lead to lippage (where one edge of a tile sits higher than the one next to it), which is especially noticeable with bigger tiles. A skilled installer will use leveling systems and may recommend additional prep work to ensure a flat finish.

3. You’ll Use Less Grout—But It Has to Be Done Right

One of the appeals of large format tile is the sleek look of fewer grout joints. While this can make cleaning easier and create a seamless design, it also means grout lines must be precise and level. Selecting the right color grout and spacing (typically 1/16” to 1/8”) is key to achieving the look you want.

4. Consider the Layout Carefully

Large tiles can visually expand a room, but the layout plays a big role in how the final result feels. Vertical stacks on shower walls can elongate the space, while a horizontal layout on floors may make a narrow room feel wider. A designer can help you find the best layout for your room’s shape and lighting.

5. Not All Spaces Are a Fit

While large format tile works beautifully in open spaces like living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, it might overwhelm smaller areas like powder rooms or backsplashes. For tight spaces or irregular layouts, a smaller tile or a combination of sizes might offer better flexibility.

6. Choose the Right Installer

Installing large format tiles requires specific tools and experience. Make sure your installer has handled big tiles before—they’ll know how to properly cut, transport, and install these heavier, more delicate pieces.

Final Thoughts

Large format tile can add a high-end, dramatic look to any room, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. With the right preparation, design planning, and installer, these oversized tiles can create a breathtaking backdrop that’s both practical and timeless.

Need help deciding if large format tile is right for your project? Visit our showroom in Deer Park, NY, and work one-on-one with one of our interior designers to explore options, layouts, and grout pairings.

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