Understand Tile Basics

Common types of tile include ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, and cement. Ceramic is versatile, affordable, suitable for walls and light-duty floors, and has low water absorption. Porcelain is denser, more durable, and has low porosity, making it good for floors and high-traffic areas.

• Natural stone, such as marble, granite, and limestone, has unique veining and colour, and requires sealing and regular maintenance.
• Glass is reflective, with a modern look. Cutting is challenging for many, so they frequently use it for accents or backsplashes.
• Cement. It possesses a robust, industrial appearance. It stays porous unless sealed. Designers often use it for floors and decorative walls.

Finishes can have different effects on your tile and can create a different look depending on your choice. Matte finishes are subtle, non-glossy, with better slip resistance and are good for floors and walls. Glossy finishes are reflective and vibrant. Nonetheless, they might display smudges and become slick when wet. Textured surfaces enhance grip and provide a pleasant touch. People often use them where slip resistance is important.

Common tile formats include large porcelain, subway, mosaic, rectangular, and hexagonal patterns. No matter your choice, consider the surrounding area. Will this be the focal point in the space? Will it serve a more practical purpose?

Grout options include:

• sanded grout. Better for wider joints.
• People use unsanded grout for narrow joints or delicate surfaces.
• epoxy, which offers chemical resistance and stain resistance. Finally, there are cementitious grouts that require sealing and periodic maintenance.

Key Factors to Decide

– Durability and hardness

Durability and hardness show how well a tile can resist scratches, chips, and wear in its installation area. Busy areas, like entryways or kitchens, should use tiles that are harder and have a strong glaze. This helps them stay shiny with daily use. 

Also, think about the substrate and how you install the tile. A strong tile can work badly if someone does not install it correctly or if the surface underneath is weak. If you expect a lot of foot traffic, pets, or moving furniture, choose strong and durable tiles.

People often express hardness using the Mohs scale rating or a ceramic manufacturer’s hardness class. A higher rating generally indicates greater resistance to surface damage. For walls or decorative uses with little contact, softer materials can be fine. They may also be easier to cut and shape.

In bustling households, stores, or open spaces, floors require tougher tiles. These tiles resist scratches from heels, dirt, and grit. Additionally, they are easier to clean and maintain in busy spaces.

– Slip resistance

Slip resistance is crucial for safety, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and outdoor areas that may get wet. Tiles that resist slipping have textures or finishes that grip well when wet.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles come in textured or matte finishes that provide better grip. In wet areas, use larger tiles with textured surfaces. You can also add anti-slip mats and grout lines to improve traction. 

Water absorption and suitability

Porcelain tiles are typically less porous and more water-resistant, making them better for wet areas and outdoor use. Ceramic tiles soak up more water and might need sealing. They work well in areas with low moisture.

Maintenance and cleaning needs

Assess cleaning requirements, stain resistance, and sealing needs. Glazed surfaces are easier to clean. Unglazed or natural stones need more care. They may require sealing to stop stains and moisture.

Aesthetic goals

Consider the tile’s color, design, dimensions, and how it harmonizes with other surfaces. Also, take into account the grout’s hue and the joint width. Also, consider the size of the patterns in relation to the space. Make sure the tile matches the cabinets, countertops, and hardware for a unified look.

Budget, lifecycle cost, and replacement frequency

Compare upfront costs, installation complexity, and long-term maintenance. Consider how long the tile will last, if it needs resealing, and the costs for repairs or replacements. This will help you find the total cost of ownership. 

Tile Size, Layout, and installation considerations

Large-format tiles (12×24 in / 24×24 in and larger)  

• – Pros: Fewer grout lines create a cleaner, seamless look and they can make small rooms feel larger and more open. In some cases, they may install faster per square foot.  
• – Cons: They need a flat, well-prepared surface and do not handle high variations well. They are harder to cut and fit in irregular spaces. They are heavier and may need larger cutting tools.

Small tiles (2×2 in, 3×6 in, etc.)  

• – Pros: It works well on uneven subfloors and is good for complex layouts or walls. Controlling, aligning, and bending around irregular edges is easier. Grout lines can provide traction and slip resistance in wet areas.  
• – Cons: More grout lines mean more maintenance and potential staining; longer installation time and more waste because of cuts.

Layout considerations  

• – Plan the starting point to minimize cuts in visible areas, and align with doors and natural sightlines.  
• – Use a layout plan or grid to guide placement and reduce waste. 

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintenance and longevity are built through mindful care of your tile surfaces. Cleaning routines should match the type of tile.

• – Porcelain: use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid rough brushes.
• – Natural stone: use a stone-specific cleaner; dry tiles quickly after washing to prevent water spots.
• – Ceramic: mild detergent and regular mopping work well.
• – Always wipe spills promptly; avoid harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners that can wear grout or finishes.
• – Regular dusting or sweeping helps prevent scratches and keeps luster.
• – Sealing: often not needed for unsealed porcelain/most ceramic tiles, but sealing grout helps reduce stains.
• – Natural stone and some installations may require sealing to prevent moisture and stains.
• – Sealers can be penetrating or topical; choose based on the stone type and porosity. 

For damaged tiles, replace each tile if you can. If the grout shows significant damage or the surface warps, consider hiring a professional to check it. In renovations or major repairs, ensure proper substrate integrity and moisture barriers to enhance longevity in Edmonton’s climate.

Questions to Ask Your Tile Installer

Hiring a tile installer like YEG Tile Tree is a significant financial commitment. Use these questions to verify qualifications, ensure quality, and avoid surprises on project milestones.

1) Certifications, Warranties, Product Availability, and Timeline

• – Do you hold any current certifications (e.g., tile installation certifications, underlayment or waterproofing certifications)?
• – What warranty do you provide on labour, and what does it cover (length, limitations, exclusions)?
• – Are the materials and grout you plan to use readily available, and do you offer on-site material ordering?
• – Can you provide a project timeline with estimated start and completion dates, including lead times for specialty products?
• – How do you handle changes or delays, and how will that affect the timeline and cost?

2) Substrate Testing, Movement Joints, and Waterproofing Details

• – Do you assess the substrate before installation (e.g., flatness, moisture content, backer board integrity)? In that case, which tests do you conduct?
• – How do you determine where movement joints are required in walls, floors, and transitions?
• What waterproofing methods will you use? Will you apply surface membranes or place membranes behind tiles?
• – How will movement joints be integrated with other elements (shower niches, tub decks, transitions to other flooring, door thresholds)?
• – Do you perform moisture mitigation or substrate prep (e.g., crack isolation, anti-fracture membranes) on this project?

3) Additional Important Questions

• – Can you provide references or photos from similar completed projects?
• – What is your clean-up process during and after installation?
• – How do you handle unused or leftover materials and waste?
• – Do you require a permit or building inspection for this project, and will you handle it?
• – What are your payment terms, and how do change orders get documented?