If you’re considering a high-impact room renovation, a thoughtfully chosen splash of tile may give your space new life. Tile is the perfect tool for adding texture, patterns, and color to any area of your home. The tiling process can seem daunting, but with this guide, your first tile project — whether floors or walls — can make a big impression. Before you jump in, here’s a guide to the steps that will make your tile installation a breeze.
Find Your Vision
It seems fundamental, but you’ll need to think about — and likely research — the type of tile you’ll need for your project, whether you’re installing a backsplash or retiling an entire bathroom. The look of your tile is essential, but it’s secondary to its ability to withstand whatever wear and tear you may subject it to over coming years. Consider whether a tile’s material and finish will hold up for the long run in your space, whether the texture will be too slippery for your location, and what cleaning and maintenance will look like. When you’ve found a tile that works for your space, you can consider your aesthetic options, like color and shape. Our blog features amazing transformations that will give you tile inspiration for any space, from the bathroom to a kitchen backsplash. You can also create a Pinterest board, use a tile visualizer tool, browse our Instagram, or even sketch out your ideas to gather possibilities and see if they work for you.View this post on Instagram
Explore Your Prospects
You won’t honestly know if a tile works in your home until you see and feel it in that area. The easiest way to test whether a tile is for you is to order a sample. When you receive that sample, leave it in your space for a few days while you consider whether it works with the natural and artificial lighting in the area. Does it work with your existing or planned paint colors?While our site can help you consider everything from tile color to material, you can get the best look at your choices by visiting our Dallas store. There, you can buy samples, talk to our experts, and see hundreds of options for your tile project.View this post on Instagram
Consider Your Installation Options
A floor or wall tiling project is an attractive option for DIYers. It can be a great new skill to learn and has relatively low stakes. However, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions when considering whether to tackle your tile project yourself or leave it to the professionals.- What’s the cost comparison? On its surface, DIY always seems cheaper. While it may well be the most cost-effective option for you, remember you will be purchasing not only raw materials but also installation tools, which you likely won’t have on hand if this is your first tiling project. You may also incur extra costs if you have to redo any problem areas or fix mistakes. Remember that when you hire a professional, you’re paying for time and expertise.
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- Do you have the time? While tile installation can be a fun process, it can also be a significant time commitment for a beginner. It may be worth the convenience of paying a pro to get it done quickly if the tile project is in an area used often. That way, it’s not out of commission for long. If you have a busy schedule, finding the hours needed to make a tiling project work on your own may be challenging.
- What’s the size of your project? If you’re looking at tiling a backsplash or a small bathroom floor with no odd angles or shapes needed, your project may be DIYable. Significant projects like walls, showers, large flooring areas, or spaces that will require precise cuts may best be left to the experts.
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- Will your project involve any plumbing or electrical work? It may be fine for you to tackle a tiling project with additional elements if you have previous experience in these areas. If you don’t, it may be time to call in the pros.
