11 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Tiles

There are many options to choose from when renovating your home surface comes. As a homeowner, you may have a desire to install new tiles on your house floor. The type of tiles you’ll choose will be one of the most important decisions you'll make. Before making a decision to purchase the tiles, it is important to visit the showroom to peruse a variety of unique products in order to fulfill the vision of your home floor. During the visit, if you're not careful, you can end up making some costly mistakes. Some of the mistakes are discussed below.

Choosing the Wrong Tiles

Before you decide about what tiles to buy, it's important to know the exact space where each type of tile will go. For example, if your bathroom has a small flooring space, it may be best to choose smaller mosaic tiles.

If you're choosing tiles for a feature wall, it doesn't matter what size they are. You can choose anything from large, rectangular tiles to smaller square ones.

It's also necessary to consider whether the tile will be used in an area with heavy foot traffic, like a hallway or entrance hall. If so, it might be best to use something stronger that can endure the load and doesn't crack under pressure.

Not Measuring Correctly

The next thing you should do is take accurate measurements of each area where the tiles will be laid. If you don't know how to measure properly, ask someone who does. Don't just assume that all areas are square or rectangular because they often aren't.

Once you have the measurements, use them to calculate how many tiles you'll need and then add a few extra for cuts and mistakes. This will help avoid running out of tiles halfway through the job!

Choosing the Wrong Color or Style

One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing the wrong color or style of tile. It's important to think about the overall look and feel before deciding.

For example, if your bathroom is small, it might be best to choose light colors or neutral tiles so that the space doesn't feel too cramped. The same applies to kitchens. Dark tiles can make the area feel smaller and more cramped.

Forgetting About Grout and Mortar

Grout and mortar are essential for any tile job, but they can be easily forgotten. This is especially true if you're choosing a grout-less tile like marble or slate.

Ensure to ask the salesperson how much mortar and grout you'll need for the job. It's often best to buy more than the requirement, just to be safe.

Underestimating Installation Costs

It's important to think about the cost of installation before you buy any tiles. The installation process can be very complex and time-consuming, so it's best to have a good amount stashed away to cover the labor costs.

The last thing you want is to ruin your tiles and have to start all over again! A solution to this problem would be DIYing the installation. But beware, it can be a tricky process and if you're not confident, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

Neglecting Maintenance Needs

The type of tile you choose will determine how much maintenance it requires. For example, ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain but they're also prone to cracking if not handled correctly (such as dropping something heavy on them).

Natural stone tiles like marble or slate require regular sealing in order to protect their porous surface from staining and water damage.

Make sure you ask the salesperson about the maintenance needs of each before pulling the trigger on a purchase. It's important to factor this into your overall budget.

Overpaying for Tiles

The cost of tiles can vary widely, depending on the material and quality. It's important to shop around and compare prices before making any decisions.

It is also worth noting that salespeople often try to upsell customers by recommending more expensive tiles, but this doesn't always mean they're the best option.

Do your research and compare prices before deciding. You might be surprised at just how much money you can save by shopping around!

Not Getting a Warranty

Most reputable tile shops will offer a warranty but read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up. This is especially important if you're buying expensive tiles like marble or slate.

A good warranty will cover any damage or defects that occur during the installation process, like cracks, chips, discoloring, and more. It is also a way to know when you are buying a quality product.

If the salesperson tries to sell you a warranty that doesn't cover these things, it's best to walk away and find another supplier!