| |
Copyright © 2008
Able Skills
Your choice of tile mostly comes down to your purpose and personal preferences. In addition, you have to consider where the tile will be used in order to make certain it suits the situation.
Exploring Different Tile Uses
The tile you need for your tiling job will largely depend on the purpose of the tile. Tiles for a floor, for example, will differ from tiles you use for a bathroom wall. Floor tiles will need to be rugged and hardwearing and, if they are intended for commercial use, they will need to be even more durable than your standard tiles.
Tiles for a bathroom wall, on the other hand, tend to be decorative and light in order to make the interior of the room look bright and inviting. In addition, many people choose colorful or decorative tiles for a kitchen wall because it is usually a small space that needs to be covered and, in many cases, they double as decoration or are complementary to the décor of the room.
When looking for countertop tiles, however, they need to be non-porous and easy to sanitize. Otherwise, you run the risk of your tiles absorbing the odor of foods such as onions or garlic and they may become a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria and other bugs.
Using Ceramic Tiles
Tiles can be made from ceramic, which is a popular choice for all kinds of tiling. They come in different colors, glazes, patterns and different hardnesses, depending on the use for which they are intended.
Using Stone Tiles
Stone is a popular alternative for floor tiles, particularly if you are going for a country appearance. Some stone, however, is soft and cannot be used where it might come into contact with certain household chemicals, as they can cause erosion or damage the appearance. Anywhere stone is used, it is best to use some kind of sealant to protect the integrity of the surface.
One of the most common types of stone is marble, which is good for floors and fireplaces. Another type is granite, which is often used for countertops and fireplaces. Limestone is a good option for flooring, travertine is used for fireplaces and vanities, and quartz-based stone is popular for floors, fireplaces and bar tops. Another option is slate, which is suitable for most uses, except some flaking may be encountered.
If you do not feel confident undertaking the job of tiling your area, a tiling course will get you on the right path and teach you all you need to know, including some advanced techniques to make your house look great.
Able Skills provide a wide range of tiling courses
 EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here
More articles by Matt Morgan
- What Is A Salt Chlorinator and Why Should I Have One On My Swimming Pool? (Ron Burr)
Salt chlorinators are a great method for sanitizing your swimming pool and or spa. - Pregnant Vegetarians: Are You Getting Enough? (Billy Baker)
A vegetarian pregnant mother should be aware of a few things before taking all the nutrition elements for granted. Extra knowledge is always a good thing. - Make a Lifetime Memory for Her for Free (John McQuade)
This article describes an idea which costs the giver nothing as far as money goes, but may require a little for effort than any other gift the person every gives. The effort should be a labor of love, though. The end product will serve as a gift that will very likely make a Lifetime Memory for especially a Mother, a Grandmother, or one's Wife of many years.
|