Tiling Your Home: Four Essential Considerations

At Distinct Building Company in Perth, we are passionate about helping our homeowners create functional homes that reflect their unique style and preferences.

Due to Perth’s climate, not only do we find homeowners tiling their bathrooms and laundry, but further to this, I would say nearly 50% of the homes we build at Distinct Building Company have their main floor as tiles.

Tiles can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your living spaces, and we strongly suggest that all homeowners take their time making their tile selections.

Over the years, we have come to notice that these four things should be considered when taking your time deciding on your tiles.

Size Matters: Selecting the Perfect Tile Dimensions

The size of your tiles significantly impacts your tiling project's overall look and cost. Smaller, intricately detailed tiles, such as Kit Kat tiles and small mosaic tiles, often require more labour and expertise to install, increasing the overall cost of building your home.

Conversely, larger format tiles, typically those exceeding 1 meter in size, may also demand higher installation costs due to the need for two installers.

Standard tile sizes such as 300*600mm, 200*200mm and 300*300mm are the easiest to lay and usually a standard cost.

When selecting tile sizes, consider the dimensions of the area you intend to tile. Larger tiles can create a sense of spaciousness in smaller rooms, while smaller tiles can add visual interest and intricate patterns. Additionally, align your tile choice with the overall style of your home. For a modern aesthetic, opt for larger format tiles, while smaller tiles can complement traditional interiors.

Set Out: Creating a Harmonious Pattern

The set-out, or pattern, in which your tiles are laid significantly influences the overall ambience of your tiled space. Numerous set-out options exist, each with its unique visual appeal. Consider a herringbone pattern for an old-school style or if you want to go more contemporary consider laying your subways in a vertical pattern.

When choosing a set-out, carefully consider the size and shape of the area you are tiling. For instance, a herringbone pattern may not be suitable for a small room, while a subway tile pattern may not be ideal for a large space—additionally, factors in the traffic flow in the area. A herringbone pattern may not be practical for high-traffic areas, while a subway tile pattern can withstand heavier foot traffic.

 Grout Colour: Selecting the Perfect Complement

Grout, the material used to fill the spaces between tiles, plays a fundamental role in shaping the overall appearance of your tiled surface. With a substantial array of grout colours available, it is essential to choose one that harmonises with your tiles and complements the overall aesthetic. For example, a light grout colour can beautifully complement dark tiles, while a dark grout colour can add striking contrast to light tiles.

When selecting grout colour, consider the overall style of your home. If you have a modern home, a light grout colour may be an appropriate choice. Alternatively, if your house displays a traditional feel, a dark grout colour might be more suitable—additionally, factor in the level of traffic in the area you are tiling.

Also, bear in mind that changing the grout colour is not an easy task so much be thought out.

A dark grout colour may be more practical for high-traffic areas, as it will be less prone to showing dirt and grime. No one likes cleaning grout, so this is a very important consideration when deciding on your grout colour of choice to consider.

This leads to the next point, one that some may think is the most important long-term consideration when considering tiling.

Cleaning Considerations: Ensuring Long-Lasting Beauty

The ease of cleaning your tiles is a crucial factor to consider during the selection process. Tiles in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, require regular cleaning. Therefore, opting for tiles with fewer grout lines can simplify the cleaning process.

When choosing tiles for high-traffic areas, prioritise durability and ease of cleaning. Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice due to their stain resistance and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, consider tiles with a smooth surface, which further enhances cleaning efficiency. A rough surface on a tile can be very hard to get clean, while a gloss tile can show up marks also quite easily.

Conclusion

At Distinct Building Company, we understand the importance of making informed tile choices that align with your style and functional needs. We work closely with our trusted supplier, Ceramic Tile Supply in Perth, to ensure our homeowners can access a wide range of high-quality tiles at competitive prices.

Whether you choose to select your tiles yourself in-store at our preferred suppliers or whether you want to go down the route of using an interior designer for your selections. You must still consider all the points above and pay attention to them!

You are ultimately the one who will be living in the home, so you must be happy with the aesthetics of the home and, more importantly, how often you clean the tiles.

At Distinct Building Company, we have years of experience in building new homes and renovations and have made and learned all the wrong decisions when it comes to tiling so we are happy to provide advice throughout the design phase and build phase when it comes to tile selection.

Please feel free to contact us now if you are considering a new home or renovation in Perth, Western Australia.