We know choosing tiles is exciting, but it’s also a process where you’ll need to be smart to make sure you’re right the first time. Tile and wall covering can be the difference between a room’s success or failure. And if you’re wrong, it can cost you a fortune to fix.
We’ve rounded up the biggest mistakes you can make when buying tiles to help you make up your mind.
Not ordering enough tiles
You’ve spent hours calculating and making sure you’ve ordered exactly how many tiles you need, only to find yourself at the end of a bathroom or kitchen project and realise you’re a few tiles away from completing it – it’s one of life’s most frustrating feelings, especially if you’ve hired a professional to fit it. One of the biggest and most common mistakes you can make when ordering online tiles is not considering wastage or breakages, so we recommend adding an additional 10% to your order. It’s a small price to pay to make sure you’ve got the right number of tiles to finish your project.
Choosing the wrong size tiles
Tiles are available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 7.5x15cm metro bricks to 60x120cm large format tiles. While these allow you to create your dream home, the wrong size can be the difference between success and failure. The first thing to think about is the look of the tile in the room. Large format tiles are better suited to large rooms, such as the downstairs loo, while smaller rooms, such as bathrooms, may be better suited to smaller mosaic style tiles.
Not ordering sample first
Another common problem we see is that you don’t order a sample of the product you’re interested in. Instead, you’ll need to either order a swatch (a small slice of the complete tile) or the full tile (the best way to help you imagine what it will look like in your home). A full tile will allow you to see exactly what the colour, texture, and finish of a tile will be.
Not planning the layout
Before fitting the tiles, think about layout and how you’d like them to look. Ideally, you’ll want to create a rough design sketch in advance. This will not only help you figure out how many tile cuts you’ll need, which will help you order the right amount, but it will also help you confirm that you’ve got the right size of tiles for your space.
Choosing the wrong grout colour
The colour of the grout will not only influence the outcome of your project, but choosing the wrong colour can also impact and damage your tiles. For the majority of products, we suggest using lighter coloured grout, especially natural stone and encaustic or terrazzo tiles. Black or bright coloured grouts can cause discoloration in the tiles’ natural pores. Make sure you have chosen a grout product compatible with your chosen tile material and the joint width you are looking for.
Hyperion tiles, a known name in the tiles market provides tiles custom made to your needs. Feel free to reach them for lasting and affordable tiles.
