Avoid These Mistakes When Buying New Tile for Your Home

New floor tile in any room can make your entire home look fresh and new; many types of tiles are also easy to install on your own, so you can replace your home's flooring without the expense of a contractor. However, if you do decide to tackle this installation job on your own, note a few common mistakes that many homeowners make in choosing and then installing tile. Also, remember that it might be worth the investment of a contractor if you're not sure that you can easily manage this job yourself, so you know it gets done right.

Indoor versus outdoor

If you want to create a cohesive look between the kitchen or family room and your outdoor patio, you need tile that is specifically meant for outdoor use. Natural stone and concrete are two good options, but note that these materials both need to be properly sealed to be used outdoors. Without proper sealant, stone and concrete can absorb water and then easily crack and chip.

You also need to be careful about the weight of stone tiles you use indoors, as the subfloor may need some bracing to properly hold that weight. Be sure you choose these tiles very carefully if you want to use them both indoors and outdoors, rather than assuming a certain material will suffice for both areas.

Not considering aging

Natural materials will often change in appearance over time; painted concrete can eventually fade, and metallic tiles may develop a patina. The colour of stone can also change slightly. Be sure you've considered any potential changes in appearance when choosing tile; if you know you won't like these changes, opt for an artificial material, such as vinyl.

Home value

All the details of your home can affect its overall resale value, which is something to consider if you know you might one day put the home on the real estate market. When choosing any type of floor tile, consider how your choice will affect the home's appearance and overall durability, and its value. A cheap tile that gets dirty and damaged very easily might actually reduce your home's value, and may even need to be replaced before you can sell your home. On the other hand, if you were to invest in a quality stone or concrete tile that lasts for years, this might enhance your home's resale value. Be sure to keep this in mind when choosing new tile and don't simply shop by price alone.

For more information, contact companies like CTM Flooring.