What To Consider When Buying Tiles In Canada Updated For 2024
by Ronaldo Grimshaw , 7 min reading time
What To Consider When Buying Tiles In Canada Updated For 2024
Buying tile for your home can be confusing on what to consider and the lingering question on the mind is "Am I making the right choice?". Our guide here will help you learn more about what to consider when selecting tile weather it is for your Bathroom floor, Kitchen, Patio or any other space.
Whether you’re considering choosing tile that’s ceramic, porcelain or natural stone, Plumbing Market has everything you’ll need to start your reno off on the right foot. There are a number of floor tile options to fit any design, all while staying on budget. We’ll help you navigate the different types of tile, patterns and more.
Which Tile Size Is Best For Flooring
Are you struggling to figure out which tile size would work best for your flooring? Let’s break it down without getting too complicated. Choosing the right tile size is crucial for making your space look great, and it doesn’t have to be rocket science. Here’s what you need to know:
Room Size and Layout:
The size of your room plays a crucial role in determining the ideal tile size for your flooring. Larger tiles, such as 24x24 inches or 36x36 inches, are well-suited for spacious rooms as they create a seamless and expansive look. Conversely, smaller tiles, like 12x12 inches or 18x18 inches, are more suitable for compact spaces, as they can visually expand the room and create a sense of depth.
Large Format Tiles:
MSI's 24x24 Tile is a great large format tile designed to fit your space
MSI's 36x36 Tile is a great large format tile designed to fit your space
MSI's 24x48 Tile is a great large format tile designed to fit your space
Small Format Tiles:
MSI's 12x24 Tile is a great large format tile designed to fit your space
MSI's 18x18 Tile is a great large format tile designed to fit your space
MSI's 2x6 Tile is a great large format tile designed to fit your space
Tiles Deliver Style to Every Room
Tile can be used for beautiful flooring, accent walls or backsplashes. The material is durable and water-resistant, making it a popular choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and entryways. Decide which area of your home you want to update and visit Plumbing Market Canada to pick out your perfect tile. We carry various styles, sizes, colors and shapes so you can find exactly what you need to complement your home.
Floor Tiles
Floor tile is highly durable, making it an ideal selection for high-traffic areas and rooms that are exposed to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. They tend to be larger in size than wall tile, making it faster to install them in a large room. First, choose a material. Popular choices include stone tile, porcelain tile, ceramic tile, marble tile and more. Next, decide on a shape. Do you want a simple square tile or to add some personality with herringbone tile or hexagon tile? If you need help deciding, a Plumbing Market associate at your local store will gladly talk you through it.
Wall Tiles
Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes are typically made of tile. Wall tile is smaller in scale than floor tile and is easy to wipe down when it gets splashed by water, grease or food. Choose the timeless subway tile look in your kitchen or bathroom or add some personality with a terrazzo tile look. Another option for wall tiles is to add a feature wall in your home with patterned tiles, mirrored tiles or mosaic tiles. A feature wall adds visual interest to any room.
Tiles by Space
At Plumbing Market Canada, you’ll find tiles for any space. Add a beautiful backsplash with kitchen tiles that enhances the look, but is also easy to clean after cooking dinner. Add outdoor tiles or patio tiles to create the ultimate backyard oasis. Update your garage with garage floor tiles that are durable and can handle extra moisture. The options are endless, making tile a great addition to any space in any home.
Helpful Hints
| Tile Helpful Hints | |
|---|---|
| Ensure that all the tiles you purchase are from the same dye lot. Dye lots determine the colour and size in ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles and the colour and pattern in vinyl tiles. | |
| The average allowable size difference for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles within the same dye lot is 1/16th of an inch; the size difference between dye lots may be greater. |
| Coefficient of Friction (COF) | |
|---|---|
| Coefficient of friction (COF) refers to the smoothness of the tile. It is rated on a scale of 0 to 1 with higher numbers, 0.6 and up, representing surfaces that are more slip resistant. | |
| Glazed floor tiles should not be used where there is a consistent presence of water, oil, or grease unless the COF exceeds 0.60. | |
| Ramped surfaces, irrespective of the slant of the incline, require a more slip resistant surface. It is recommended that a tile with a minimum of 0.80 COF be installed on these surfaces. | |
| Proper maintenance is critical. Improper maintenance can result in a contaminant build-up on the surface of the tile causing the tile to be slippery. |
| PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) Wear Rating | |
|---|---|
| I and II | Not suitable for floors (walls only) |
| III | All residential |
| IV | Residential and light commercial |
| IV+ | Commercial and heavy traffic |
| Water Absorption | |
|---|---|
| Non-vitreous | More than 7 percent |
| Semi-vitreous | 3 to 7 percent |
| Vitreous | 0.5 - 3 percent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles be Used Outdoors?
To be used outdoors, the tile must be frost-proof and unglazed for floor use. Make sure the absorption rate is 0.5% or less; this will more likely be porcelain tile.
Can I Use a High Gloss Tile on My Kitchen Countertops?
It is not recommended. Structurally it would be sound; however, the gloss glaze would eventually show scratches. Consider using natural stone tiles for increased durability and elegance.
What Are the Main Differences Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles?
Although both are made from clay, porcelain is made from a denser clay dust and baked at higher temperatures than ceramic. Porcelain is much more durable and has a lower water absorption rate.
How Do I Clean My Natural Stone Tiles?
Stone tiles should be rinsed weekly with warm water and a non-abrasive, clear, non-acidic soap. For polished marble and granite, periodic application of a commercial polish is recommended.
What Makes Simple Wood Tiles Different From Common Engineered Wood Planks?
Wood tiles can be installed in patterns with unlimited design possibilities. They are real hardwood products with a self-adhesive backing that are easy to install.
