Purchasing Tips For Buying Kitchen Tiles

Kitchen tiles can be purchased on sheets. They are also available separately for more intricate and creative designs that, granted, take more work to apply but end up being one of a kind design statement. You can use tiles of all shapes, sizes, colors and textures to create a unique work of art on your kitchen wall or floor. Individual tiles are also great to have on hand even if you choose to go with the easy to apply sheets because often there are little areas that need just a few tiles to fill in around a hard to fill space.

Always order about 10% more tiles than you think you’ll need…especially if this is your first tile project. This is important because you will be cutting the tiles to fit around light switches, etc…and sometimes you make a mistake and break a tile or two. It’s also good to have extra tiles on hand for any future need to replace a tile so that you have a perfect match. Tiles come in color lots so when you buy from a different lot, it’s possible that there will be a slight color variation. Better to be prepared with a few leftover tiles than to run out and have to order more.

If you thought tile was just for the kitchen floor, you will be happy to know that homeowners are adding their own special touch to their kitchen walls as a stand along wall with an artistic design and by adding tile for a colorful as well as functional backsplash. Kitchen backsplashes in tile really brighten up an otherwise plain boring cooking area.

You can choose a solid color or an interesting pattern of your own design or you can even mix it up a bit by combining different textures, finishes and materials in one tile application.

For example, you can achieve a modern classic look by creating a geometric pattern using metal tiles along with wood, ceramic, or glass tiles. The effect is sleek and stunning. If you like a country look to go along with your porcelain kitchen cabinet knobs, you might like a plain white tile backsplash or one with a floral focal point instead of an overall design.

The look and feel you wish to create is possible with the right tile choice. How do you decide which tile will work best for your kitchen? Consider the cabinets and wood trim, if any, already present in the room. Would the sharp lines and metal cabinets and stainless appliances lend themselves more toward a metal and ceramic tile combination or would glass tile fit your overall room design best?

It’s a good idea to get a sample of the tile you are thinking of purchasing first. This way you can see exactly what they will look like along with other room elements. It’s far better to take the time to view a sample or two or three than to regret your choice later.