Ceramic Tile Sizes and Their Uses

February 16, 2015 Steven Murphy Comments Off on Ceramic Tile Sizes and Their Uses

It used to be that tile flooring was sold in a standard 12”x12” size which made measuring and shopping for tile easy and hassle free.  With new advances in modern design and interior décor, today’s tile now comes in a wide range of sizes, shades and colors.  While you can still find the standard 12”x12” tile blocks, you’ll also learn when shopping for ceramic tile that the only limit really is your imagination!  Here’s a closer look at the types of tile sizes available and when you’d use each type.

By the Case and By the Foot

Most tile is sold by the case and measured in square feet. You can easily determine the square footage for the room you’re looking to put tile in simply by measuring it, then adding 10% extra for waste and leftovers. In addition to the actual ceramic tile, you’ll also want to consider all the little accentuating pieces such as border caps, accent strips and decorative tile that will be used around the edges of the room. Mosaic tiles are slightly different in that they typically come in 2”x2” sections on what are called mesh mount sheets.  These sheets typically come in 12”x12” sizes but can vary if you have a specific shape in mind, like hexagon tile. Generally, however, you can take the measurements of the room and go to your ceramic tile flooring store to determine which types would be the best “fit”.

Larger Sizes Mean Easier Maintenance

For easier care and maintenance, many people choose larger tile, such as an 18”x18” section.  Not only does this eliminate a good bit of grout work (the “glue” that is found in between each individual tile), but it also cuts down on the installation time and cost.  Large tile can make a room appear to be larger, and it can also make the room easier to clean.  Ceramic tile is renowned for its durability – especially in moisture prone areas where humidity can ruin cheaper floors.  Kitchens and bathrooms especially benefit from tile and you can shop a flooring wholesaler to get a wide selection of choices from the top name brand manufacturers.  Entryways and porticos also look beautiful with new tile.  

Cleaning and Caring for Your New Tile Floors

Most of the time, ceramic tile can hold its own in any environment.  By following the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning, you can help your new investment last for years to come while looking just as good as it did on the day it was installed.  Obviously you’ll want to pad table and chair legs to prevent scratches, and avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaners like bleach or ammonia, which can discolor the grout.  Like any type of floor, you’ll want to clean up spills and stains quickly so they won’t stain the grout on your ceramic tile floor.  Otherwise, you can feel confident that you’ve made an excellent investment in your home that will provide you with years of durability.
 

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Tags: CERAMIC, Sizes, Their, Tile, Uses