Choose the right tile grade for each room

It is important that you choose a the right tile grade for a specific room and a colour that will complement the rest of the items in the house. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

The choice of tiles you buy for your home is hugely influenced by your budget and taste.
However, Amber Makula, a sales person at ABC Tiles and Baths says, “Usually people come with specific patterns in mind and there is little one can do to change their mind.” she adds.

Types
The first step to making good choices is having an open mind, exploring all the available types on the market while consulting with an expert.
There are numerous types of tiles on the market to suit every budget and taste. Makula says porcelain tiles made from India are some of the most elegant yet affordable tiles. “But if your budget can accommodate, I would recommend tiles from Italy and Spain because of their elaborate yet classy patterns and texture,” Makula advises.

Boaz Kukundakwe, an architect with Abacus technologies, explains that tiles come in two major types; porcelain and ceramic. “Although sometimes marble is mistaken for tiles and does look like tiles technically, it is not,” he says.

Ceramic is the commonest and most affordable tile which can be used in almost every room in the home.
Porcelain tiles on the other hand are quite costly but they are also the most durable and strongest tiles available and popular for their superior stain resistance.

“So to narrow your choices down, first decide whether you will go with porcelain or ceramic tiles and depending on the type you choose, look for the tiles that fit perfectly within your overall colour scheme,” advises Kukundakwe.

Size
Another major consideration while choosing tiles is the size of the surface to be tiled. Small-sized tiles are usually suited to small residential areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. Large tiles make a room feel larger and well aerated.

Telling the difference
A floor tile will have a harder glaze and will be made of harder materials to withstand traffic. In a small room, light-coloured tiles will make the space feel bigger. If you have a large room you have more options; you can choose from light to dark tiles.

Consider the area to be tiled
Hannington Wasswa, an interior décor expert, says the traffic the area is exposed to is another major consideration. This will guide you on what the abrasion-resistance or PEI rating of the tile should be in order to withstand the wear and tear.

“The kitchen for instance is a high traffic area and therefore requires a durable, practical and slightly darker tile that won’t scratch or show dirt easily. A tile with a PEI 3 rating is recommended.

The bathroom and bedroom are low traffic areas therefore tiles rated PEI 1 and 2 are suitable,” adds Wasswa. Outdoor tiles should be slip-resistant and be able to withstand harsh, wet and sunny conditions. Porcelain and natural stone tiles are usually recommended for outdoor installations.

Colour
Although tiles aren’t normally the focus of a room, they do affect the feel of a room and therefore should be able to complement other design features. In a bathroom, you might want a restful relaxing setting, so go for colours that blend well together. In the kitchen you might want a more vibrant option, so choose colours that contrast.

When choosing grout colour, Kukundakwe recommends one that compliments the tiles. “A contrasting grout will emphasise lines and the design, while a grout in a complementary colour as the tile will give a subtle effect,” he explains.

The cost
Tiles cost differently, depending on the supplier; prices range from Shs28,000 for a 30x30 and above. So to be on the safe side, visit as many showrooms as possible and when you find one that fits your budget, calculate how many tiles you will need.

The more accurately you measure, the more precise your cost estimate will be. Don’t forget to include areas that may not be seen such as underneath the furniture and kitchen cupboards, unless these are built-in. It is advisable to buy slightly more tiles than estimated in the event of breakages.

ADVICE
When looking for a perfect tiler, they should be able to do the work within your budget and on time. Wasswa advises that the homeowner should get at least two different quotations from different tilers in order to compare costs. “Ask for references of previous work done.