If you are building for the first time and aren’t sure about your tiling options, then this guide is for you. If you are renovating your home after a long period, you’ll find that a lot has changed over the past few years. This is especially the case with tiling options.
Many might wonder, what more is there to a tile? Well, while this question is not entirely unjustified, a tile is not just a tile as we shall find out in this article.
If you live in Madison you have probably seen more than a dozen tile stores and maybe gotten into a few. And if you are not up to date with tile trends, then some of the products you’ll find in these stores may seem alien.
To prepare you for your next visit to a tile store near you, here are some items you should expect to find in a tile store in Madison WI.
Tiles
Of course, being a tiles shop the one item that would not be missing from the shelves are tiles. But tiles come in different types, styles and sizes. Since styles and sizes are universal, our focus will be on the types of tiles you may find in a tile store.
There are tiles meant for your walls and floor as well. For both, there are more than twenty different types including the usual wood and ceramic tiles.
Let’s take a look at some of the common ones below:
Metallic tiles
Metal tiles are made from materials such as tin, copper and stainless steel. They are suitable for your kitchen and bathroom walls and ceiling and you can get them in different shapes, sizes and styles. These rare types of tiles add glitz and modernity to your home.
Mosaic tiles
Another rare type of tile you may come along with is mosaic tiles. These tiles are made from different materials and most often take different shapes, colors, designs, and textures.
They are usually connected by a mesh backing and are suitable for swimming pool walls, bathroom walls, and kitchen walls. You could also use them to break the monotony of same-colored tiles.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles
Moving over to the common ceramic and porcelain tiles, you will be surprised to know they are available in different types. Their variations commonly depend on the material they are made from and the surface finish.
Tiles categorized according to their surface finish are either glazed or unglazed. When you walk into your favorite tile shop, you will notice some tiles have a shiny surface while others don’t. The former are glazed while those without shiny surfaces are unglazed.
Wood tiles
Unfortunately, you will rarely find these in your local tile shop because they are usually available in wood stores.
You may find something more interesting though – stone tiles
Also known as ‘natural stone’, stone tiles offer an exquisite look and last a lifetime. A popular type of stone tile is marble. As well as marble, there are other types of stone tiles you will find at your local tile store.
Slate, travertine, limestone, quartzite swatch and granite
You will also find these unique types of tiles in most stores in Madison. Due to their durable nature, they are mostly used in kitchens and bathrooms.
Vinyl flooring tiles
Lastly, the current craze in town has everything to do with vinyl flooring tiles. These tiles are cheap, stylish and easy to install hence their popularity.
Sanitary ware
As well as tiles, most tile stores also stock sanitary ware. Most tile stores will have items such as toilets, bathtubs, sinks and faucets. Again, you will find these items available in different types, materials and designs.
Tiling accessories
Besides the sanitary ware, you are also likely to find tiling accessories. Items such as spacers, underfloor heating, grout and trims are available in most tile shops in Madison.
Conclusion
There are hundreds of items you will encounter for the first time when you visit your local tiles store. Remember, it’s not a sin to ask when you are unsure.
Always inquire from the store attendants about the product you seek to purchase. Most will be happy to help you figure out what is best for your project and also give you value for money.
Keep in mind that while most tiles and sanitary ware may seem alike on the surface, they differ in their material content. Some will last for decades while others will not.
The general rule of thumb is to always enquire even when you think you have sufficient knowledge. Happy shopping!