The Consumer's Guide to Tile in South Florida

"Buy Tile Where Your Builder Buys Tile"

It isn't a slogan at South Florida kitchen and Bath, it's good advice. At South Florida Kitchen and Bath we have come to find out, after remodeling many tile surfaces that were not properly selected or installed. One of the biggest mistakes made in tile selection is choosing a stone or tile that is not suited for the traffic it is to receive. Some tiles are very soft and should not be used in an area that will receive high traffic. A busy hotel lobby is a poor choice for some softer tiles, but may work well in a residential foyer. How easy does the material scratch? Refer to the tile selection guide under scratch resistant. An easy test to perform is to run a pocketknife blade lightly across the tile. If the blade leaves a scratch, it will probably wear poorly in high traffic areas.

Tile material cost is much less than marble

Tile is a popular, less expensive option for counters in either the kitchen or bathroom. Ceramic tiles come in all kinds of patterns, colors, and sizes, as does the grout. Stone tiles are another option, whether marble or granite. Installation can be a bit more for tile counters because of the manual labor involved in cutting and placing every individual tile on the counters and backsplash, but the material cost is much less than marble or granite slabs, saving you significant money in the long run.

Be sure your tile is not slippery

It is astonishing how many injuries occur each year due to slipping and falling. When choosing tile, or stone, be sure it is not slippery. A highly polished granite tile on a shower floor may be a poor choice and a slip hazard. Honed, textured, or flamed finished tiles may less slippery. There are treatments available that can be applied to the surface of tile and stone to make it slip resistant. These treatments can be expensive ($1.00-3.00 per sq. Check with your tile and stone dealers for further information. For the Architect or Designer refer to ASTM test methods for coefficient of friction.

Unfortunately, cost is usually the deciding factor when selecting tile or stone. Cost can also be very misleading. An inexpensive stone or tile, may fit into your budget, but if it wears easily, the cost of restoration, repair, or replacement, will often exceed the initial cost. Thoroughly investigate the maintenance requirements of the selected tile. Shop around, and ask lots of questions. The tile and stone market is very competitive, so bargains can be found. Warning: Tile and stone are available in different grades. The poorer grades may be cheaper, but will have imperfections and flaws. Examine each tile carefully before it is installed.

Maintenance of tile in the humid climate of South Florida and Miami is the most overlooked factor when choosing stone or tile. Just because a stone or tile cost more doesn't mean its maintenance requirements are less.

There is no such thing as maintenance free! Twenty cents per square foot vinyl requires maintenance just as much as a thirty dollar per square foot stone. Be sure to investigate the maintenance requirement of the tile or stone you select before you buy. Ask to see the maintenance guide for the tile type. Consulting with a friend, neighbor, or other personal contact with the same type of tile to gather their experiences regarding the ease or difficulty of maintenance, may be helpful, too.

Consider the handiwork of a tile contractor

If you've committed to tiling an area in your home or business, research the possibilities that come with the handiwork of a tile contractor. Read magazines, visit Web sites, and peruse any number of other sources to find new options and style ideas. The Prime Buyer's Report has found some credible resources that will help you accomplish this.

As you're shopping around, keep in mind these important aspects of countertops: durability, resistance to staining, ability to handle hot cookware, ease in cleaning and maintaining, and of course pleasing to the eye. You don't have to choose all one variety of surface material - a combination of several may be more functional. Stone or solid surfaces work best around the stove and ovens. An area of butcher block allows for chopping, and plastic laminate around sinks works great. The key is to get the most functionality for the money spent and be happy with the end result by being an informed consumer.

Visit our website at southfloridakitchenandbath.com for further information.