Guide for Choosing the Right Tile for Your Project

Jim Stevens
2024-12-04T11:48:18-08:00

Here's a brief guide to help you make an informed decision for tile that meets your aesthetic and functional needs.
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Finding the right tile for your project involves several key steps to ensure you make an informed decision that meets both your aesthetic and functional needs. Here’s a brief guide to help you start the process:

1. Define Your Project Needs

Start by determining the purpose of your tile project. Are you tiling a kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor, a pool, or an outdoor living space?

Each area has different requirements, such as:

Moisture resistance for bathrooms

Slip resistance for bathroom floors

Ease of maintenance for kitchens

Low water absorption for exterior applications in freeze-thaw areas

Low water absorption and durability for submerged applications

Always review the Recommended Usage & Floor Applications of a product before purchase. The tiles you consider should be appropriate for the application.

This information can be found on all Lunada Bay Tile product pages under RECOMMENDED USAGE & FLOOR APPLICATION, or under DOCUMENTION to find our “Applications & Testing” tearsheet.

(Screenshot from LBT product page)

2. Set a Budget

While the lifespan of tiles in a space can last 10 – 50 years, or longer, establishing a budget is crucial before you start shopping for tiles. This will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending. Consider not only the cost of the tiles but cost of the installation as well, and keep this in relation to the impact of the entire project. Project budgets are essential but remember the final choice will be a lasting one.

3. Research Tile Types

Familiarize yourself with the different types of tiles available, such as ceramic, glass, natural stone, concrete, and porcelain. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, maintenance, and appearance.

Our Resources page contains information on maintenance, applications and testing, installation, etc, and the LBT Collection page organizes our complete tile offerings by material type.

4. Choose Your Style and Design

Ponder upon the feeling you wish to bring to your space. Decide on a style that suits your overall design vision. Consider factors like color, texture, and pattern. Collect inspiration from design magazines, websites, or social media platforms to refine your preferences.

Lunada Bay Tile regularly posts on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram.

The Lunada Bay Tile Inspiration Gallery is a great place to browse for various styles to emulate or find inspiration, and can be sorted by space, material, tile series, color, and pattern/shape.

5. Obtain Samples

Before making a final decision, order samples of your top choices. Swatch Cards and Sample Boards of our tiles can be ordered through your local authorized Lunada Bay Tile showroom. This will allow you to see how the tiles look in your space, assess their texture, and evaluate their relationship with other elements of your project and existing décor to find the tiles that will bring the feeling you want to your space.

6. Evaluate Lighting

Before choosing samples, and once your samples arrive, consider the lighting in the area where the tiles will be installed. Natural light and the colors in the room can significantly affect how colors of the tile appear. Observe your samples in different lighting conditions to ensure the tiles maintain the feeling wanted for your space, and they meet your expectations.

7. Consult Professionals

If you're unsure, consult with a tile professional, interior designer, or architect. They can offer guidance on the best tile options for your project and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Most LBT authorized showrooms have qualified designers on staff who are available for consultation. Their understanding of your needs through a one-on-one meeting will be of great service in helping make the best choice for your project. The nearest tile showroom can be found on our Dealer Locator.

8. Confirm Installation Details

Finally, if you’re hiring a professional installer, confirm all details related to installation, including costs, timelines, and any special requirements for your chosen tiles.

By following these steps, you can confidently select the right tile for your project, ensuring it meets your needs and enhances your space.