Buying Ceramic Tile

Preparing for Ceramic Tile Installation

First decide if you are going to purchase regular ceramic tile or porcelain ceramic tile. Buying ceramic tile can be daunting task because of  where you intend to use it will determine which type you want. If you are going to tile and entryway or kitchen a regular ceramic tile will do but if you intend to install bathroom tile, shower stall tile or tile an area around the bathtub you probably want to spend a little extra money and go with the porcelain ceramic tile because it is not only harder it is also more water resistant than regular ceramic tile. The clerk where you will be buying ceramic tile will be helpful in choosing the type tile you need. 

Things you’ll need to install ceramic tile:

• Tile pieces

•  Measuring tape

• Carpenters square

• Pencil and paper

• Chalk line

• Tile cement

• Tile grout

• Grout tools

• Tile cutting tools
  • Tile saw or tile scoring board
  • Tile sniper

1. Measure the area to be tiled so you know approximately how much material you require. As most rooms are not square you will have to take a couple of measurements. Add the separate measurements to determine the total square footage. To determine the number of tile pieces needed, divide the total square footage by the square footage of a piece of the tile you are going to purchase. For example, if you are going to use 12 X 12 inch tiles the number of tiles will be equal to the total square footage.

2. Consider what type of tile and size you want to use and check with the supplier to confirm that the tile you intend to use is available and is suitable for where you intend to use is.

3. Visit the tile suppliers in your area including home improvement centers such as Home Depot or Loews. While there, check on the availability of a tile cutting saw to rent. Usually they have tile cutting kits that include all the tools you will need to cut and fashion your tile cuts.

4. If you are mixing special tiles such as hand-painted tiles with solids on a backsplash, price these tiles as well as the main tile. Hand-painted and other specialty tiles can be very expensive.

5. Get several price quotes from all the suppliers for the tile that you have selected.

6. If using an installer, confirm that your contractor has experience with the type of tile you are purchasing. Also confirm the square footage with the installer before ordering.

7. Order your tile from the chosen supplier. Always order more than the minimum requirement due to breakage or bad cuts. Purchase approximately 10 % more than the measured requirement. If you are purchasing a standard stock tile from a reputable supplier you will be able to return extra pieces you don’t use.

Now that you have purchased your tile you are ready to prepare to install it. A cement board or tile back board is required to be laid on top of the subfloor before tile is installed. See my article on Ceramic Tile Floor Installation for preparing to install ceramic tile.