- 1). Narrow the available choices according to where the tiles are going to be used. Tiles used to line the wall of a shower stall or the backsplash in a kitchen must be waterproof. Coated tiles, like ceramic or porcelain, should be used, rather than porous tiles, such as terra cotta or slate. If the tiles are going to be used on an exterior wall of your home, such as around the patio, look only at tiles labeled for outdoor use. They are water-resistant and are made to withstand extreme heat and cold.
- 2). Look at tile samples. Retail stores that sell tiles have samples of each tile on display, but seeing these samples in the store may not be sufficient to make a decision. If you want to compare tiles in your home, you can request samples from the retailer or from the tile manufacturer. Online retailers that offer tile samples include Cool Tiles, Smethurst Tile and AnchorBayTile.
- 3). Within the type you need, choose a tile based on color and design, so that it fits with the theme of the location where it will be installed. If you plan to make changes to the room's decor at a later date, keep that in mind when you select the tile. While a wild color scheme may fit perfectly with the room's current furniture, you probably will regret the choice when the time comes to buy a new furniture set.
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