Endless Possibilities
Wall and floor tiles provide durability, functionality, and beauty, making them an essential component in every household. Furthermore, they provide a robust and easy-to-clean surface, ideal for areas exposed to water or heavy usage. From an aesthetics perspective, tiles offer endless possibilities.
Tiles have the power to transform a space. With their wide range of options, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone, wall tiles offer endless possibilities for creating unique and personalized designs.
Available in assorted colours, patterns, and textures, they can significantly enhance the visual appeal of any space. Imagine a kitchen with sleek, white subway tiles that effortlessly blend with stainless steel appliances, creating a modern and sophisticated ambiance. Or picture a bathroom with mosaic tiles in various shades of blue, evoking a sense of tranquillity and relaxation.
Whether you choose a minimalist approach with neutral tones and sleek lines or wish to make a bold statement with vibrant colours and patterns, tiles have got you covered.
Furthermore, wall tiles can be creatively used to add unique style elements like focal points, decorative patterns, or illusionary depth. For example, mosaic tiles can be arranged in intricate patterns to create stunning visual effects, while textured tiles can add depth and dimension to a wall.
When it comes to durability, tiles are known for their long lifespan. Additionally, tiles offer excellent resistance to stains, scratches, and fading, ensuring that your floors and walls remain beautiful and vibrant for years to come.
Durability
Unlike other flooring options, tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic without losing their aesthetic appeal. This makes them a practical choice for areas like hallways, living rooms, and entryways. This durability factor is especially important in homes with children or pets, where accidental spills and scratches are common occurrences.
Wall tiles also play a hefty role in your home’s aesthetic appeal. A uniform tiling with a complementary palette can transform the room to a whole new level. Large tiles can make a room feel more spacious, while mosaic tiles can add a touch of elegance and intricacy.
But what happens when one or more of these carefully chosen tiles fall off or go missing? Could it wreak havoc on your seemingly perfect interior or exterior design? The gap left by the missing tile can become an eyesore, detracting from your otherwise appealing interior or exterior design.
Unexpected Damage
Tiles can get damaged over time due to various reasons – be it accidental impact, environmental factors, or simple wear and tear.
Therefore, being prepared with stored tiles can prove crucial. It allows for quick replacement without having to rush to the market in search of a matching set, saving both time and stress.
How to Properly Store Tiles
Knowing the benefits of tile storage is one thing; implementing practices for effective tile storage is another.
Choosing the Right Storage Space
Selecting a suitable storage area is vital for preserving the condition of the stored tiles. The storage area should ideally be clean, dry, away from direct sunlight or severe temperature changes, and placed on a flat surface to prevent tile warping. The space should also large enough for easily manoeuvrable stacks.
Preventing Tile Damage During Storage
During storage, the possibility of tile damage should be minimised. Protective materials, like foam or bubble wrap, can be used to cushion and protect tiles from scratches, chips, or cracks. Additionally, tiles should be stacked vertically rather than lying flat to prevent unnecessary pressure on the tiles at the bottom.
Organizing Tiles for Easy Access
Organizing your stored tiles by type, colour, or room use can speed up the replacement process when needed. Clear labels and a recorded inventory can go a long way in keeping your store well-managed and easy to navigate.
Top Tip: sometimes builders put spare tiles under baths and shower trays, so if you need a spare tile check here first.
Cost Implications of Buying Extra Tiles
Short-term vs Long-term Costs
Although buying extra tiles may increase the initial project cost, it can result in long-term savings. It eliminates the need for potentially expensive and time-consuming searches for matching tiles in the future.
Potential Savings from Bulk Purchases
Many suppliers offer discounts for bulk purchases. By estimating accurately and buying a slightly larger quantity, you can take advantage of these savings and ensure a more economical project overall.
The Benefits of Storing Tiles for Future Use
Buying tiles in bulk when they are on sale or available can result in significant cost savings. Moreover, it’s also practical to consider potential future needs during the initial purchase to avoid the cost associated with buying small quantities later.
Having extra tiles on hand ensures that you can seamlessly replace any damaged or worn-out tiles without compromising the overall aesthetic of your space. Colour and pattern variations are common among tiles, even within the same range. Buying extra tiles from the same batch avoids discrepancies in future repairs and keeps the aesthetics consistent.
Also remember that manufacturers can discontinue products or even go out of business.
When to Use Stored Tiles
Replacing Damaged Tiles
As mentioned before, tiles are not invulnerable, and damage can occur. In such cases, having stored tiles of the same design is immensely beneficial for a quick and hassle-free replacement.
Expanding or Renovating Your Space
If you’re considering expanding your living space or want to carry out a renovation, stored tiles can prove to be very useful. They ensure consistency in your design continuity without having to seek out matching tiles, which may or may not be available on the market at the time.
Creating New Tile Designs
Fancy a mosaic kitchen backsplash or a feature wall? Your tile storage can be a treasure trove for these creative moments. Mix and match to create your unique tile designs, providing your home with a personal touch.
Keep Spare Tiles!
The advantages of preserving tiles for the future are various and include cost savings, keeping a uniform design, and fostering creative expression. Therefore, the next time you consider doing without extra tiles, think again!
About the author
With over 20 years of experience in the home improvement industry, John Antill co-founder of Brightchecker has shared these insights into the secret life of tiles.