6 Budget Tile Tricks That Deliver a High-End Look
You can get an upscale vibe without spending a fortune
Anyone who has browsed a tile store lately knows there is a dizzying number of beautiful options available. But for those on a tight renovation budget, cost can be a huge limiting factor when making selections. We’re taking a look at two affordable tiles — glazed ceramic 4-by-4-inch squares and 3-by-6-inch subway tiles — to see how they can be used in ways that look surprisingly spendy.
2. Use tight spacing and a matching grout to create a solid-wall effect. For those who don’t want their walls to scream “tiled!” but still need the durability and water protection that a tiled surface offers, try selecting a tile that allows for tight grout lines, and then match your grout color to the tile color. This makes the tile practically disappear — it becomes more of an interesting texture while still doing its waterproofing job.
3. Pick an unusual color or mix of colors. Tiles in white or shades of white tend to be the most affordable, but you might be surprised that the extra charge for other colors is not that high. The orange subway tiles in the kitchen offer a fun and fantastic burst of color, while the mix of black and white subways in the traditional bathroom is a solid, classic choice.
4. Go for a less common laying pattern. Running (or brick) and stack (or linear) bond are the most common tile layouts, but there are numerous other options available. Ask your designer or tile installer or do some research for creative alternatives to the typical installation patterns. It’s a great way to make a commonly used tile look special.
5. Pair it with a more expensive material. Because of the low price of many subway and small-square tiles, you might be able to reserve a good chunk of your tile budget to splurge on a more decadent decorative tile to go with it.
Both of these bathrooms feature beautiful, show-stopping floor tiles, and I like how the white wall tiles act as a neutral backdrop, rather than trying to compete with the eye-catching floors. Also, if you can only splurge on tile for one surface, I recommend investing in good quality, durable floor tiles, as they see much more wear and tear than wall tiles.
Both of these bathrooms feature beautiful, show-stopping floor tiles, and I like how the white wall tiles act as a neutral backdrop, rather than trying to compete with the eye-catching floors. Also, if you can only splurge on tile for one surface, I recommend investing in good quality, durable floor tiles, as they see much more wear and tear than wall tiles.
6. Mind your finished edges. You can tile with the fanciest, most expensive tile in the world, but if it’s not installed or finished properly, it’s going to look cheap and shoddy. Well before you or your installer starts mixing up the thinset, you need to consider how and where the tile is going to start and stop. Ideally, the end of the line of tile dies into something — a wall or cabinetry, for example,so that there are no unfinished tile edges on view.
If your design requires a visible tile edge, cap it with a nice bullnose or finishing tile.
If your design requires a visible tile edge, cap it with a nice bullnose or finishing tile.
If your tile doesn’t come in a bullnose edge option, or if you prefer a more modern look, think about using a metal strip to edge your tile, as shown here.
Your turn: How have you used a frugal tile in a fantastic way? Please post and share a photo in the Comments below.
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Your turn: How have you used a frugal tile in a fantastic way? Please post and share a photo in the Comments below.
More
Great Home Project: Install a New Tile Floor
9 Tips for Mixing and Matching Tile Styles
This is especially useful in a bathroom where tiled, waterproofed surfaces are just plain practical. And if you have an interesting ceiling detail, think about putting some tile up there to accentuate it.