To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
How many times have you heard me say that kitchens and baths sell houses? All the time. Last week, as a matter of fact, when we were talking custom cabinetry. This week we're talking tile. Nothing will set your kitchen or bathroom apart like a quality tile does.
Tile Design Consultant Sarah Yateman said, "There's ceramic, porcelain, stone. Stone meaning granite, marble, travertine, limestone and slate. There are a lot of style choices, sizes and colors. Probably too many for most people. You can customize it to fit certain jobs. Certain manufacturers will offer custom capabilities."
No matter what you're looking to accomplish, tile is a great and often affordable way to showcase an entire bathroom or simply enhance the features of your kitchen or bathroom.
Yateman said, "Most people, for bathroom projects, it would be a complete bathroom redo. But for kitchen backsplashes, it's a low cost fix for updating your kitchen. You can install backsplash tile or take down your old backsplash tile and install new. It's a quick change at a low price."
One of the things to keep in mind when you're looking to tile yourself, while you certainly can do it yourself, it is recommended that you might have a professional install it for you. Also, one thing that folks don't think about, make sure that your tile gets sealed after it's installed.
Not only seal it, but clean it properly. Tile should never be cleaned with anything acidic.
Tile Design Consultant Christine Wadlington said, "You want to use a pH neutral cleaner. Nothing acidic. No bleach, ammonia, Tilex or Lysol. They're all really bad for tile. They break down grout and cause it to stain more easily."
Both Yateman and Wadlington stressed, that if you do tackle a tile project on your own, follow the directions carefully. Thinset mortar and grout have very specific instructions. And don't be afraid to call up your local tile shop with any questions.