Choosing the right tile for the job

Tile installation is relatively easy and certainly do-able by nearly everyone, but there are definitely a few pitfalls that you can fall into if you up if you’re not careful. When ordering tile, it’s important to keep a few things in mind so that you won’t find yourself in the middle of a project that you can’t finish.

In an attempt to save you some stress, we here at Glass Tile Warehouse want to help you recognize and avoid some of the most common blunders first-time tilers fall into.

1. Not buying enough tiles. This is actually a common error for DIYers. Make sure that you carefully calculate the number of tiles you’ll need for the area that you want to surface, and keep in mind any curved surfaces or corners that you need to deal with. After settling on a number, order somewhere between 5 and 15 percent more tiles than that.
   These extra tiles will save your life it you make a mistake when placing tiles or cutting the tiles with glass nippers. It’s likely that you’ll need to replace at least a few tiles before the project is done. The overage will also allow you to keep a few tiles around for future tile replacements.
2. Not ordering sample pieces. Just because you love the idea of something doesn’t mean you’ll like it in your real life bathroom or kitchen. There are a lot of ideas for kitchen backsplash tile to choose from in magazines and on the internet (not to mention our website, which is overflowing with good ideas for tile projects), but that doesn’t mean that they are all right for you. Order some sample tile pieces so that you can see the exact color and style and see if it is what you have in mind for your home.
3. Not using the right adhesive. Glass tile backsplashes are made to last, but only if they are installed properly. Don’t just head down to your local hardware store and buy the cheapest thinset you can find. Make sure that the adhesive that you use is strong enough for your project. It is also important to buy waterproof adhesive, particularly in areas that are humid like the bathroom or swimming pools. Don’t get trapped by these mistakes. Purchase what you need the first time so that things don’t go wrong later.