Understand what decisions must be made and when — so your construction project stays on schedule without costly delays.
Choosing the right tile gives you confidence in making decisions of high quality when presented with a wide selection of choices for a client, making the decision-making process a savvy tiling choice throughout your home.
“Tile selection is more than color — it determines the function, functionality, and longevity of your space.”
Superior moisture resistance makes tile ideal for wet areas and high-humidity spaces.
Exceptionally hard-wearing surface that withstands heavy foot traffic and daily wear.
Endless design possibilities from classic to contemporary, suiting every interior style.
Wide variety of surface finishes — matte, polished, textured, and more.
Understanding the materials helps you choose the right tile for the right application.
Different spaces require specific performance characteristics from their tiles.
Size drastically affects the visual scale of a room. Larger tiles make spaces feel bigger, while small tiles add intricate texture.
1” – 2”
Intricate detail and pattern work. Ideal for feature walls and shower floors where grip and design matter.
4” – 12”
The most versatile range. Works across bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas with ease.
12” – 24”
Creates a seamless, expansive look. Fewer grout lines reduce maintenance and add visual scale.
24”+
Makes any room feel monumental. Requires very flat, level substrate for proper installation.
The way your tile is laid completely transforms its style, from classic to contemporary.
Classic and clean grid alignment. Best for minimalist, modern spaces.
Traditional staggered joint layout, common for subway tiles.
Elegant zig-zag pattern that adds visual interest and a custom feel.
Tall, upright arrangement that draws the eye up and modernizes the space.
Grout visually ties the entire tiling scheme together.
Matching grout creates a seamless, unified appearance — ideal for larger format tiles where continuity and spatial flow are the priority. The eye travels smoothly across the surface without interruption.
Contrasting grout highlights the tile grid and layout pattern, adding graphic punch and helping tiles stand out from the floor or wall. Best used deliberately to celebrate the tile shape and arrangement.
Critical Step
A fully sealed system beneath the tile is required to prevent water penetration into the wall structure. Without it, costly structural damage and mould growth are inevitable — regardless of how perfectly the tiles are laid.
Proper preparation is the foundation of a lasting tile installation.
Walls must be flat within 1/8″ over 10 feet to prevent lippage and ensure tiles lay properly and uniformly across the surface.
Intricate patterns significantly increase installation time, require precision cuts, and add cost. Factor this into your project budget and schedule.
Floors must be level before laying tile. Self-leveling underlayment is used as needed to correct dips and slopes prior to installation.
Always order 10–15% extra to account for cuts, breakage during installation, and future repairs when matching tiles may no longer be available.
Many homeowners select tile by visiting tile showrooms or specialty flooring stores. Showrooms allow homeowners to see tiles in person and compare colors, textures, and finishes.
Common Suppliers
Work with independent suppliers only for decisions that are final and that the client has decided on and signed off on — avoid making speculative tile purchases before client approval.
PRO TIP
Lighting can dramatically change how tile looks in a space. Always view tile samples under different lighting conditions and in the actual room where they’ll be installed before making a final selection.
Three principles that will guide every tile decision you make with a client.
Bring photos, colour swatches, and samples from your space to help narrow down options. The more context you bring, the better your selection will be.
Think carefully about how much upkeep you and your client are willing to commit to — some tiles, particularly natural stone, require more maintenance than others.
Lighting can dramatically alter how tile looks. Always view samples under natural light and under the artificial lighting that will be used in the actual space.
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Get In Touch
Got questions? Most people do. We’ve pulled together the ones we hear most often so you can get quick, clear answers before starting your project. If you’re still unsure, just give us a call or shoot us a quick text anytime at 732-882-7702 — we’re always happy to help.
Our Address220 Davidson Ave, Suite 121
Somerset, NJ 08873
Give Us a Call732-882-7702
Send Us an Emailinfo@hyvesthomes.com
