Wood-Look Tile Pros:

Superior Durability

No need to worry about splinters–wood-look porcelain and ceramic tiles can withstand the wear and tear of everyday living for years, even in high-traffic areas. These man-made tiles are made from clay and fired in a kiln at high temperatures, making them resistant to scuffs and scratches from shoes, pets and furniture.

Easy Maintenance

Tile makes cleanup a breeze! Porcelain and ceramic wood-look tiles require little more than a mop, broom or vacuum to keep them looking like new. Unlike hardwood, porcelain and ceramic tiles don’t require regular sanding or refinishing. While you will need to clean the grout periodically, the materials are relatively inexpensive, and the process is easy to do on your own.

Water Resistance

Porcelain tile offers superior water resistance, making it ideal for areas where wood isn’t typically used, such as bathrooms and showers. It’s also an excellent choice for outdoor spaces, as its high-density composition can withstand the elements, even in regions with freeze-thaw conditions. Note: Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for outdoor tile installation.

Style

Man-made wood-look tile offers styles you won’t find in nature, including patterns, colors and surface textures. For example, the current trend of fluted wood-look tile features raised “fluted” surfaces, adding a tactile element to your design. The textured wood look is becoming increasingly popular for walls, especially shower walls, due to its ability to stimulate the senses and create a stronger connection with nature.

Cost

The Tile Shop offers wood-look porcelain and ceramic tiles for under $3 per sq. ft., while natural hardwood typically ranges from $5 to $15 per sq. ft. If cost is a consideration in your renovation, consider durable and easy-to-install luxury vinyl flooring, which offers a wide range of wood-look styles starting at just $1.79 per sq. ft.

Wood-Look Tile Cons:

Authenticity

While technological advances have made the wood-grain details on tile nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, it still doesn’t fully replicate the natural look and texture of hardwood. However, wood-look tile is a great option for extending your wood design from the great room to high-traffic, high-spill or damp areas like a mudroom, kitchen or bathroom.

Installation

The tools and materials needed to lay tile (and the possible cost of hiring a professional) may make installation more expensive than hardwood. However, for a low-cost, DIY-friendly alternative, consider wood-look luxury vinyl flooring, which offers many of the same benefits as porcelain and ceramic tile but with easier installation.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of wood-look tile to find your perfect style. Want to tackle your reno yourself? We have a vast resource of How-To Articles to help you every step of the way. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

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1. Enhance the Spaces that Elevate Your Day

When approaching any design, it’s important to assess what you value so you know where to invest. If you don’t have the budget for a whole-home makeover, start with the spaces where you start your day, or the rooms where you spend the most time. You probably begin your day in your kitchen or bathroom, where you make coffee and take a shower. Choosing a design that will invigorate you in the morning will help you start your day off right.

2. Invest In What You Love

Do you adore the look of real marble? Have you fallen in love with a beautiful mosaic or gorgeous pattern? If your budget doesn’t allow for you to use your dream tile throughout your space, try incorporating it into your design in smaller ways. A shower niche or picture frame provides a limited format that will make your decorative tile the focal point.

3. Mix Marble-Look Tile with Real Marble

Wondering how to update bathroom tiles on a budget? Mixing marble-look tile with real marble tile is a great way to achieve an affordable bathroom tile design. This luxurious bathroom features the Volkas marble tile ($23.89/sq. ft.) throughout, but if you’re working within a budget, you can still get this look with the Volkas porcelain tile ($5.09/sq. ft.). The realistic veining and coloring of the man-made tile mimics the appearance of the higher price-point marble tile. You can elevate your design by incorporating real marble trim and accent pieces. The Elia Honed by Alison Victoria tile, used for the accent wall in this bathroom, makes a stunning shower niche (as shown in the above photo).

4. Choose an Affordable Alternative

Here’s a budget shower tile idea: choose an affordable alternative to your favorite tile. Compare the Cool Blue tile ($6.99/sq. ft.) in this shower to the Marrakesh Blue tile ($13.29/sq. ft.) used for the kitchen below. Both tiles feature the color variation and uneven surface texture characteristic of handmade-look tiles. The difference is the Cool Blue tile comes in a 12″ x 24″ pre-scored sheet, giving the appearance of individual tiles, but making for easier installation. We love how this shower embraces the features of this tile, using wider grout joints between the sheets as an innovative design element.

5. Stay True to Your Aesthetic

Even if you’re working within a budget, you want to make sure you’re staying true to your preferred style. This chic industrial bathroom designed by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes features the Softcement Graphite tile, an affordable floor option at only $5.99/sq. ft. The cement look is perfectly keeping with the moody aesthetic of this bathroom.

Whether you’re looking for budget shower tile ideas, or a kitchen refresh that doesn’t break the pocketbook, you’ll find tile for every budget and style at The Tile Shop. Find a local store or schedule a free design consultation to get started on your project! For more advice, watch as our Director of Design Kirsty Froelich explains how to choose tile for your budget.

The post Top 5 Tips for Luxury Tile Design on a Budget appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

An essential element of your tile design, trim will elevate your space whether you’re finishing a tiled edge or framing an elegant focal point. We sat down with Kirsty Froelich, Director of Design at The Tile Shop to demystify the process of choosing trim. Read on to build your confidence in choosing the finishing element to your design.

What is your approach to designing with trim?

I approach design with trim the same way I do when accessorizing a bedroom or living room, by adding layers. For example, in a bedroom you finish the bed with decorative pillows, a bedskirt, ect. The layered pieces add depth and visual interest. I apply this theory when designing with tile. You need a trim piece to finish off transitions (where two different finishes come together such as tile to painted wall), so I like to layer in pieces that will work with the overall design.

This shower niche is a great example of a layered trim border using a marble barnes and metal trim pieces.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when

choosing trim pieces for a transition?

Ask yourself, do you want the transition to stand out or do you want it to look seamless? If you want it to stand out, select a different material or color from your main tile. If you’re looking for a seamless transition, choose a trim piece that matches your main tile.

Two examples of transitional edge. The bathroom on the left uses a REL (round edge long) tile to finish the border, matching the subway tile backsplash. The image on the right uses a marble barnes for a contrasting edge between the mosaic tile and the painted wall.

How do you approach creating a focal point with trim and

what are the benefits to creating a focal point in a space?

Creating a focal point with tile is a great way to draw attention to an area. It’s the main point of interest and is the element that first catches the eye when you enter a room. A successful tile focal point is proportional to the space you’re designing. You can add emphasis to your focal point by adding trim around it–this will make it stand out. For example, layering trim pieces around a decorative tile in a picture frame will add dimension and frame the tile.

This “picture frame” features a mosaic tile with a layered trim border. A perfect focal point for this elegant shower.

How would you advise someone to approach choosing their trim?

I think trim details are often overlooked or an afterthought. I would say, make sure you’re integrating them into the design process. This is one of the reasons why we show a variety of trim throughout our showroom vignettes. Look at the different pieces and applications to see what appeals to you. Do you want a more contemporary trim with a square edge, or do you like the softness of a rounded piece? Take time to explore the options at the same time you’re selecting your tiles.

“I approach design with trim the same way I do when accessorizing a bedroom or living room, by adding layers.”

–Kirsty Froelich, Director of Design

Do you have a favorite trim piece?

I do! I absolutely love our somerset trim pieces. It has a rounded surface and petite size, so it softens transitions and adds dimension without bulk. It’s available in a variety of materials, so it’s easy to design with. I especially love our marble somersets and decorative edging pieces. They’re a sophisticated and thoughtful way to edge tile.

This beautiful picture frame features a marble somerset tile border.

We hope you feel more confident approaching your design. Explore our wide selection of trim and accessories to find the right finishing piece to your tile design. Want more in-depth instruction? Read our comprehensive Guide to Layering Tile Trim and Profiles. And if you need more guidance, schedule a free design consultation. Our tile experts are always on hand to help you achieve your dream space.

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1. Elegant & Expansive Large-Format Marble Look

Large-format marble-look tile are everything you love about marble, but more durable and easier to clean and maintain–a great option for a bathroom. The Invisible Grey tile features bold grey and gold veining, adding movement and interest to this chic modern bathroom designed by Gray Space Interiors.

2. Use 3D Tile For Walls that Pop

Sculptural or 3D tiles will pop off your walls, creating great visual texture. This chic powder room designed by Beth Diana Smith Interior Design features the Cell Light Gold AC tile. The raised abstract gold pattern makes for a unique, vibrant design. If you loved this extra-dimensional style, shop our full selection of 3D tiles to find a design to fit your space.

3. Create a Large-Format Herringbone

This elegant bathroom designed by Timber Trails uses the Siberian Pearl marble tile to create an oversized herringbone design. The zig-zag pattern of the tiles and combined with the soft beige veining of the marble gives this space a wonderful sense of movement. Shop our assortment of large-format rectangular tiles to achieve this effect.

4. Use Cement-Look Tile for Industrial Design

Industrial design is expanding from its urban roots and making its way into suburban homes. Case in point, this ultra-chic bathroom designed by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. The large-format Softcement Graphite tile infuses this space with the cool look of a cement loft.

5. Create a Slab Look with Marble Tile

Large blocks of stone can creates timeless, elegant and chic walls, but can be expensive and difficult to install. Get the look of a stone slab with large-format marble tile. This gorgeous marble backsplash uses the 12″ x 24″ Calacata Evora Honed marble tile. The effect of the oversize tiles with their fewer grout joints gives this space an expansive look similar to what you would get from a single block of marble.

6. Easy Handmade-look tiles

Handmade is made easy with the Cool Blue large-format wall tile. This 12″ x 24″ tile features pre-scored grout joints for easy installation. This tile gives the appearance of many smaller tiles, but the fewer grout joints makes the upkeep a breeze and the variation in tone and surface texture give this tile a true handmade look.

7. Authentic Wood-Look Tiles

Large-format tiles can mimic the look of real wood with long, skinny wood-look planks or decorative square wood looks like the Viggo Nogal Wood-Look porcelain tiles shown here. The realistic woodgrain texture will give your space all the elegance of organic material with the easy-to-clean, scratch- and water-resistant quality of porcelain. Shop our full assortment of wood-look tiles to achieve this effect.

8. Fabulous Fluted Tile

This luxurious dining room designed by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang truly reflects her bold, elegant and whimsical style. The fluted Tommas Classico (from our exclusive Kelli Fontana collection) is designed to add visual texture through the shadows each raised flute casts as the light moves through the room. This unique marble-look tile is also available in Tommas Cararra, which features subtle grey veining.

9. Create a Calming Space with Textured Wood-Look Tile

Wood-look tile emulates natural material, connecting your space to the outside world with the serotonin-inducing sensations of a walk in the woods. This botanical benevolence is perfectly expressed in the soft, earth tones and elegant fluting of the Nidus Decor Mix tile. The cool and calming shower that looks as if it belongs in a wilderness retreat or chic spa.

10. Rusted Metal-Look Tile

The Rust Green Geometric Luster tile has a worn appearance for a modern industrial look. The large-format of this tile make the floor look as if it’s made of large pieces of metal. If you love this chic and unique look, explore this tile’s other colorways: Brown and Ivory.

We hope you found these ideas on how to create expansive and cohesive spaces with large-format tile. Ready to tackle your room reno? It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more large-format tiles in real spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!

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1. Brick Lay

A classic tile design, brick lay (sometimes referred to as running board) mimics a traditional brick stack. Characterized by the horizontal offset tiles, this design manages to be understated while still looking chic. The brick lay wall design shown here using Brick x Brick by Alison Victoria Petal, is soft and charming but subtle enough not to take the focus away from the decorative shower niche.

2. Horizontal Stack

If you’re someone who wants everything neat and orderly, then consider a horizontal stack. The crisp vertical and horizontal lines create a structured grid pattern. Alternating double rows of Coco White Glossy and Coco White Matte enhance this simple design and add unassuming interest to this lovely modern bathroom.

3. Vertical Offset

Stand out with a vertical offset subway pattern. Long, skinny vertical stripes will create the illusion of height, perfect for a short shower space. This gorgeous shower shows how turning your tiles ninety degrees can give your space a fresh, modern look.

4. Vertical Straight Stack

Tall, neat and chic, the vertical straight stack is the perfect layout for a highly organized modern design. We love how this vertical straight stack creates nice well-ordered rows that extend and accentuate this bathroom backsplash.

5. Herringbone

Add movement to your space with a herringbone design. The diagonal lines take the eye through your space and add width and depth. The Coco Canvas Matte tile used on this spa floor proves that this design can be as tranquil as it is energetic.

6. Grid Stack

Can’t decide between vertical and horizontal? A grid stack is the best of both worlds. Use three to four tiles (depending on width) to create a square and install them in alternating vertical and horizontal stacks. This cool, modern shower uses the Look Avio handmade-look tile; the variation in the green-blue color and glossy finish creates a vibrant, undulating surface.

Bonus: Combine Designs

Combining subway layouts is a great way to highlight an area in your space–like a sink or a stove backsplash–or create an accent on your wall. Here are three stunning spaces that combine two layouts for a wonderful visual effect.

And One More Design Idea–Picket Tile!

A modern take on subway tile, picket tile is gaining popularity for its neat stacks and fine angles. This shower uses black and white picket to create an ultra-modern space that still maintains the unassuming quality of traditional subway tile. Shop our full selection of picket tile to find a design that fits your style.

Inspired to incorporate one or more of these subway tile layouts in your reno? It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more stylish subway layouts in real spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!

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What are Zellige Tiles?

Carefully crafted by skilled artisans in Morocco, every piece in the Zellige collection embodies true organic beauty with striking variations in color and surface texture. Adhering to traditional processes of hand-molding, hand-cutting and hand-glazing, each tile showcases one-of-a-kind character.

History of Zellige Tiles

Thought to be influenced by Byzantine mosaics, handcrafted Zellige tiles originated in North Africa in the tenth century. The process of molding, hand chiseling and glazing the tiles has changed little in the last seven centuries.

How Zellige Tiles Are Made

The key to making Zellige tiles is high-quality clay. All of our authentic Zellige tiles are made using clay from the northeastern Moroccan city of Fez. The clay is mixed with water and sent through a filtering machine to remove any impurities. Newly cleaned, the clay is moved to pools for three days for water to filter through and then left out to dry for another three days.

Once it is ready, the clay is placed in brick-shaped molds for three to six days resulting in rock-clay bricks that are passed through rollers to thin and smooth them. The clay bricks are then cut with molds to achieve the final shape. Only then is the clay fired in the kiln for 12 hours at 900 degrees celsius. After the clay has been fired, it is hand chiseled by a skilled artisan to achieve an angled edge for easier installation. They are then hand-painted and glazed and placed in holding racks to dry.

Designing with Zellige Tiles

Zellige tiles are ceramic and can be used on walls, floors and in wet areas. The hand-chiseling and hand-glazing process will result in tiles that are uneven and vary in surface color and surface texture. Embrace these imperfections! It is the tile’s one-of-a-kind quality that makes Zellige tile authentically luxurious.

Our Zellige collection tiles are available in a variety of shapes, including: square, petite subway, mosaic and cross and star. The bathroom below displays the variation in tone among a single colorway (Alabaster) and how glossy and matte Star and Cross tiles can be installed together for added interest.

Ready to embrace these perfectly imperfect tiles? Shop our Zellige Collection to find tile to fit your style. For even more inspiration and information, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Zellige Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Customizing Your Space

We’re sharing our best practices for layering tile to show you how you can take your space to the next level. The look below incorporates a combination of trim pieces and mosaics to transform a simple picture frame into an exquisite focal point.

Since this bathroom uses the Firenze Carrara marble collection throughout, the untrained eye may see it as quite simple. Look carefully at the transitions, and see if you can identify how many trim pieces are actually used to accomplish this sophisticated design.

Incorporating different shapes and sizes from the same tile collection can carry this elevated look through to other areas of the room, such as the backsplash, half wall and shower (photo top left). By sourcing all of the pieces of a collection from the same stone quarry, each piece complements the others for stunning variation that isn’t overbearing. If you have a focal point, repeat the same design element in other areas, like a shower niche (photo top right).

Thoughtful Transitioning

It’s important to think about how each part of your space will work together to form a unified environment. Utilizing trim pieces between different materials, sizes, shapes and textures of tile can create the perfect transition.

Dimensional tile can create dramatic depth and texture, but it can also leave an uneven edge when paired with other selections (top left photo). Incorporating transitional trim pieces will offer a seamless solution from one style to the next. Similarly, they can be used on the floor to separate different areas within a space – the top right photo displays a subtle transition, while the photo below incorporates durable curb pieces for a more prominent separation from shower to floor.

For tiles that vary in size, double up somersets and run them vertically for the greatest impact.

Using transitions is also the perfect way to emphasize an accent tile in your design. In the photo below, layered trim pieces instantly elevate the Brushed Bronze with Glass Metal Mosaic backsplash, while coordinating beautifully with the surrounding ceramic subway tile.

Each trim piece has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for specific uses.

Coordinating Finishes

Pictured below is an example of how trim and profile pieces can provide an opportunity to coordinate with fixtures. In cases where there’s no need for a transition or storage solution, metal profiles can be used in between tiles as a unique accent that can coordinate with other design elements, such as faucets or lighting.

Layering trim and profile pieces can make every tile design better by adding dimension and interest. It shows that the design has been thoughtfully curated and has the finishing touches that elevate the space from basic to beautiful.

When And Where To Layer Tile

4 Design Plans With Layered Tile

Need ideas for your next remodel? Here are a few examples of design plans that incorporate tile trim and profile pieces. Bring them into your local store or schedule a design consultation to discuss dimensions, quantity, styles and more.

Learn more about layering in our comprehensive guide to trim and accessories. Ready for the next step? Schedule a design consultation with a tile design expert today!

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Porcelain and Ceramic

Porcelain and ceramic tile have excellent heat transfer properties and are generally thin, which will make your floor heat faster. Porcelain tile is less porous than ceramic, making it more water resistant. For areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms, porcelain tile is a perfect choice.

Natural Stone

Natural stone, like travertine and marble, is a great option for a heated tile floor. Natural stone tiles tend to be slightly thicker than porcelain and ceramic, so it might take them longer to heat up. The upside is, that they will retain the heat longer than man-made tiles.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl tile works well with in-floor heat, and it’s easy to install, making this the perfect choice for a DIY project. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to wood or stone, luxury vinyl tile is a great option.

Have a question about installing an in-floor heating system? We’ve put together some in-floor heat FAQs and a comprehensive guide to in-floor heating systems.

Ready to get your feet toasty with in-floor heat? Set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

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Are you considering installing in-floor heat in your home? We’re here with answers to your FAQs about installing a SunTouch in-floor heating system.

For more detailed information, check out this comprehensive guide to in-floor heat. Or visit your local store and speak to a friendly tile expert about the best under tile floor heating option for you.

What makes the floor warm?

The heat comes from a cable installed under your flooring. The WarmWire cable warms up and transfers heat to the floor, which then transfers heat to the rest of the room.

What’s the best room for in-floor heat?

You can heat virtually any room, but bathrooms are most common followed by kitchens, entryways and mudrooms. You can even install it in a great room or basement.

What type of flooring works best for in-floor heat?

Tile and stone are great options, as they naturally conduct heat. Additionally, our entire selection of luxury vinyl flooring is compatible with in-floor heat. Carpet, rubber and cork floors will not heat as well as other materials.

Will in-floor heat save me money on my electricity bill?

The heat from your in-floor heating unit will warm people and objects directly without over-heating the air, so you can set your thermostat lower and still be warm.

Can I install in-floor heat in my shower?

Yes! SunTouch Warmwire works great in showers!

How do I control my in-floor heat?

Install your SunTouch heat cable with a SunStat programmable control. Controllers allow you to adjust the heat to your liking, and some even allow 7-day scheduling.

How much does a heated tile floor cost?

The cost will depend on the the square footage of your room and the type of controller you choose. View our full assortment of SunTouch products to decide what will work best for you.

Ready to get your feet toasty with in-floor heat? Set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

We love seeing your spaces! Share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery (you can find even more design inspo there, too)!

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