Tile has long been a popular choice for flooring and wall surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas of the home due to its durability, longevity, and easy-to-clean nature. In recent years, advances in technology have made it simpler than ever for homeowners to design and produce custom tile that perfectly matches their personal style and spatial needs. From mixing custom colors and patterns to using photos or artwork to create one-of-a-kind designs, custom tile offers almost limitless possibilities to make any space unique.
The appeal of custom tile lies in its ability to transform the look and feel of a room through thoughtful, specialized design. With custom tile, no two spaces end up exactly alike. Homeowners can play with shape, color, texture, and pattern to produce tile that fits flawlessly within the intended aesthetic and use of an area. For those seeking a signature style that veers away from typical mass-produced tile options, custom tile provides an affordable route to achieving a high-end, bespoke finish.
Custom tile provides the ultimate opportunity to put your stamp on a space. With endless options for colors, textures, patterns, sizes, and materials, custom tile allows you to create a one-of-a-kind look that reflects your style and brings your design vision to life.
Where off-the-shelf tile is limited to mass-produced options, custom tile offers the flexibility to hand-select every detail. Mix and match colors within a pattern, choose different textures for the floor versus the wall, and incorporate custom motifs – the possibilities are endless. This freedom of choice means you can create tile installations that are distinctly yours.
Custom tile allows you to match any style you want, whether it’s modern, traditional, rustic, eclectic, or something unique. It works beautifully for any room in your home too – kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, porches, and more. Whether you prefer a consistent look throughout your home or a unique style for each room, custom tile empowers you to make it happen. It provides the flexibility to complement your tastes and lifestyle. You’re not limited to the standard tile options in stores – the possibilities are as unique as you are!
Exploring Tile Materials
Tile customization allows you to transform your space into a truly one-of-a-kind environment that reflects your unique style and vision. With the wide range of tile materials, shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns available today, the possibilities for creating custom tile designs are virtually endless.
Installing custom tile gives you complete creative control over the look and feel of any space, whether it’s a kitchen backsplash, bathroom, foyer, or any other area in your home or business. Not only can you select tiles in colors and textures that you love, but you also have the freedom to play with bold patterns, imaginative mosaics, artistic accents, and other special touches that set your space apart.
Ceramic tile: Ceramic tile has been used to decorate homes for centuries. Made from clay and other natural materials, ceramic tiles come in a huge range of styles, colors, shapes, and textures. Ceramic is an excellent material for tile due to its durability, ease of cleaning, affordable cost, and ability to mimic materials like stone, metal, and wood. Ceramic tile can be glazed or unglazed. Glazed ceramic has a glass-like coating fused to the surface during firing, making it impervious to moisture and resistant to stains. The glaze also allows for an unlimited range of colors and designs. Unglazed ceramic has no coating, resulting in a more porous surface better suited for outdoor use.
Porcelain tile: Porcelain tile is one of the most popular types of tile for both residential and commercial installations. Made from very refined clay and fired at extremely high temperatures, porcelain tile is less porous and denser than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile allows you to achieve a custom look with various patterns, textures, and advanced digital printing techniques. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic areas that need a beautiful yet durable surface.
Glass tile: Glass tile is a beautiful and unique option for custom tile installations. Made from recycled glass that is melted and formed into tiles, glass tile comes in a stunning array of colors, finishes, and patterns. For unique and artistic installations, glass mosaic tile offers tons of design possibilities. Mixing different glass tiles in patterns creates one-of-a-kind results. Using glass tile on a bathroom or kitchen backsplash is an easy way to add an artistic flair. Larger glass floor tiles can create the look of a stained glass window. With custom colors and designs, glass tile can match any style or decor.
Natural stone: Natural stone tile is a classic, timeless option that brings elegance and luxury to any space. Made from quarried stones such as marble, granite, slate, and limestone, natural stone tile offers unparalleled beauty and durability. Elegant and luxurious, natural stone comes in shades of white, gray, black, and other colors with distinctive veining patterns.
Customization Of Your Tiles
Tips for selecting sizes and shapes that complement your space. Balancing bold and subtle choices for visual impact The endless options for custom tile enable you to dream up a design that transforms your space into an inspiring showcase of your unique vision.
Choosing Tile Shapes
Tile comes in a variety of shapes beyond just squares and rectangles. Some common shapes to consider include:
Subway tile: Rectangular tiles typically 3×6 inches or 4×8 inches. Subway tiles have a classic, timeless look. They are often used in kitchens and bathrooms and installed in a bricklike pattern.
Hexagon tile: Hexagonal-shaped tile can add visual interest, especially when laid in a unique pattern. Smaller hex tiles create a mosaic look. Larger hexagon tiles make more of a bold statement.
Mosaic tile: Tiny glass, stone, or ceramic tiles mounted to a mesh backing create a mosaic design. Mosaic tiles allow you to create custom images, patterns, and accents. They are great for kitchen backsplashes, shower floors, and pool tiles.
Arabesque tile: Long, thin rectangular tiles with a curved edge on one side. The tiles interlock to create a flowing, organic look. Arabesque is a popular option for backsplashes and accent walls.
Octagon and diamond tile: Eight-sided octagon tiles and four-sided diamond tiles can bring a sense of sophistication to a space. They often have an elegant, geometric appeal.
Ornamental tile: Elaborate decorative tiles with floral patterns, colorful designs, hand painted elements. Ornamental tiles showcase exquisite craftsmanship and add artistic flair.
The shape of the tile helps set the tone for the whole design. Subway tiles have a classic metro style. Meanwhile, ornate patterned tiles create an elegant, upscale feel. Hexagon and arabesque tiles add visual interest and a modern vibe. Mix and match shapes and sizes for even more customization.
Choosing Tile Sizes
When selecting tile sizes for your space, there are a few key considerations. Standard tile sizes range from tiny 1-inch mosaic tiles up to large format 24-inch tiles and beyond. The size of the tile that you choose can dramatically impact the look and feel of your space.
Smaller tiles (under 4 inches) create a busy, intricate appearance. They work well for backsplashes, accents, and small spaces where you want a sense of detail. However, small tiles require more grout lines, which can make dirt and grime more visible over time. Installing multitudes of tiny tiles takes more time and effort.
Medium tiles (4 inches to 12 inches) are a versatile, popular choice for most applications. At this size range, tiles are still easy to handle for DIY installation. Medium tiles can create interesting patterns without looking too busy. They provide a nice balance of detail without overwhelming a space.
Large format tiles (over 12 inches) make a dramatic statement. Oversized tiles minimize grout lines for a sleek, seamless look. They can make a space feel more open and airy. However, large tiles are heavier and require a perfectly flat, sturdy substrate. Any irregularities in the floor or wall will show. Professional installation is recommended for large-format tiles.
You can explore customization options for your projects in your home or commercial space with the International Bath and Tile brands that we carry. You will find a wide variety of tile and stone suitable for every style, and decor. You will be able to customize and craft design solutions to fit your needs and tastes. Our seasoned design consultants will help bring more of you to your next project. Contacft us today!