• Colour Representations
• Consumer Guide
• Decorating a Childrens Room
• Feng Shui and Decorating
• Fixtures in Decorating
• Home Decorating through History
• Interior decorating
• Becoming An Interior Decorator
• Painting and Decorating Materials
• Painting
• Professional Decorators
• Selecting a Decorator
• Specialist Paints
• Style and Theming
• TV and Decorating
• Tiling
• Training to be a Painter
• Wall Papering
• Wood Finishes

Tiling is a popular alternative floor and wall covering, not just for those requiring wipe clean surfaces. In warmer climates they can be much more pleasant to walk on, and in any climate can be a nice addition to a kitchen or a bathroom.

There are a huge number of tiles to chose from, with a huge range of textures, colours and sizes. As a result, there are a number of prices, which depend on the size and composition of the tile. Prices for a plain tile can be lower than £1, though some tiles can cost over £10. Bear in mind that these prices will add up rapidly as you will need several tiles to cover a floor. In many cases, you may also need to employ a professional to lay the tiles.

If you opt to pay for a professional installation, you will need to factor in several potential costs. The cost will vary on the size of the tile, but also on the size of a room - a large range of tiles in a small room will take less time to install than a small range of tiles in a large room. The installer may also have to cut tiles to size if they cannot fit uniformly into a room, which will again take a little longer. If you install a mix of large and small tiles to create a pattern, this will take longest as the pattern will generally not be uniform, and this could take more time as a result. Installation is frequently priced per tile, though there can be extra's on top of that initial price.

The installer of your tiles should start by cleaning the surface to which the tile is attached, else the cement used to hold the tile will not bond properly with the surface. Once the tiles are laid, grout will be inserted between each tile, to prevent movement and keep the tiles fixed in position. If floor tiles are installed, you may be asked not to walk on them for a certain time, in order to allow the tiles to bed in properly. Once the tiles are laid and are set in position, you may wish to put a sealant on them. This will prevent liquids from seeping into the tiling or the grout, which can later cause nasty smells. Spilt liquids can also stain the tiles and the grout, ruining the look of the tiling.

Before laying sealant, the tiles must be cleaned again, else anything left on the tiles will remain beneath the sealant forever.

Tile is a versatile and flexible material to use when decorating. The tiles look great, and will last for years, making your home look wonderful for years to come.