3 Step Guide to Tile & Flooring

Renovation projects can be exciting and fun, but they can also be exhausting and confusing. It is with this in mind that we put together a comprehensive step-by-step guide to take the aggravation out of your renovation, and help you with selecting, and understanding how to purchase the best flooring and tiles for your needs.

Remember, a renovation will improve the look, the feel and value of your home. And in the case of commercial property a new renovation will not only enhance the beauty of the space, it also adds value to your investment and returns.

So whether you’re starting with one or two rooms or undergoing a complete home renovation, here at Wood and Stone we will give you honest answers and fair prices. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation about your home remodel, we will help to make your space feel different, fresh and new.

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Step 1:

Tiles and flooring are sold by the square foot (sf).

The first step to purchasing tile or flooring is to know how much tile you will need.

How to do this?
Start by calculate the square footage of the area to be covered becuase all tiles and flooring are sold by the square foot (sf)

Square foot(sf) is calculated by multiplying length by width:
Measure the length of the room,
Then measure the width of the room.
If your foyer or entryway is 5’ x 4-½’ you will round up to the nearest foot.
So 4-½’ become 5’
Next multiply length by width or 5’x5’ which equals = 25 square feet. You need 25sf worth of tiles!
Note: *Always add a few extra square feet to your total for ‘waste’ during installation. And be sure to have your contractor verify and double check your measurements before purchase.

Step 2:

What is your budget per square foot?

If you have 25sf of flooring to be covered and you find a tile that cost $8.00 per sf, the cost to you will be 25sf x $8.00 for a total of = $200.00

Check out the chart below to find out just what you can get for your money.

Tiles for $1.00 -$2.00 per
sf
You will find bargain flooring in basic colors in this price range. You may also find some vinyl flooring, ceramic and a few porcelain tiles but be prepared to sacrifice color selection when trying to find a tile you love in this price range.
$2.00 – $7.99
The most popular price range for many types of flooring and tiles. You can find good quality hardwood, engineered wood flooring, as well as higher quality laminate tiles, porcelain and ceramic tiles.
$8.00 or more
Increasing your budget price range means you can explore more options in luxury colors, styles and sizes of tiles, as well as find a wider range of hardwood, exotic hardwood and premium flooring of all types.
If you own your home and do not plan on moving any time soon, you may find yourself purchasing something you love from this price range.

Step 3:

Select your flooring material.

“What is ceramic? and why should I buy porcelain?”
“I hears marble is great tile to use!”
“My neighbor just purchased a tile that she absolutely hates!”

So many unanswered questions about tiles! We compiled a description of the flooring and tile materials available in the market today. Read below to find out more about these types of flooring and tiles, and how to select the best product for your home and family.

Porcelain or Ceramic?

Despite the fact that ceramic and porcelain tiles look very similar, there are plenty of noticeable differences in the way they perform.
Porcelain tiles are usually denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. What does this mean? Basically, porcelain tiles are better for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as commercial use because they are stronger, and because liquids do not penetrate a porcelain tile as quickly as ceramic.
Although both tiles are made from clay and other naturally occurring materials that are fired or heated in a kiln, the clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and purified which makes porcelain tiles harder than ceramic. Porcelain tiles are considered to be among the toughest flooring options available on the market today.
Ceramic tiles usually have a painted on top coat of color and pattern, while porcelains colors are usually baked into the tile.
Marble or Granite Tiles?
Marble Tiles:
With no two tiles exactly the same, the natural beauty of marble is unmatched. Marble has softer pastel colors ranging from whites to creams and beiges, even blues, but is softer and more porous (water or liquids are absorbed into the stone very quickly) than granite, so marble is best applied in areas that don’t receive extremely high traffic. Applying a high quality sealer periodically (2-3 times a year depending on the usage of the area) can offer longer lasting beauty and durability.

Granite Tiles:
Popular for its strength and durability, granite tiles are one of the most durable surfaces in the industry. Granite has the uniquely elegant colors and variegation of natural stone while also offering added resistance to stains and scratches. Granite colors are darker and denser, but you can find some medium toned granite colors.

Vinyl or Laminate Flooring?

Laminate and vinyl floors are very similar in many ways:
Design and Colors
When it comes to design versatility, vinyls and laminates are pretty even. Because both are made using a 3D printing technology, each can replicate the look and style of natural materials such as wood and stone, but at a fraction of the cost.
Durability
Both vinyl and laminate are constructed in similar ways, generally with
a Top wear layer,
a Middle photographic image and
a Bottom backing system.
But the composition and material used in each varies as follows.
Laminate: is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) or recycled hardwood. Laminate is not waterproof so it is not recommended for high-moisture or humid areas or places that often have spills, like basements and bathrooms. Laminate is best install in climate-controlled areas with little moisture or exposure. Laminate is a hard product, but tends to be hollow which makes it important that the subfloor underneath is smooth and even.
Vinyl: is different. Parterre vinyl in particular is a hard, closed-cell vinyl allowing for the product to be more water resistant and ideal for higher-moisture areas. Some vinyl products are 100% waterproof. A sealant is not required for vinyl, but is recommended for high-moisture areas for an added layer of protection. Vinyl is ideal for heavy trafficked areas due to its ability to expand and contract.

Hardwood Floor or Engineered Wood Floor ?
Engineered wood:
Also called composite wood, is a layered product made of a thin slice (veneer) or layer of hardwood on top of a base of plywood. It is good in basements and apartments with concrete subfloors. It can also be installed over a soundproofing mat, or over radiant heat. Some engineered floors have top layers so thin that they cannot be sanded and refinished in the future. Higher-quality engineered flooring feature a thicker layer.

Engineered wood is better than solid hardwood at dealing with moisture, because of the structure of its plywood base.

Hardwood:
Solid hardwood is nothing but hardwood, it is a hardwood product from top to bottom and side to side.
Solid wood can be sanded numerous times. But over time and years solid hardwood will become too thin after years and years of sanding, compromising its structural integrity.

Solid hardwood is never recommended for bathrooms, basements, or other areas where moisture is expected. Though site-finished wood flooring (as opposed to pre-finished) does have a sealed top layer that can repel some moisture.
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So now that you know how to go about the business of selecting tile and flooring for your new project, come on in to our showroom to see the widest selection of backsplash, bathroom, floor and wall tiles in all of Crown Heights.
And stay tuned for the next installment of our How to Series, How to select Kitchen Cabinetry. We look forward to seeing you in our showroom!

Wood & Stone
829 E New York Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11203
(718) 778-2700