Quartz tiles are eye catching, luxurious and oh so shiny; but, choosing the right one for your home can be a somewhat challenging task. Not only are there a huge number of styles and designs to choose from, but you also have to think about where they are going to be installed and whether this will affect your choice. For example, are they better suited in one room and not another? It is important to know all of your options before you make any decisions.

We'll start by clarifying to your exactly what quartz is. They are essentially a composite material that is made from a combination of resin, quartz, sand, colour pigments and more often than not crushed mirror pieces. This gives the tiles a sparkly, glittery effect that they are known and well-loved for. Quartz is a very sought after material that can be seen in a lot of different houses, but to determine the quality of the quartz, you need to know the ratio of resin that has been used. The smaller amount of resin used, the higher the quality. If you have a Quartz tile that has a high amount of resin in them, they are much more likely to become scratched, as well as more porous, causing problems when they are installed. This is because the wetness in the adhesive has been known to twist the tiles, as the water can be absorbed back in. This can then cause the tile to expand, thus twisting it. That said, too little resin and the Quartz can become brittle, and much less stable. It is incredibly important to find the ideal ratio which is around 93% Quartz and 7% resin.

There are many different reasons why you might be considering getting Quartz tiles installed in your home, but there are many advantages to having this beautiful stone throughout your home. As long as the ratio of quartz and resin is correct, they are extremely durable. If they are maintained properly there is absolutely no reason why they should not last a lifetime. They are very sturdy and do not break easily, even when heavy objects are dropped on the, and are very resistant to stains, dirt and liquids. Their appearance will mean that you do not want to replace them and their durability will mean that you do not have to. Their sheer elegance is probably among one of the most popular reasons why these tiles are seen in many homes. The catch the light beautifully and like no other material, like little twinkling stars and really offer something to your home. They are wonderfully timeless as well, and even as the trends change, quartz tiles will not look out of place at all, whether you have them on your walls, floors or worktops.

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The colours and styles that are available to you in quartz is absolutely astonishing. There is a tile that is suited to every style and home. Whether you choose a high shine black or white tile for a sleek, sophisticated look, or a bright colour for a feature wall, the boundaries are endless. Regardless of what tiles you decide to choose though, they are all fantastically low maintenance. A simply sweep round with a brush or hoover is enough to remove the dust and debris, and an occasional mop with hot soapy water, will quickly and effectively restore its natural shine. Because of the way they are made, they do not require polishing as they have a natural high shine finish.

If you are thinking of having quartz tiles installed in your home, it is important that you plan properly and know exactly where you want to use them. Although you can install them yourself if you want to embark on a DIY project, if you want a completely professional finish consider hiring a tiler to come and do it for you. If you do, take into consideration the additional cost, so you do not go over your budget. Once you have decided where in the house you want to install them, consider the look that you are trying to achieve. Remember that you do not need to place the tiles over all of your walls and floor. A feature wall is not only effective, but very on trend right now. Bear in mind that if you are installing quartz tiles in your bathroom or kitchen the tiles will require sealing to ensure they stay protected from any water. The beauty of quartz tiles is that they are available in such a huge range of colours; you really can be as bold or classic as you want. If you want to try and match your quartz tile to an item that you already have in your home, it is advisable to bring along a swab of fabric to the tile store, or to order some tile samples, prior to ordering your actual tiles to ensure that the colour is right. If you are undecided between a few colours, again, order some samples and hang these on the wall in the area you wish to tile. Seeing the colours up for a longer amount of time will give you a chance to get used to them, which will help you to decide which one you prefer, and want in your home.

Another thing to bear in mind during your planning process is to consider what they will feel like underfoot. Although some materials can be laid on top of under floor heating mats to prevent the tiles from feeling too cold, it is not always advisable to do this with quartz tiles. There are some mixed views between suppliers, so if you were thinking of doing this, it is best to speak to them in detail first. The reason behind it is that the resin in the tiles can expand and contract when the tile heats up and cools down, which can cause problems later on down the line.

Whenever you are thinking of purchasing any tiles it is important that you understand what maintenance is required so that you can make the best decision for you. Luckily, quartz tiles require very little maintenance, other than regular sweeping and mopping with warm water. If you do this regularly, your tiles will stay looking like new. It really is that simple. Quartz tiles really are a fantastic choice of tile to have in your home. They look brilliant regardless of where you have them in your home, and will last a lifetime. So long as you do your research thoroughly first, you will end up with a quartz tile that is best suited to you.

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