Picking new tile for your home might sound simple at first, but once you start exploring options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, redoing a bathroom, or installing tile throughout the house, the choices can quickly pile up. There are different materials, sizes, finishes, and colors, and they all come with their own pros and cons. Making the right choice can make a huge difference not just in how your space looks, but how it holds up over time.

If you’re local to Lexington and trying to sort through all the tile options, knowing what to look for is a great first step. Whether you’re going into a store or working with a pro, walking in with a clear idea of your needs will make the whole process smoother. Take a look at what you should think about before making a decision.

Determine Your Tile Needs

Not every tile is right for every part of the house. Some are better for damp areas like bathrooms, while others are ideal for main living spaces or kitchens. Before looking at colors and styles, it helps to figure out exactly where the tile is going, how that space is used during the day, and what kind of foot traffic it sees.

Take a high-traffic entryway, for example. It’s a spot where people come in and out with muddy shoes, where bags get dropped, and where the floor works overtime. That’s not a place where you want slippery or delicate tile. You’ll need something strong and easy to clean.

Here are a few things to consider when narrowing down your tile needs:

• Room Type: Bathrooms call for moisture-resistant tile. Kitchens need surfaces that can handle spills and splashes. Living rooms may give you more freedom to focus on style.
• Foot Traffic: Areas that see a lot of use, like hallways or mudrooms, need durable tile that won’t crack or wear quickly.
• Comfort and Safety: Some tiles feel colder or harder underfoot. In living spaces, you might want something that pairs well with rugs or radiant heating. For bathroom floors, slip resistance matters.
• Maintenance: Some tile materials need resealing. Others only need regular wiping. If you’re not into heavy upkeep, look for tile that’s low-maintenance.

Knowing the purpose of the space helps filter out the tile types that won’t work well. If you skip this step, you risk choosing a material that looks good now but ends up being a hassle later on.

Types of Tiles Available

Once you’ve got a handle on where the tile is going and how it’s going to be used, the next step is looking at the different materials available. Each one brings a different look and feel to your home, and performance plays a big role here too.

Here are some of the most common types of tile you’ll see in stores around Lexington:

1. Ceramic Tile

This is one of the most popular options. It’s affordable, easy to clean, and comes in tons of colors and styles. Because it’s slightly softer than other materials, it may chip if something heavy drops on it. Still, it works great for indoor flooring in low to moderate traffic areas.

2. Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is denser and less porous than ceramic, which makes it sturdier and more water-resistant. It’s great for bathrooms, kitchens, or even outdoor spaces. It can be a bit trickier to cut and install, though.

3. Natural Stone Tile

Options like slate, marble, or travertine bring a high-end, natural look to your home. Every tile is unique, so it adds a lot of texture and personality. Stone usually needs sealing to protect against stains and moisture. It also tends to cost more than ceramic or porcelain.

4. Glass Tile

Usually used more on walls than floors, glass tiles are shiny, modern, and resistant to water. They can brighten up small areas, like backsplashes or accent strips, but they do show smudges and fingerprints more than other types.

Each material has a sweet spot for use. Choosing based on looks alone can lead to regret down the road. If you’re unsure whether your choice fits the space, asking about real-world use cases at your local store can help.

So whether you’re tiling a powder room or running tile through your entire first floor, choosing the right type of tile is a step worth doing carefully. With so many solid options out there, it helps to match the material with your specific needs.

Quality and Durability

When you’re tile shopping in Lexington, quality should always be near the top of your list. It plays a big role in how long the tile will last and how well it holds up to daily use. Durability is especially important in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, or living rooms, where flooring takes constant wear.

Start by checking the surface and edges of the tile. High-quality tiles usually have smooth, even edges that line up cleanly with minimal gaps. Tiles that are inconsistent in size or shape can be harder to install and may result in uneven floors or walls. If the surface looks flaky or inconsistent in color and finish, that could be a red flag.

It’s also worth looking into tile grades. Many tile products are rated by their hardness and resistance to scratching or chipping. This is usually based on how the tile will be used. Floor tiles are generally made tougher than wall tiles. Thicker tiles often mean higher durability, but they might not work if your subfloor is thin or uneven. So make sure to consider long-term needs compared to the layout of your home.

A few things that help gauge tile strength:

• The intended use (wall, floor, outdoor, etc.)
• Water absorption rate
• Resistance to slipping (especially in wet areas)
• Resistance to staining and scratching

If you’re not sure which ratings matter most for your project, asking questions at your local Lexington tile store can make a big difference. Most staff can guide you toward smart choices for your specific setup.

Choosing Tile Design and Color

Picking the right tile style and color might be the most creative part of the process. This is where you bring your personal taste into the look of your space. But finding the perfect fit isn’t always simple. A tile that looks great in a showroom under bright lights might not have the same feel once it’s installed at home.

Start by thinking about the room’s size and how much light it gets. Light-colored tiles can make small rooms feel bigger. Darker tiles give large rooms a cozy or bold look. In rooms without much sunlight, brighter tones can lift the space.

Tile size also plays a part in room appearance. Big tiles create fewer grout lines and can make rooms feel more open. Smaller tiles work well for detailed patterns or tighter layouts.

Here are some helpful tips when picking tile styles in Lexington:

• Use neutral tones in areas where you may change paint or furniture often
• Add bold or patterned tiles to small spaces or as accent areas
• Choose matte for easier upkeep since it hides water spots and smudges
• Play around with grout color based on whether you want contrast or a more seamless look

Since tiles are usually in place for years, it’s good to go with a look that won’t feel outdated soon. Going with a simple, timeless design often pays off, especially in larger spaces where updates are harder later.

Visiting Tile Stores in Lexington

You can scroll online galleries for ideas all day, but when it comes time to make real choices, visiting tile stores in Lexington gives you a much better picture. Seeing tiles in person helps you notice texture differences, check shine or finish, and get a clearer sense of size and scale.

Lexington has a solid group of tile stores, and each location may carry different collections, finishes, and levels of inventory. Some stores focus more on basic options, while others bring a lot of variety including luxury or specialty looks. Getting a look in-store often sparks new ideas or helps you confirm what will work best in your space.

What to remember before you visit a store:

• Bring photos of your current room for context
• Ask about sample tiles to take home and test in your lighting
• Share how you plan to use the space with staff so they can recommend better options
• Find out about lead times and what’s in stock now
• Keep room measurements handy so you can get a quick price estimate

Trying out samples at home is a smart step that can save trouble later. Testing the look with your lighting gives a better sense of how it will actually appear. Take your time, walk around, and compare your top picks during daylight and under room lights before locking in a decision.

Why Buy Your Tile with The Floor Guy

There are lots of pieces that go into finding the right tile, and working with the right team makes all the steps easier. At The Floor Guy, we take the time to understand your needs and walk you through every option. We provide expert advice and personal support, from figuring out foot traffic and moisture issues to choosing colors and finishes that will last.

We’ve been helping people find tile in Lexington and nearby areas since 1992. Whether you’re replacing a bathroom floor or updating your whole house, our focus is on guiding you through the process and helping you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years. Each home and situation is different, and we take that seriously.

Come by to see our tile selection in person, and we’ll help you compare styles, ask the right questions, and choose a tile that checks every box—style, durability, and long-term use. We’re here to make sure your tile project gets done right.

Enhance your home with a new tile makeover by exploring the wide selection available at tile stores in Lexington. At The Floor Guy, we’re here to help you choose the right fit with expert guidance and a focus on quality that stands the test of time.