Relief Tile Tactics
There is a huge variety of relief tiles. You will find the gamut of looks, from classic designs to flights of fancy, at tile showrooms. Floor-covering retailers and home centers also carry decorative tiles, though they offer a limited selection. Ceramic, stone, and glass are the most popular materials; they come in a matte or glossy finish. The number of colors is virtually unlimited, although white and its chromatic cousins are far and away the biggest sellers. To make shopping easier, designs are typically broken into broad categories: geometric, botanical and animal imagery.
Whether you are considering a gentle wavy face or deep geometric carvings, the uneven surfaces of relief tiles make them unsuitable for countertop or flooring applications. They are best used on vertical surfaces. So if you are tiling a storage niche in the shower, for instance, it is fine to frame the opening and line the back wall with textured pieces, but limit the shelf area to smooth tile. Similarly, the relief tile on a bathroom vanity or kitchen counter should be on the backsplash or trimming on the edge. Keep relief tile off the floor as well; they just are not made for foot traffic.
Keep the following in mind if you plan to install relief tiles in your home:
- Order extra tiles. You will be covered if any tiles get broken during installation. The extras will come in handy as replacements for tiles damaged down the road. Remember, it is pretty near impossible to match tile color exactly, even with white.
- Cut as few tiles as possible and trim to no more than half the full tile size. Place cut tiles symmetrically and away from focal points. You may be able to avoid cutting tiles altogether if you work with units of a different size. Another point to remember when working out the tile pattern is where the grout lines will fall, both in the relief composition, as well as in relation to any surrounding tiles.
- Tile shapes are standardized, so if you want to incorporate relief pieces into an existing installation of field tiles, finding the right fit shouldn’t be a major problem. Still, because tiles are assigned nominal sizes, it is best to measure an actual tile or consult the manufacturer’s specifications. This is especially true with handmade or artisan tile.
- If you are inserting relief accents into an expanse of field tiles or topping of a tiled wainscot with a sculpted border, avoid using tiles of different thickness. If the relief tile is not thicker than the 5/16 inch of standard wall tile, you should be able to install it without problem.
While many decorative tile projects pose few technical challenges, you will still need to make sure the materials are compatible with their proposed installation. Manufacturers note the recommended applications and restrictions of their tiles in product literature; a tile dealer can also advise you on what types of tile, underlayment and adhesive are appropriate for your use.
In wet areas, water-impervious tiles are the best bet. Vitreous tile will do, too. Vitreous tiles also adapt well to outdoor installations, where exposure to freeze/thaw cycles causes many porous materials to expand and contract.
Generally, there is no temperature limit for tiles near a heat source, such as a fireplace or range hood, but you will need to use a heat-resistant adhesive.
Ceramic, glass and stone are among the most durable of building materials. Nonetheless, some tiles, especially handcrafted ones, are finished with glazes that are easily scratched, so you should treat the tiles with care. Wipe dirt out of intricate patterns with a cotton swab, and always use non-abrasive, non-acidic cleansers.
Some tile installations have lasted for several centuries. With a minimum of proper upkeep, yours should last at least a lifetime.
