Quick tips for selecting and purchasing tile:

1. When looking for tile to use in a kitchen or bathroom, select tiles that are waterproof and stain-resistant.

Ceramic tiles are a popular choice because they are both durable and affordable while available in a variety of colors and designs.

2. Be cost conscious by using only a few decorative tiles in a wall installation.

Since most of the surface will be covered by less expensive tiles you still get the look you want while spending less.

3. Purchase an extra 10% when buying tile.

You may have a few break during installation and it saves you the hassle of tracking down the tile for repairs later on.

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4. Remember that individual tiles are sold in dimensions that describe their installed size, not the actual tile size.

A 4 X 4-inch tile will actually be 1/8-inch shorter in each direction. During installation, grout is added around the tile and adds the last 1/8 inch.

“It is extremely important that extra tile is purchased. Tile doesn’t have a long showroom life and often needs to be repaired or replaced,” Cheryl Ingrassia of Southern California Tile said.

Serving Santa Clarita for 34 years, Southern California Tile can answer all of your tiling and tile care questions and provide installer referrals.

For more information on Southern California Tile visit www.southerncaliforniatile.com or call (661) 255-2773.

Check out more articles in our SCV “Your Home Inside And Out” section.