Installing Tile: One Tip that Can Save You a Lot of Money

So you decided to tackle the job of installing tile somewhere in your home. No big deal, the job is usually straightforward and relatively easy. You can install tile on a budget and by doing it yourself you will save a lot of money. But what happens when you encounter something along the way that is unexpected?

This article will discuss something that most people who have tiled before have encountered. You go to the tile store and select that perfect tile. You go back home and begin the task. As you are tiling, you realize that the edges of some of the tiles will be exposed and the tile that you selected has an unfinished edge typical of any field tile. The unfinished edge is unattractive and you begin to wonder what you can do.

The first option is to head back to the tile store and buy some border tiles. The border tiles are usually small tiles with a rounded edge that is fully finished. The problem is that the border tile may compliment your chosen field tiles, but is unlikely to exactly match it unless you have chosen a solid color field tile.

So you can choose the border tile that compliments your field tiles, but then you usually run into another problem, cost. Border tiles can be very expensive. Many will cost upwards of $6 for each six inch section of tile. The cost of the border tile can quickly add up and exceed the cost of numerous square feet of field tile. It seems as though they price these tile excessively high because they know you will have to use them and pay for them. What if you knew a little trick that would make purchasing border tiles a thing of the past? What if this tip was so simple anyone could do it?

Once you have finished laying your field tile and completed the grouting job you will be left with that unsightly unfinished edge. All you need to do is to find a matching spray paint or automotive touch up paint and your problem is solved. Choose a paint color that either matches your tile or coordinates well with it. Take a small brush and apply the paint along the exposed edge. Be careful not to get paint on the face of the tile. Apply at least 2 coats of paint or enough coats to fully cover the edge of the tile. Once the paint is dry, all that is left is caulking the gap between the tile and the wall.

The edge of the tile will not be rounded over like a traditional border tile, but the square edge is attractive and if the correct paint color is chosen, it appears as though the tile came that way.

The best part is that it costs only a few dollars and takes only a couple of minutes. The savings alone is worth giving it a shot. So next time you ponder about whether or not you should spend hundreds on fancy border tiles, consider this option and use the money save on your next home improvement project.