DO-IT-YOURSELF : Tiles Can Be the Stars of Your Floor Show

Floor tile comes in an astonishing array of colors, patterns, finishes, materials and sizes. But whether you’re buying wood parquet, vinyl or ceramic tiles, the way you go about estimating the amount you will need is the same.

Measuring

To determine how many tiles to buy, first calculate the room area (length and width) in square feet. Here are some tips:

* Sketch the room on graph paper and jot down all the measurements. Include cabinets or other protrusions, then subtract their individual areas from the total floor area.

* To measure large or oddly shaped rooms, divide the floor into smaller shapes; for example, two rectangles or a square and a triangle. Then add these smaller areas together for the total floor area.

* Take the room sketch with you when you go to buy the tile and let the retailer check your calculations.

* Always buy about 10% more tiles than you need. Some tiles may be chipped or scratched, may be damaged during installation, or the color may be slightly off. It is also good to have leftover tiles for repairs.

* Many types of tile, such as the wood and vinyl varieties, are available in nine- and 12-inch sizes. If you are buying 12-inch tiles, the total floor area (in square feet) equals the total number of tiles needed. To determine the number of nine-inch tiles required, simply multiply the room’s area by 1.78. Again, add a 10% allowance for damage.

* If tiles of two colors are to be laid in a checkerboard pattern or in alternate rows, halve the total amount and buy equal numbers of each color. Use graph paper to plot out complex patterns. Let the paper’s squares stand for the tiles; shade in the colors, then count up the number of tiles needed for each color.

Choosing

When selecting tile, remember that the more texture and variation a tile has, the better it will disguise seams, scratches and irregularities in the base floor. Dirt will also be less visible. Consider what kind of wear the room gets. For easy maintenance, avoid solid colors, especially solid black or white. And for safety, avoid slick finishes.

Here are common types of tiles and their characteristics:

* Vinyl tiles: come in many patterns, colors and textures; some simulate stone, wood and other natural materials. Vinyl tiles resist water, grease and household chemicals. They’re resilient and very easy to install.

* Wood block parquet: may be laminated or solid. The tiles are durable and warm underfoot. Many come with a durable factory finish; unfinished tiles, however, need to be sealed with polyurethane, especially if they are to be installed near water or in an entryway. Some laminate types can be installed directly on concrete.

* Cork: natural-looking and available in colors and patterns. Like wood, it’s resilient and warm underfoot, but cork is also fragile and easily chipped. Some varieties have a protective vinyl overlay. Seal untreated cork with polyurethane.

* Glazed ceramic tile: comes in many colors, sizes, shapes and patterns, including mosaics. These tiles are extremely durable and water-resistant, and they come in uniform sizes, so grout joints can be neat and regular. Glazed ceramic tile may be slippery when wet. Like all masonry tiles, it is hard and cold underfoot and noisy to walk on.

* Unglazed ceramic tile, called quarry tile: comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Tiles in the same batch may vary in size, requiring irregular grout joints that make fitting more difficult. Unglazed ceramic tile is extremely durable and water-resistant, but it chips easily.