Project 22: Fixing the Bubble in our Tile Floor - Part 3

(This post discusses a project previously blogged about. Here is the link for parts one and two).

Because all the tiles I tried to clean off broke, this past weekend we sought out new tiles. Matching tiles to what was previously used in an older home is no fun. LJ went to the local hardware stores last week and couldn't find the exact tile used on our floors. So, we decided to visit Floor & Decor out in Spring. This place is HUGE. 

When we walked in I told LJ that if we couldn't find an exact match here, we wouldn't find it anywhere, and we'd have to just get something close. After all, I don't know of any other store with this big of a selection.

 While looking for tile for our Kitchen, I saw this gray tile that I may have fallen in love with. We plan to eventually renovate our master bathroom and I wish we could use this. However, LJ wisely pointed out how slick this tile's face is so we'll probably be using something that wont cause us to slide all over the place. But it's sure pretty, isn't it?

 Anyways, back to the hunt. We found a couple of different tiles that were really close. Here you can see our original tile on the bottom and the three closes tiles we found. The one we went with has a little bit different of a patter, but the coloring is really close. We're hoping once it's down on the floor and it gets a little worn in (so it doesn't shine) it wont be too obviously different. 

The tiles at this place can be bought in a box of 13 or individually. Apparently not all tile places let you buy individual tiles. This is how the tiles look, they're just out in pallets and the top couple of boxes are open so you can get individual tiles if you want. The ones we picked out cost $2.38 each. We bought 7 (need 6 plus 1 extra in case we break one). 

 While LJ waited in a super long line, I looked around at the tile examples they have set up. Found some pretty neat looking ideas. I like the white tile on the one wall of this shower and the long skinny tiles on the back wall as an accent (but I don't think the floor tiles match).

 The long skinny tiles seem to be everywhere right now. Here's another shower example where they are used, this time vertically. I really like these tiles but I'm concerned that in 10 years they will look dated. They are SO popular right now that I have a feeling they will become associated with this time period, which means it wont age well. But they sure are pretty...so we'll see.

 I like these gray rectangle tiles. Maybe a little to cold looking for our house, but still pretty.

 Another use of the long skinny tiles, but this time white glass tiles with white stone tiles. I like the mix of textures in the same color.

 I'd never seen tiles like this before. They kind of look like a basket weave.

 Here they are straight on:

That's all that I could get in the time it took LJ to check out. I'm definitely going back to this place for ideas and to look at tile when we redo our bathroom. I have to say, the staff was SUPER friendly. Like, we had 4 or 5 people ask if we needed help in the 20 minutes we were there (though check out is painfully slow). If you live in the Spring area or in Houston and are willing to drive, I'd recommend this place.

This project is continued in part 4 and part 5.