Tile recommendations for foyer to match a strand bamboo floor

Question

I am looking for a few recommendations on tile for a foyer. I have a carbonized strand bamboo floor that I need to match…. any helpful recommendations will be welcomed! You'll see the main colors of the bamboo are in the brown color scheme. 
--As far as type of tile, I need the best kind (long lasting and strong) for an entry way. I also don't overly mind if it's a flat glazed tile or a somewhat textured tile (the kind that looks like butter spread on a piece of toast). So basically, throw some recommendations this way!--Lets get some dialogue started! *****Oh, and the sooner the feedback flies the better because I have a friend offering to do the job with me for free this week b/c he's off work, so all I need to do is get the materials…..

Joffler · Answer

First of all, good luck. I hope it turns out well. And congrats on having such a good friend.

Secondly, do put some thought into it. I know you've got a time crunch but I also know little to no forethought/planning will likely yield 'meh' results. For example, do you want your foyer floor to strive to blend in or make it's own statement as the first interior impression your guests will receive? Grout lines--can quickly become a major and irrepressible eyesore. What about non-grout line producing alternatives like porcelain tiles? Square tiles vs rectangular tiles--makes a big visual difference--difference between visual chaos and visual tranquility (at least as I see it).
Thirdly, if there's time, take a make-shift storyboard with you when shopping for tile. Have on it photos of your foyer and adjacent rooms, a few samples of your bamboo floor (of different colors/tones) if possible, samples of wall colors in foyer and adjacent rooms. Don't trust your mind to tell you the exact color of everything because it won't.

Fourthly, post follow up pics please.

FrazzledMommy · Answer

do you have a floor and decor near you its like a costco of flooring - they have a bunch of awesome tile including wood/bamboo - looking ones as well as tile that has the bamboo style but i made to look like tile (are you aiming for a matching or an 'i know its different but it goes look'

David D · Answer

Joffler and Riki,
I would not mind if the tile made it's own statement when coming in, as long as it's classy. I also think grout lines would be on the smaller side of things and be complimentary or somewhat on the earthier side of things. At least in my mind, the dirt won't show up in the grout. A square tile would be the way to go for me, unless I can be convinced of some other shape…

Kimberly A · Answer

We have bamboo throughout our main floor except we chose marble tile for our kitchen which does join against the bamboo. Ours is the next lighter stain, but with all of the marble options out there you won't have trouble making your statement. We butted our tiles together so the grout lines are basically non existent. The marble is very durable, easy to lay, and has the class and truly natural beauty to complement the bamboo. Most importantly, you can find very reasonably priced marble that looks expensive. If you are adventurous, then you could put in a marble mosaic insert to really give it the wow factor. It would have grout lines but what a statement you would make. Home Depot has those sometimes and they have great marble options. But also go over to home emporium in chesapeake to see if they have any in stock. We have purchased many flooring materials from them over the years. Good luck and post your results!

TNKnitter · Answer

I used a tile medallion to center in one space and did a mitered frame out of the flooring to surround it. In another area I used a 24' beige and 6' dark gray tiles to make a pattern for the floor. Use a textured tile for the foyer - don't want people slipping if their feet are wet.

Barbara Turner · Answer

Go to Home Depot and ask for those 'long panel Faux look tile panels' that you lay down with adhesive. They usually come with self-backing and are easy to install. I agree, you really don't want to go the route of grout, as I worked at Stanley Steemer arranging appts. and I can't tell you how many 'Ugh's' we had on people who had to get them cleaned and resealed. Trust me, don't get grout. Lay the faux tiles. AND they have lots of patterns to choose from. I'm still grappling with putting them in my kitchen. Good luck,

Sherrie · Answer

Don't use a shiny tile.  It is slick.  I am a fan of travertine tile, but any tile with texture would look prefect.  You don't want to pick colors that will date it.  Find a timeless colors that will age will with your house.  And keep the grout neutral.

Kathleen Reynolds · Answer

For my 2 cents, I would suggest slate.  It can have different hues to match many decors, takes a beating and I find it easy to maintain.

Darla · Answer

Slate would be good, or you could combine porcelain tile with edging like this:

Marlene Haigh · Answer

slate is nice but high maintenance. get a porcelain that looks like slate or travertine. Porcelain is the hardest and will last forever! I use to work in flooring.

Kathy · Answer

I put commercial grade 12 x 12 textured tile in my family room in front of the wood stove and sliding glass door. It is very durable and is not slick when wet, which are the two main reasons we choose it. It has grout lines which, if they are sealed properly, do not become dirty.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

My money is on porcelain that has a textured surface. My daughter had it continue up the wall as a type of baseboard. This meant a complete seal so water, snow, or other moisture could not get behind/under and cause problems.

Janis Hill · Answer

Stay with Bamboo flooring in the foyer. The continuality will visually make both spaces feel larger and the y will also feel more comfortable.

Eileen B. · Answer

You can get laminate that looks like tile

Sherrie · Answer

They do have a non slick tile.  It is harder to clean because it isn't slick.  I have my living room, kitchen and laundry room and both bathrooms tiled.  ( I have dogs ). My front entry way is also tiled and the rest of my house is wood.  My tile is textured tile.  I mop everyday.  ( remember the dogs, they can't go to the rooms where I have wood floors ). And I am careful and I have never had a problem.  Putting a front door matt will also help cut down on slickness by having people wipe their feet before entering your house.

Alanda · Answer

Desert Cream Travertine, would be my choice. Use epoxy grout and seal the stone. Easy peasy. My son in-laws folks own a tile store and he works for them, I used to work for them. I have travertine in my bathroom, and love it.

Mike Metzger · Answer

What did you go with? I am in the same exact situation and cannot make a decision! Help!

Tile recommendations for foyer to match a strand bamboo floor

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Tile recommendations for foyer to match a strand bamboo floor

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