Tile floors have been around for thousands of years- the first ceramic tiles can be traced back to at least 1,000 B.C.E. These tiles have persisted through the years as both an art form and as a practical flooring choice.
Tiles have a great reputation for their durability and versatility. Not only are they very strong, but they can come in almost any color, texture, and design you’d like.
Different materials for tiles have different benefits, however, so picking your new tile floor can be a hard choice.
Read on for all you need to know about tile floor options that will complete your dream home.
Choosing a New Tile Floor
Picking high-quality flooring is a challenge. Flooring is not something that can be switched out as quickly as furniture or wall color, so many homeowners struggle to decide. Consider the following when picking out your tiles:- The texture and color of your desired result
- Durability
- Location of planned new floors
- Maintenance requirements
Once you have these items nailed down, we can help you select a tile within your budget. Below are some of the best tile floors on the market today.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a great entry to tile floors. Ceramic is durable, relatively inexpensive compared to other tile options, and is easy to maintain. The practicality of ceramic tile makes it perfect for entryways, kitchens, living areas, or really anywhere you are looking to install tile flooring.Ceramic tile is also very versatile. Any number of designs, patterns, and shapes can be created with ceramic tiles. These tiles come in many different trendy styles and many different color options.
They also come in a wide range of textures, from extremely smooth to rough hammered surfaces. Any style you can imagine is possible, without sacrificing durability. If you are looking for colorful tiles, ceramic is a great choice.
This type of tile is popular for being very low maintenance. It is durable, and cleaning is a breeze. Ceramic tile is a great all-around tile for any room in your home.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is very similar to ceramic tile. The clay used to make porcelain tiles is denser than ceramic, which allows porcelain tile to be even more durable.These tiles are more expensive than ceramic, but they are considered to be very high quality and can increase the value of your home once installed. These tiles are available in a very wide range of textures, colors, and patterns.
Porcelain is great for tiling high-traffic areas, such as living rooms and entryways. These tiles do not absorb stains well and cleanup is very easy. Porcelain’s low absorption rate also allows it for use in mild outdoor areas, such as a covered patio.
Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles
These two tiles are very similar. What exactly is the difference?
Both of these tiles are made of hard clay and come in a wide range of designs to suit your home. Ceramic and porcelain tiles both have the same general care instructions and both are extremely durable flooring options.
The main difference lies in 2 factors- water resistance and price. Porcelain is able to stop water more effectively and is, therefore, more durable than ceramic tiling. Ceramic is the more affordable of the two options, typically coming in at a few dollars per square foot cheaper.
If you are set on picking either ceramic or porcelain, either tile will work great in any area of your home. Their durability and variety of styles will keep your home looking beautiful for years to come.
Natural Stone Tile
For a luxury flooring option, turn to natural stone tiles. This is a wide category of tiles that are cut from natural stones, such as marble, granite, slate, limestone, sandstone, and more.These natural stone tiles are each unique, as they are not mass-produced by machines. These tiles are one of a kind and give your home a natural feel.
Natural stone tiles are more expensive than ceramic or porcelain, but they do increase your home value. These tiles are considered to be a luxury flooring choice.
Marble
Marble is an iconic choice for tiles. Marble comes in several different style options to choose from, and any design you pick will look elegant in your new home. The class that marble tile brings is unmistakable.
Avoid installing marble tiles in areas with lots of water, like bathrooms or kitchens. Marble is quite porous, and you do not want to leave water pooling on your tiles. Marble is best for dry rooms, such as living areas.
Marble, like other natural stones, needs to be sealed regularly to keep the surface protected. With proper sealing and care, marble can be a very durable tile.
Marble is also a fantastic flooring option for those looking to install heated floors. It can be polished to a smooth finish and will look radiant throughout your home.
Granite
Granite tiles are a great all-around durable and diverse flooring choice. Granite is extremely durable for a natural stone and comes in a tremendous range of colors and patterns.
Granite maintains the appearance of elegance without compromising durability. Granite tiles can be used in any room of your house, including high-traffic areas.
With the right care, granite tiles can last a very long time. As a result, using granite tiles increases your home’s overall value. This natural stone tile will give your home a great luxury feel for years to come.
Now It’s Your Turn to Choose a Tile Floor
Using tile in your home is a great way to change the overall look of your home and increase the durability of your floors.Ceramic and porcelain options give amazing variety and strength without sacrificing cost, and a natural stone tile floor gives you an incredibly luxurious floor that will impress your guests.
For a free in-home estimate on your next tile project, contact us today!
