Are you tired of your old floor and want a new look? Or perhaps you’re building a new home or adding an addition, and you want to tile your floor.
When you start researching tile floors, you will quickly learn that not all tiles are the same. The type of floor tiles you choose help to determine the aesthetic and functionality of the room where you put them.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know about different types of floor tiles.
Table of Contents
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile consists of refined clay along with natural elements. Manufacturers kiln-fire the tiles to make them look like wood, concrete, stone, or their natural state.
Porcelain is ultimately a type of ceramic tile. It’s harder and more durable than its counterparts.
You also have the choice of glazed or unglazed tile. Unglazed tiles have color running through their entire tile. This makes them last longer and resists chipping.
The durability of porcelain in the face of prolonged exposure to moisture makes it an excellent choice for rooms prone to moisture. Your bathroom, patio, and laundry room all make great candidates for porcelain tile.
Porcelain also tolerates spills and scratches well. To clean it, you just vacuum or sweep it a couple of times a week. Once a month you mop it down with a vinegar-water solution or a commercial cleaner designed specifically for tile.
Porcelain has a couple of downsides. Porcelain costs more than other ceramic tiles. Also, you need a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut porcelain cleanly. As a result, most individuals have professionals install it.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles differ from porcelain in that a designer will use a lower temperature to kiln-fire them than they would for a porcelain tile. This makes ceramic tiles softer, less dense, and more porous.
Because the clay in ceramic is less refined, it costs less than porcelain. It’s also a bit less durable. Homeowners in warm climates typically choose ceramic flooring because of the natural coolness of the tile.
The softness of ceramic tile also makes it easier to install. You need a simple tile cutter to create a clean cut. It also comes in many colors and patterns.
Ceramic tile has a higher absorption rate than porcelain. Thus homeowners need to clean up spills immediately. It also does not work well in high-moisture areas like the patio or shower.
Furthermore, it requires more maintenance than porcelain You need to deep clean it weekly compared to the monthly deep cleaning of porcelain. It also becomes uncomfortably cold in the winter.
Ceramic tile works best in places with low traffic since chipping will reveal the clay beneath the glaze and the tiles are softer than porcelain.
Ceramic is the best type of flooring for low-traffic, low-moisture areas.
Sandstone Tiles
Sandstone tiles look natural, cozy, and classy. They put up with a lot of traffic and work well both indoor and outdoor.
Thus, you can put sandstone tiles just about anywhere from your kitchen to your hallway to basic living spaces. You can find them in several sizes, styles, and colors to create an earthy appeal to any place.
Sandstone tiles require regular maintenance. In particular, you should use preventative methods such as furniture pads on your furniture feet to protect the tiles.
If you enjoy a natural, earthy look, sandstone is your best option.
On the downside, sandstone tends to absorb water instead of repelling it. As a result, it’s slippery when wet, and it can scratch or dent over time. You also have limited options on color.
Sandstone is also one of the most eco-friendly tiles on the market. It requires no synthetic ingredients, and it comes from a natural source. It also lasts a very long time.
Marble Tiles
Marble tiles are natural stone tiles that come in slabs typically but you can also have the stone cut into tiles for floors, countertops, and walls. Most people think of luxury when they look at marble. They naturally sparkle and create a stunning, magnificent look with high durability.
These sparkly tiles come in a wide range of colors and mixtures. As a result, you can create some unique decorative schemes by cutting them into triangles and different rectangle formations.
Marble will create a shimmering, silky smooth look when you design it properly. As a result, it works well to create an elegant space.
Because marble is brittle, it requires specialized tools to drill and cut it. You should have a professional install marble tile.
Marble tiles are also relatively inexpensive compared to other tiles. Thus, you can achieve a luxurious look for less price. Marble is also incredibly durable because of its hard, heavy nature.
Modular Flooring
Modular flooring refers to a copolymer suspended flooring or a polymer flooring that floats above the ground. You can easily install modular flooring because the tiles click together. They require no cement or grout.
This type of durable flooring works well for high-impact areas such as a garage. The most durable flooring can support loads of up to 80000 pounds. The suspended nature of the flooring allows moisture and air to escape, making it ideal for moist areas.
Often modular flooring has a coating on it like Tuffhsield, a super-strong high-gloss finish. Because you install this flooring so easily and because the flooring resists petroleum products and most chemicals, it works great for garage floors.
The flexible nature of the tiles also makes them great for a floor of any size. You can fill in the corners and odd areas of the building with this flooring. It comes in a high-end style that makes your garage floor look like a professional showroom.
Know Your Types of Tiles
Now that you understand the types of floor tiles available, you can make the best decision for your space. Consider the moisture of your area as well as the traffic flow. Then pick the tile that creates the aesthetic you want.
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