Why Tile?
Tile flooring has an enjoyable sleek look that is very easy to clean, and it promotes better air quality because unlike carpet flooring it doesn’t trap dust. Proper installation of tile flooring should last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, but you can always replace individual tile cracks without having to make a large overhaul of the entire floor surface.
There are key benefits to having tile flooring in a home setting. One benefit is the reduced need for indoor cooling during hot summer days. Tiles in general, but more specifically stone tiles, will feel more cooler than carpet and laminate flooring. During the summer, tiles maintain cooler temperatures in the home. On the flip side, tiles are also good to use with radiant floor heating during the winter season. Especially if you live in a colder climate, you can ideally pair tiles up with radiant floor heating. The tiles will retain and conduct heat longer than other flooring options like laminate.
Types of Tile
There are two kinds of tiles to choose from: either porcelain or ceramic tiles. A clay, mineral and water solution is formed to make a ceramic tile. This solution is pressed into a tile shape and fired in a kiln at very high temperatures. You will find most ceramic tiles to be glazed, which is done to make them waterproof. Any maintenance you need to perform on ceramic tile flooring would involve sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment to clean off the dirt and loose debris.
You can also get unglazed ceramic tiles like the traditional Saltillo tile, but they will need to be sealed to protect the floor surface from various liquids and stains. The grout lines in between the tiles are susceptible to moisture accumulation and stains and should be sealed on a regularly scheduled basis for protection.
The other kind of tile that is available on the market is porcelain tile, which is more dense and durable than many variants of ceramic tiles. Clay materials that are fused together along with water create porcelain. Feldspar, kaolin, and quartz make up the clay that is used to make porcelain. Regardless of whether or not it is glazed, porcelain is waterproof right from the start, so it is highly recommended for areas that have a lot of moisture.
Payment for porcelain tiles alone can typically cost anywhere from $5 to $25 or more per square foot, which is the standard price range for the market. If properly maintained, porcelain tile floors can last for decades, which will pay off your original investment over time. It is one of the toughest flooring options available, and it is resistant to most heavy stresses. Porcelain tile flooring can alternatively be used in commercial environments.
