Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or your bathroom, consider tile flooring for a beautiful, durable and functional finish. There are so many types of tile flooring available, you are sure to be able to find one that suits both your practical needs and your design sensibilities.
The first big decision you will have to make when selecting tile flooring is whether you will use ceramic tile or natural stone tile to complete the project.
What you need to know about ceramic tiles:
- All ceramic tiles are made out of clay and other minerals that are formed into molds and dried (usually in a kiln).
- Traditional ceramic tiles are non-porcelain and come in colors of red, white, and brown. These tiles are typically cheaper than porcelain tiles, but are more likely to be damaged.
- Porcelain tiles are made of clay and other minerals, but they also contain feldspar. When feldspar dust is exposed to the high heats of a kiln, it melts into a material that bonds all the other ingredients together. Because of this process, porcelain tiles are more durable, more stain-resistant and less likely to absorb water than other types of tile.
- Ceramic tiles are available in many different sizes, colors and appearances.
What you need to know about natural stone tiles:
- Natural stone tiles are cut into slabs, finished by buffing and then cut to size.
- Granite tiles are very dense, are available in many patterns and colors, and perform well in kitchens and high-traffic areas.
- Slate tiles are available in several dark earth tones and also perform well in kitchens.
- Marble, limestone, and travertine tiles are not generally recommended for high-traffic areas like kitchens because they are more porous and prone to staining than other types.
If you decide that you don’t want ceramic or natural stone tile, other options include metal, terrazzo, quartz, brick, cement, glass, and terra cotta tiles.
