Choosing the Best Flooring Tile for Your Home

26 December 2017
 Categories: , Blog


Tile is typically considered the best choice of flooring for bathrooms and kitchens, and any room that is exposed to lots of excess humidity and moisture, as carpeting and timber slats can absorb that added moisture and get damaged or mildewed over time. You can also install tile throughout the entire home if you need a durable floor that is very hygienic and easy to clean. When you're ready to shop for flooring, no matter the room in which it will be installed, note a few differences between tile types, and this will ensure you know the right type for your home's flooring.

Porcelain and ceramic

One advantage of both porcelain and ceramic is that they have a more natural feeling to them than vinyl and other types of tile. Porcelain is less porous and more durable than ceramic, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas, such as entryways or for any home with children and pets. The density of porcelain can also make it a better choice for rooms that are always exposed to high humidity levels; for example, if your basement tends to flood, you might choose porcelain tiles for its flooring. You can also use these tiles to create mosaic patterns to add to your home's decor.

Natural stone

Since stone is a natural material, it makes for a very attractive flooring option; however, don't assume that stone is watertight! Stone flooring will need consistent sealing to keep it from absorbing humidity, and to keep the surface clean.

Very heavy weights on stone can also cause it to crack; if you have a heavy bookcase or heavy bedroom furniture, you need to be extra cautious about moving these pieces on a stone floor. Note, too, that some stone tiles are very smooth, so they can be downright slick, especially when wet. Consider area rugs in high-traffic spots of the floor, for added safety.

Laminate

A laminate tile has a layer of material, usually a type of plywood, over which is an actual photograph of timber or stone, or another material. The tile is then covered with a protective layer over this photograph. Laminate tile is very dense and durable, as that upper protective layer is solid and watertight. While laminate flooring won't have the same natural feeling as stone, porcelain, or ceramic, it can be a good choice for homes where the floors will suffer added wear and tear. The lighter weight of laminate tile can also make it a good choice for a homeowner who wants to install tile on their own, as you don't need many special tools in order to cut and install laminate.


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