Are you looking to renovate your home? Floor tiling is a fantastic way to transform any room, but with so many styles, how do you know the right option for your home? In order to withstand the day-to-day demands of life, you want to ensure your floors are robust, while also looking as beautiful as possible.
Whether you are installing them yourself or you are using the services of tile contractors, find the right tiles for your home is crucial. There is a wide range of styles available, each with their own pros and cons.
Types of Tile
When it comes to floor tiles, there are many options to choose from. This can be very confusing, so to help you, we have taken a closer look at some of the most common solutions:
Ceramic Tiles
Arguably the most popular solution, ceramic tiles are incredibly hardwearing and beautiful. Often featuring a durable glaze, they are lightweight and can withstand years of foot traffic. Ceramic tiles do have a higher water absorption rate, so they are not suitable for use outdoors. They also do not retain heat, which can make them cold to the touch during winter!
Porcelain
These clay-based tiles are made from a denser material than ceramic, ensuring they are able to withstand more damage. This makes them a very common choice for use on floors throughout the home. As they are more resistant to water and can retain heat better, they are suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor uses. Thanks to its robust nature, porcelain tiles can also be used for commercial properties.
Quarry Tile
Although the name can put off some homeowners, quarry tiles are an incredibly hardwearing solution. Made from minerals such as clay, shale, and feldspar, their low absorption rate makes them an excellent choice for use in outdoor environments.
Mosaic Tiles
Commonly used in bathrooms and small kitchens, mosaic tiles are a beautiful solution for any home. Incredibly popular at the moment, ceramic tiles have very low water absorption, while remaining highly durable. This makes them able to last for a very long time.
Stone Tiles
Stone is able to provide your home with a bold and distinctive look. Materials such as granite and limestone are very robust and can be used both internally and externally. Of course, stone does have some disadvantages compared to other types. Typically, stone tiles are more expensive, and they are not as stain-resistant as clay-based tiles.
Marble Tiles
This luxury option has been used in homes for thousands of years, and still looks as stylish today as it has always done. Often requiring professional tile contractors to install, marble tiles often need
surface sealer once installed. The material has a naturally porous surface, which, without treatment, can lead to significant damage from spills.
Granite Tile
Typically used in areas of high footfall, granite is incredibly hardwearing and durable. The relatively lightweight and easily manipulated material can be shaped to fit any room. It is a porous stone, though, so it will need to be treated with a sealer to be stain-resistant.
Limestone Tile
The unique style of limestone makes them very popular for homeowners seeking something that stands out from the crowd. Highly durable, limestone has been used for thousands of years and is incredibly scratch resistant. Although typically a popular choice for use in the kitchen, limestone can be used throughout the home.
Are you looking to transform your home? As one of the leading tile contractors in Northern Virginia, our experienced team is here to help you. With a vast choice of flooring styles for you to choose from, we can help you create your dream home, so get in touch today!
