When it’s time to replace the old flooring in your kitchen or bathroom, or you’re ready for a new look, there are several things you’ll need to consider. The amount of wear the floor gets, the way the room is used and your budget are all primary factors that will have a big impact on the type of flooring you need. Different types of tile floors work better in different rooms, so becoming informed before you shop can save you money in addition to giving you a great-looking room.
The two most popular types of flooring tiles are those made of ceramic and natural stone materials. Ceramic tile is typically either porcelain or non-porcelain, denoting the materials used to manufacture the tiles. Both types of tile can be finished with a glaze or left unfinished, A glazed finish can be matte, semi-gloss or high-gloss. Ceramic tile that is non-porcelain is one of the least expensive flooring options you can choose. Ceramic floor tiles come in a wide range of colors and designs.
Natural stone floor tiles are removed from a quarry rather than manufactured. Some of the different types of stone include granite, marble, slate and limestone, of which travertine is one variety. There are three common finishes applied to natural stone tile: honed, natural or polished. The appearance you prefer for your floor and the area in which you plan to use the tile have a large impact on the type of finish you should choose. A natural finish features a dull appearance while a honed finish offers a matte finish. A polished finish gives a high gloss to the tiles.
Each of the types of tile floor offers several pros and cons. While a ceramic tile floor is easy to maintain and good for the budget-conscious, it doesn’t hold up as well under heavy conditions as a natural stone floor does. Ceramic tile is easy to clean and works well in rooms that are prone to moisture build-up, like bathrooms. Stone tiles are more expensive because of the work it takes to quarry them, but they are extremely durable. They’ll hold up well in areas of your home that don’t aern’t moist. When you’re ready to choose new flooring, talk with the knowledgeable staff at the Tile Store in Topeka, KS before you make your final choice.
