What Kind Of Tile Is Best For Your Home?

Homeowners wanting to upgrade the interior of their homes because it is 'time' or because they are preparing to put it on the market for sale often want to use tile in some of the rooms. However, there are at least three choices for materials and each has its own set of benefits.

First there is ceramic tile. Ceramic tile flooring can be beautiful, tough and durable. It is resistant to almost all of the common sources of wear endured by quality flooring. The surface of ceramic has a longer life span compared with many other types of floors. Natural wood floors, if properly maintained, can also last a lifetime.

One feature or benefit that many do not realize is that ceramic tiles do not burn. They are fireproof so they do not emit smoke or toxic fumes. They can be used in wet areas if they a properly installed and grouted. They resist abrasion and tread wear in heavily trafficked areas.

A properly laid ceramic tile floor will neither deform nor break in extreme temperature conditions. Also, they are easy to maintain. To keep a ceramic tile surface clean, all you need to do is sweep, vacuum and wash them regularly with water. Unlike carpeting, they do not fade. If they are installed in rooms or areas with direct sunlight, the tiles will look just as vivid five years from now as they do today.

Porcelain tile flooring can easily endure heavy foot traffic at both residential and commercial locations while not reducing its color and beauty. It is generally harder and denser than ceramic tiles. Home owners in colder areas will appreciate that it is frost-resistant and sometimes can be frost proof. Like ceramics, it is highly resistant to scratch, stain and moisture. It is strong and long-lasting and has a high breaking strength. Porcelain contains less clay and more feldspar. It is also pressed at a higher pressure. Another feature is that it has low water absorption.

Porcelain tile flooring offers a wide range of colors and textures, and many different designs and styles. Professionals can produce an accurate recreation of the look of natural stone, granite, slate, travertine, limestone, marble, quartzite, terracotta and even woods and metals.

It is an ideal choice for any interior room of the house because it does not need polishing, waxing or sealing. It can be cleaned with a damp mop.

Natural stone is made by Mother Nature. It is rare to find two stones that are identical. Natural stone comes in many forms such as slate, flagstone (sandstone), marble, granite, travertine and limestone. Each stone has unique characteristics and maintenance requirements. Because natural stones are not impervious to stains it is important that you should use a penetrating sealer for all natural stones after installation.

While natural stone does give an expensive look to a project a homeowner must be prepared to deal with the variances in color and veining from shipment to shipment.