When it comes to choosing tile for floors, there are many options available. Modern tiles come in numerous varieties, including natural elements and synthetic types. These might include things like stone, quartz, various metals and, most commonly, natural stone and ceramic. Some of the more uncommon types include brick, glass and even cement.
Ceramic tile comes in either porcelain or non-porcelain material. Non-porcelain tiles are made from red, brown or white clay as well as other materials. Porcelain tile is made from minerals and clay and also feldspar, which is white sand or dust (a type of crystal) found in a rock. A homeowner can choose porcelain and non-porcelain tile that is glazed or unglazed. Tile that is glazed has a semi-gloss, matte, or high-gloss finish. Glazed tiles have scratch resistance, traction, less water absorption and a higher stain resistance than unglazed tile.
For those looking for an affordable and simple option, non-porcelain will probably be what catches their eye. However, despite the higher cost and slightly more challenging installation, porcelain tiles naturally offer better durability. Regardless of which option someone goes for, there are numerous color options, shapes, patterns and textures to choose from. Don't be afraid to get creative when redoing a floor.
For tile made from natural stone, correctly-sized pieces are cut from larger slabs, and they have varying natural finishes applied to them. There are several different stone varieties that are popular in the tile industry, and there can be subtle differences within each variety that stem for where the stone was originally quarried. Each stone type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Granite tends to be very hard and resistant to damage, and for this reason, many homeowners choose it for areas that get a lot of foot traffic.
Marble is a stone tile that is available in many colors. It has a porous quality and is therefore not recommended for kitchens unless it is sealed regularly. If you would like an earthy appearance, choose limestone tile. It can be polished, easily stained, and scratched. It should not be installed in busy areas of the home. Travertine has an earthy crystallized appearance and is a type of limestone. Special surface sealing and care is needed to maintain this tile. Slate is very durable and dense. It available in earthy dark tones and is a great choice for high traffic flooring needs.
You will commonly find stone tiles in polished, honed or natural finishes. Polished surfaces are very reflective, and are often used on countertops for their beautiful appearance. Is does tend to make floors more slippery, however. A honed finish provides decent traction for walking and a matte appearance. A natural finish preserves the most of the stone's original qualities, but may make the surface look comparatively dull.
Ceramic tile comes in either porcelain or non-porcelain material. Non-porcelain tiles are made from red, brown or white clay as well as other materials. Porcelain tile is made from minerals and clay and also feldspar, which is white sand or dust (a type of crystal) found in a rock. A homeowner can choose porcelain and non-porcelain tile that is glazed or unglazed. Tile that is glazed has a semi-gloss, matte, or high-gloss finish. Glazed tiles have scratch resistance, traction, less water absorption and a higher stain resistance than unglazed tile.
For those looking for an affordable and simple option, non-porcelain will probably be what catches their eye. However, despite the higher cost and slightly more challenging installation, porcelain tiles naturally offer better durability. Regardless of which option someone goes for, there are numerous color options, shapes, patterns and textures to choose from. Don't be afraid to get creative when redoing a floor.
For tile made from natural stone, correctly-sized pieces are cut from larger slabs, and they have varying natural finishes applied to them. There are several different stone varieties that are popular in the tile industry, and there can be subtle differences within each variety that stem for where the stone was originally quarried. Each stone type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Granite tends to be very hard and resistant to damage, and for this reason, many homeowners choose it for areas that get a lot of foot traffic.
Marble is a stone tile that is available in many colors. It has a porous quality and is therefore not recommended for kitchens unless it is sealed regularly. If you would like an earthy appearance, choose limestone tile. It can be polished, easily stained, and scratched. It should not be installed in busy areas of the home. Travertine has an earthy crystallized appearance and is a type of limestone. Special surface sealing and care is needed to maintain this tile. Slate is very durable and dense. It available in earthy dark tones and is a great choice for high traffic flooring needs.
You will commonly find stone tiles in polished, honed or natural finishes. Polished surfaces are very reflective, and are often used on countertops for their beautiful appearance. Is does tend to make floors more slippery, however. A honed finish provides decent traction for walking and a matte appearance. A natural finish preserves the most of the stone's original qualities, but may make the surface look comparatively dull.
About the Author:
Even beautiful tile can be brought down when the grout it's sealed with isn't up to par. For tile and grout repair in Denver, be sure to contact The Grout Medic!