Types of Tile Flooring: Introduction
Whether you’re remodeling your home or building new construction, choosing the right flooring is one of your most important decisions. Tile flooring has become popular among homeowners because of its easy maintenance, long lifespan, and fashionable appearance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tile flooring to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home. We’ll discuss the different types of tiles available, the benefits tile provides, how to install them properly, the pros and cons to consider, and much more. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to decide if tile is the best flooring solution for your needs and lifestyle.
Types of Tile Flooring
When choosing tile for your home, there are several options to consider:
Types of Tile Flooring: Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile is one of the most popular choices for flooring. It is made from natural clay that is shaped and then fired in a kiln. Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of colors, textures, sizes, and finishes. They are an affordable option that is suitable for most areas of the home.
Types of Tile Flooring: Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain tile is similar to ceramic but is generally harder and more durable. Porcelain clay is fired at higher temperatures to create a denser product. This makes porcelain more resistant to moisture, stains, and wear. Porcelain comes in a range of styles and can mimic materials like wood, stone, and marble.
Types of Tile Flooring: Natural Stone Tile Flooring
Stone tile offers unique beauty and charm with natural variation in color and veining. Options like marble, travertine, limestone, and slate bring elegance and luxury. However, natural stone is more porous and requires extra sealing to prevent stains. It’s also one of the more expensive tile choices.
Types of Tile Flooring: Glass Tile Flooring
Glass tile can add a contemporary, stylish look with lots of shine and reflection. The glass material comes in endless colors from bold brights to soft neutrals. Glass tile is durable but the reflective surface shows dirt easily. This type of tile is often used for accents, mosaics, or backsplashes.
Types of Tile Flooring: Mosaic Tile flooring
Mosaic tiles are made up of small pieces of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone assembled into a mesh backing. The tiny tiles let you create artistic patterns and designs. Mosaics are frequently used on backsplashes, floors, pools, and other surfaces that need visual interest.
Types of Tile Flooring: Benefits
Tile flooring offers many benefits that make it a popular flooring choice.
- Durable and long-lasting: Tile is very durable and can last for decades with proper installation and care. The hard, fired clay material is resistant to scratches, stains, and high traffic areas. Tile won’t show wear patterns like carpet and won’t need frequent replacement.
- Easy to clean: Tile floors are easy to sweep, mop, and keep clean overall. The hard, non-porous surface does not absorb stains or spills, so they can simply be wiped up. Grout may need occasional deep cleaning.
- Moisture resistant: Tile is waterproof and highly moisture resistant. It can handle wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements without damage from spills or leaks. This makes tile ideal in humid climates.
- Versatile design options: Tile comes in a huge array of styles, colors, patterns, shapes, and textures. Mixing and matching tile allows for unlimited custom designs. Accent tiles can be used to create borders, patterns, and unique focal points.
- Improves home value: Quality tile installation can increase a home’s value and appeal. Tile conveys luxury and fine craftsmanship. Home buyers appreciate timeless, low maintenance tile floors.
How to Install Tile Flooring
Installing tile flooring in Ann Arbor MI is a do-it-yourself project that can totally transform the look and feel of a room. With some planning, patience, and the right tools, you can have an affordable new tile floor in just a weekend. Here are the key steps for successfully installing tile flooring:
Prepare the Subfloor
The subfloor must be clean, dry, and flat for the tile to adhere properly. Remove any existing flooring, then clean and level the subfloor as needed with self-leveling compound. Check for any loose areas and secure with screws or nails.
Plan the Layout
Map out your tile layout starting from the center of the room. Mix tile sizes and patterns randomly to create visual interest. Use spacers between tiles for even grout lines. Measure and mark the floor with pencil lines to guide the layout.
Apply Thinset Mortar
Apply a layer of thinset mortar evenly across the floor using a notched trowel. Only apply as much as can be tiled in 30 minutes before the thinset dries. Use a larger notched trowel for tile sizes over 8 inches.
Set the Tiles
Working in sections, set the tiles firmly into the thinset mortar. Use a rubber mallet to evenly tap down any high spots. Check for level often using a spirit level and pry up and re-set any uneven tiles. Allow the thinset to cure overnight before grouting.
Grouting the Tile
Mix the grout according to package directions. Apply grout across the tiles using a rubber grout float. Hold the float at a 45° angle to force grout into the joints. Wipe excess grout off the tiles with a damp sponge. Allow grout to dry overnight before sealing.
Seal and Finish
Apply grout sealant evenly across the grouted tiles and joints. Buff off any haze with a soft cloth after 10 minutes. Cover the floor to protect it while the grout and sealant fully cure over several days. Then enjoy your new DIY tile floor!
Types of Tile Flooring: Pros and Cons
Tile is one of the most durable flooring materials available, often lasting 50 years or more with proper installation and care. Tile floors are water-resistant, easy to clean, and come in a huge range of styles and designs.
Pros
- Durability: Tile is very durable and resistant to scratching, staining, and wear. With proper care, tile floors can last for decades.
- Easy maintenance: Keeping tile floors clean is a breeze. Just sweep regularly and occasionally wet mop with a vinyl floor cleaner. Tiles are resistant to moisture and most common household stains.
- Style options: From classic ceramic and porcelain tiles to trendy glass and stone mosaics, the options for tile flooring are nearly endless. Mix and match tile shapes, colors, textures and patterns to create custom floors.
Cons
- Hard underfoot: Tile can be somewhat hard and uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time. Using some cushioned mats can help.
- Can be cold: Tile tends to feel cool underfoot, especially ceramic tile. This may be a plus in hot climates, but less desirable in colder ones. Again, rugs and mats can help.
- Grout needs sealing: Grout is porous and can stain if not sealed properly. Grout will need periodic re-sealing over the life of the floor.
Types of Tile Flooring: Cost
The cost of tile flooring depends primarily on the type of tile you select. Here are some general guidelines on tile flooring costs:
- Ceramic tile ranges from $0.50-$3 per square foot for materials. Labor adds $3-$10 per square foot for installation. This is one of the most affordable tile options.
- Porcelain tile runs $1-$6 per square foot for materials. Labor is similar to ceramic at around $3-$10 per square foot. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic.
- Natural stone tile like marble, granite, slate or travertine ranges from $2-$15 per square foot for materials. Natural stone requires extra labor for installation bringing costs up to $10-$25 per square foot.
- Glass tile can cost $10-$30 per square foot installed. The pricey materials and specialized installation increase overall costs.
Some other factors that influence the total cost of tile installation:
- Tile size – Smaller tiles take more time and labor to install increasing costs. Larger tiles speed up installation lowering labor expenses.
- Tile pattern – Diagonal patterns, bordered edges, mosaics and accents require cutting many tiles and meticulous alignment – this drives up installation costs.
- Subfloor preparation – Existing floors may need repairs, leveling or waterproofing before tile can be installed, adding expenses.
- Location – Tile for a shower/tub surround is more expensive to install than a kitchen backsplash due to waterproofing needs.
Get a few quotes to compare costs for your specific tile flooring project.
Types of Tile Flooring: Best Places to Use Tile
Tile is a versatile flooring option suitable for many areas of the home. When deciding where to install tile floors, consider these rooms that are especially well-suited for tile:
Kitchens
Kitchens are one of the most popular places for tile floors. Tile is an ideal kitchen flooring material because it is water-resistant, easy to clean, and durable. The hard surface stands up well to heavy appliance traffic, spills, grease, and high-traffic foot traffic. Tile also helps reflect light in the kitchen. Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles are common kitchen flooring tile options.
Bathrooms
Like kitchens, bathrooms benefit from the water-resistant qualities of tile. Tile floors are able to withstand water exposure from showers and baths without warping or degrading. The impervious surface also resists mold and mildew growth. Tile floors are easy to clean, which is essential in bathrooms. Mosaic tiles, ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and natural stone tiles are commonly used in bathrooms.
Entryways
Tile floors make an excellent first impression in entryways. The hard, durable surface stands up well to high traffic, weather exposure, and wear from shoes. Tile entryway floors are easy to clean and maintain. Rustic stone tiles, ceramic tiles, and porcelain tiles work well in entryways. Tile entryways can also extend into adjoining hallways and foyers.
Laundry Rooms
The utility laundry room is another place where water-resistant tile shines. Tile holds up to leaks, overflowing appliances, and high humidity in the laundry room. It will not warp from steam or water exposure. The easy-to-clean floor won’t trap dirt. Laundry room floors often double as mudrooms, so the heavy-duty tile surface can handle muddy shoes. Porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles suit laundry room floors.
Types of Tile Flooring: Caring for Tile Floors
Keeping tile floors clean and in good condition requires proper maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for tile floors:
Sweeping and Mopping
- Sweep or vacuum tile floors regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris. This prevents particles from scratching the tile surfaces.
- For routine cleaning, mop tile floors with warm water mixed with a small amount of pH neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or harsh alkaline cleaners like ammonia, as these can damage and discolor the grout over time.
- Rinse the floor thoroughly after mopping and avoid leaving any cleaning solution behind. This prevents buildup of residue.
Grout Sealing
- Applying a penetrating grout sealer to cement grout helps protect it against stains and moisture. Reapply grout sealer every 1-2 years for best results.
- Grout sealer is unnecessary for epoxy grout, as it’s waterproof and stain-resistant on its own.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
- Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or scrub brushes on tile floors, as they can scratch the surface.
- Avoid bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and acidic or alkaline cleaners, which can etch, fade, and erode grout and tile over time.
- For tough stains, use a cleaning product specifically formulated for tile and grout. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
Properly caring for tile floors helps maintain their appearance and extends their lifespan. Basic upkeep like sweeping, mopping with a gentle cleaner, and resealing grout goes a long way.
Hiring a Tile Installation Pro
Hiring a professional tile installation contractor in Canton MI offers several benefits compared to doing it yourself:
- Experience and expertise: Tile pros have years of experience and access to specialized tools that allow them to properly prepare the subfloor, cut and lay the tiles, and grout and seal everything to create a long-lasting floor. They know all the tricks and techniques to do the job right.
- Efficiency: A professional tiling crew can install a tile floor much faster than a DIYer. The job may take you weeks to finish as a novice, whereas a contractor can knock it out in a few days. This saves you time and frustration.
- Attention to detail: From perfectly straight grout lines to cutting custom pieces around obstacles, professionals have an eye for detail that ensures your finished floor looks fantastic. Their work will pass close inspection and last for decades.
- Correct materials and methods: Pros know which materials work best together and comply with relevant building codes and standards. They use the right setting materials and procedures to minimize problems like cracks, chips, discoloration, shifting tiles, and grout issues down the road.
- Warranties: Many professional tilers provide warranties on their installation work, giving you peace of mind that any issues stemming from improper installation will be corrected. DIY jobs won’t come with any guarantees.
When hiring a tile pro, be sure to ask for references from past clients, look at examples of their work, inquire about warranties, and clearly communicate your expectations. Request an itemized written estimate of the project’s cost including materials, labor, and any other fees. Tile installation typically ranges between $5-$15 per square foot. Pay close attention to the experience level of the crew performing the work. More experienced tilers will often produce higher quality results.
Conclusion
Types of tile flooring offers many great benefits but also has some downsides to consider. In summary, tile is durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide variety of styles. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and moisture, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and laundry rooms. The main benefits of tile are its longevity, low maintenance, and water-resistance.
However, tile can also be cold underfoot, noisy when walked on with shoes, and prone to cracking if the subfloor isn’t properly prepared. Installation is labor-intensive and requires expertise to get right. Tile is also less comfortable for standing on for long periods compared to materials like wood or vinyl.
When weighing the pros and cons, tile remains one of the best flooring options in terms of appearance, durability, and longevity. With proper installation and care, a tile floor can last for decades. Tile floors add style and sophistication to any room. Just be sure to consider the floor usage and your lifestyle needs when deciding between tile and other flooring types. Talk to a flooring expert if you’re unsure whether tile is the right choice for your home.
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