Consider Your Flooring Options
The next time you walk into a room, take a look at your flooring and consider its benefits of it. If anything else, think about how it functions within the room if improvements and alternatives would be better. Attractive flooring not only brightens the mood of a place, but it can also have benefits that are essential to the micro-environments of a room. A bathroom, for example, may need water-resistant flooring material whilst a living room can have more possibilities of choices since humidity and moisture are not too big of a factor. Ceramic floor tiles have been a common choice of reliable and durable flooring for multiple areas of the home and even countertops and backsplashes! They’re a very versatile option for your home or business, yet as with anything consider the pros and cons and you’ll end up being satisfied with the end results of your Tile floor installation! Let’s go ahead and consider ceramic floor tile pros and cons first!
Benefits of Ceramic Floor Tiles
- Can be used for floors, countertops, backsplashes, and walls
- Durable
- Versatile
- Easy to install
- Low costs
- Low maintenance
Ceramic Floor Tile Cons
- Size and color can vary from lot to lot
- Can only be used inside
- Unglazed options require sealant for rooms with moisture
- Not frost proof
What is ceramic floor tile?
Ceramic floor tiles are typically made of red or white clays, sand, and a variety of other natural products. They are first molded and shaped, fired in a kiln, and can come in glazed or unglazed varieties. They are popularly used with floors, walls, and countertops and are long-lasting options if well-maintained. They also come in different grades that determine the quality and where they would best be used. A ceramic floor tile with a grade of 1, for example, would be the highest quality of ceramic tiles and be the most durable for floors and walls. Grade 3 would be considered the lowest and thinnest quality best used for walls and not floors. (In general, tiles for floors can be used for walls but not vice versa.)
How much does it cost to install ceramic floor tile?
Flooring can range in cost yet ceramic floor tiles average $5 per square foot. Including installation, you can expect anywhere from $2-$10 per square foot. Technically speaking, ceramic tiles are in the middle of the price range for flooring types.
Is ceramic floor tile durable?
Ceramic floor tiles are very durable and tough to crack, proper installation and a well-maintained floor can have your ceramic floor tile lasting for even centuries. If your tile does crack, replacements are fairly simple and easily obtainable. Ceramic floor tiles for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are typical of the glazed variety due to the protective top layer that makes it resistant to water, high humidity, and stains. However, even unglazed options can be sealed to protect surfaces from liquids and stains. As a matter of fact, there is a layer of grout typically included in all types of tile flooring that can be susceptible to stains and moisture so it’s important to have tile flooring regularly sealed to ensure protective qualities.
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic floor tile?
Ceramic Floor Tile vs Porcelain
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are part of a large category of floor tiles that are considered ceramic, yet are composed differently and even behave differently upon installation. The main area of difference, in accordance with an industry group that categorizes tiles, revolves around water absorption. What’s more, the criteria can be extended even more by density, smoothness, graining, and imperviability. Both are formed by feldspar, clay, and quartz at temperatures that range from 1,200-1,400℃. The main factor is that porcelain has a water absorption rate of .5% or lower while ceramic has from less the 7% to less than 3%. Porcelain has more kaolin than ceramic, fewer impurities, and often comes rectified and/or extruded. Porcelain is, therefore, better at resisting absorption and is denser in quality which makes it more durable.
Which is the best tiles for flooring?
As far as durability goes, porcelain tiles are a better option as they are fired at high temperatures which produce a harder, more durable, stain and moisture-resistant tile. (If you’re interested in more durable roofing then consider Metal roofing.) Although ceramics are recommended for inside use only, porcelain can be used outdoors as well and can withstand virtually any climate.
Does tile flooring increase home value?
Any type of new flooring is considered an upgrade to your home and can increase your tax basis if you choose to resale. Tile flooring is a great option to have in your home, however, hardwood flooring has long since been the top choice in the market.
If you’re interested in ceramic floor tile in Pantego and Arlington, TX call 817.861.3737 with DFW Flooring Warehouse!