Flooring Tile

Flooring tile is available in many different shapes, colors, patterns, and finishes. Tile is a suitable flooring material for just about any room of a home. The look of a bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room can all benefit from tile flooring.  The different types of tile flooring include ceramic, porcelain, and stone.

Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring are among the most popular choices. Ceramic can be either glazed or unglazed.  Glazed tiles can look either dull or glossy.  Tiles that are unglazed are usually earthy color tones because they do not have a finish on them. An important difference to consider between porcelian and ceramic tile is the distribution of color within the tile. The color of pocelain tile is uniform throughout the piece, so if the tile gets chipped, the same color will be showing through, making the chip less noticable.  With ceramic tile, the color is only on the top outer layer.  If ceramic gets chipped, the color of the material will show through (generally white) and the entire piece will more than likely need to be replaced because it will be very noticable. 

Natural stone tile is available in slate, marble, granite, limestone, or fieldstone.  When stone is used, the floor of any room steals the show. Stone is very noticable and attractive, adding a sense of substance to a room. Smooth stone tile, such as marble, brings a feeling of formality and importance to a room. Stone tile that is left rough and natural such as slate, brings a feeling of texture and character to a room.

Tile is very durable and pleasing to the eye.  But there are a few things to consider before installing tile flooring.  Tile can be expensive to purchase with both the material and the labor involved for installing it.  Also, tile flooring can be cold to the touch which may be uncomfortable during the winter and in cold climates.  Structurally, you must be sure that your floor is stong enought to hold tile flooring, since it is a heavier material.