Tile Flooring 101

Cons

There are a few cons to tile floors that might make them less suitable for some of the rooms in your home. However, most of these drawbacks are easily worked around.

• Grout maintenance: While the tiles need only a little maintenance, the grout between them will need some care — grout can trap debris, and you’ll have to work harder to remove dirt from the grout. Be sure to check your warranty before tackling grout to ensure you don’t void it while cleaning. Overall, you should re-grout whenever your grout looks dirty to prevent mold, bacteria and water buildup.
• Slippery: The smooth, heat-treated surface of the tile makes it slippery to walk on when wet. You can get slip-resistant tiles to help avoid this issue, or you can make sure to wipe up any water before walking on the tile.
• Weight: Tiles are relatively heavy and can add a lot of weight to your flooring, which can be a concern for upper levels. Check with a professional to ensure your home can withstand the weight of a whole tile floor.
• Potential damage: Poor installation is one of the causes of tile floor cracking, so always get your tile installed by a reputable company to protect your floors.

How to Choose Tile Flooring

You’ll want to choose your tile flooring carefully. Once it’s installed, you don’t want to find yourself regretting the style you picked. Like any home renovation project, you should carefully examine your options and find the best one for you based on budget and style.

Before picking a tile flooring, you should consider these factors.

• Type: Choosing ceramic or porcelain tile will depend on your specific needs. If you want a higher-end, more durable tile, porcelain is a stylish option that comes with a higher price. Choose ceramic for a more affordable tile with a slightly shorter life span.
• Size: Tile size influences how you perceive the room it’s in. Use different sizes to create patterns or choose one size to make a more uniform floor. Larger tiles will make a room feel bigger, while smaller ones might be perfect for a half bathroom or laundry room.
• Look: Consider the look you want for your space. Does your room have a particular style? Are cool or warm tones present? Do you want to make the room look bigger or smaller?
• Features: You should also think about potential tile features. Do you want a scratch-proof, slip-resistant tile? What finish are you looking for? Getting more protective features might increase the price, though you’ll improve the durability and quality of your tile.
• Room: Consider the size of your room. The bigger the room, the more expensive it’ll be to tile, so you might opt for ceramic tile to stay within your budget. Room use is also essential. If the intended room sees heavy traffic, sunlight and moisture, going with porcelain tile could help you get more life out of your tiles.
• Budget: Your budget will influence what tile you pick. Tile flooring costs can change depending on material, size, pattern and more, so talk to your flooring company to find a quality tile within your budget. They’ll help you explore different options and guide you to the best options for your home.

Additionally, you should think about the other flooring in your home. If you have laminate, you’ll need to know how to pair laminate flooring with your new tiles. Pick tile in the same color family as the laminate, or go for a different neutral to blend the two styles. This way, you don’t have to worry about trying to find an exact match, and your flooring will still look beautiful.