People seek the best flooring materials for many reasons. And when looking for an excellent kind of tile, it's best to consider factors like beauty, features, and durability.
Tiles have an edge because, aside from a long lifespan, they can be maintained easily. Be careful, though, when buying tiles to avoid getting ones that aren't durable.
Furthermore, it is important to know the difference between all flooring tiles available. In apposition to extreme slick walls tiles, many flooring tiles must have a high COF rating.
In this article, we shall explore the popular types of tiles you can find on the market and which are suitable for you.
Quarry Tiles
The origin of this tile has been misrepresented; many thought it came from quarries. However, these tiles are manufactured from shale, feldspar, and clay.
To manufacture quarry tile, these materials need to be grounded and molded together. This allows quarry tiles to be suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are common tiles used for medium-sized and small rooms, like kitchens, garages, and bathrooms.
Mosaic tiles measure around two inches for basic lengths. This makes it a suitable option for average room sizes.
The right tool to cut mosaic tiles is the RUBI tile cutter, which provides a smooth precision for tile cutting.
Porcelain Tiles
These tiles are made from dense clay and produced under higher conditions than other ceramic tiles. Therefore, they are stronger and offer much resistance to wear and tear.
Porcelain is suited for the outdoors because it offers more protection over porosity and gives better protection in harsh temperatures. You can also get them in glazed form; however, this form isn't expensive.
Marble tiles
People interested in aesthetic value, beautification, and elegance in homes will love these tiles.
Marble tiles are a good choice for trendy and stylish homes. They are made from excellent natural marble stones, making them look special.
The different variants of the materials used are available in different colors. They have excellent finishing choices that make it a great choice for all homes.
Despite these nice features, marble tiles don't perform well with dirt, spillages, and stains. This is because of the material used, which attracts unwanted elements to their surfaces. Marble tiles aren't ideal for outdoor uses. However, for those who want to reduce their porous feature, they can get an excellent surface sealer, which helps shield the tile surface and clogs the pores.
Travertine Tiles
Travertine tiles are produced from travertine limestone, which can be found in hot springs, caves, hills, and natural landscapes around the world. Travertine can be seen in various colors, although it has a coarse texture caused by its organic nature. They have a stylish surface that makes your interior look great and brings life to your space. It also has a huge lifespan due to its excellent material and because most romance edifices were designed using these tiles.
Because of this, travertine tiles are recommended for palaces, temples, theatres, and public spaces. Also, many consider it a good choice to construct bathrooms, pools, walkways, and other structures exposed to water.
Additionally, travertine elements are 100% biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly building elements. They can be maintained easily and are highly durable.
They are a cheaper alternative to other tiles; however, some variants might be expensive to install.
Slate Tiles
Slate Tiles are made from natural materials deposits. Slate is a rare element used to produce many durable products. Slate Tiles, then, are perfect tiles, as they are strong and give your interior a great look.
Additionally, Slate Tiles keep your apartment warm and offer you a good flooring option. It's very resistant to water and other moist forms.
Although it isn't expensive as other quality tiles like granite and marble, many still consider Slate Tiles as high-end floorings.
Granite Tiles
When faced with high-foot traffic and wanting a tile that can withstand such traffic, granite tile is an appropriate choice. This tile is manufactured from dense and strong igneous rock.
You can use its special veining and speckled view to differentiate it from other materials.
Granite tiles are reliable in the flooring industry because they have been shown to withstand time.
They are available in several colors and provide a huge aesthetic for many homeowners, making them highly sought-after by many people.
Besides their aversion to acids, granite tiles are light, flexible, and come in little forms, making them simple to integrate. However, granite tiles are also very porous and attract stains similar to marble tiles. But if polished, they can perform better than other tiles.
Terrazzo Tiles
These tiles are made from many rare earth materials like glass and marble.
Although the manufacturing process takes time, terrazzo tiles offer a bright and shiny surface, making them an ideal solution for most public structures. However, many don't like it for personal homes because they are very slippery, which can be dangerous for children.
Onyx Tiles
Onyx Tiles come from a natural element known as Onyx. They have a similar appearance to granite tiles.
The excellent translucent view of this tile comes from the rich material and appeals to many who want something shiny and special in their rooms.
However, it comes with some downsides, including a fragile nature. They are manufactured using mesh, resin, and fiberglass, which helps increase the quality.
Onyx tiles are available in many forms and features, which determines how they are used. You can get them in many colors for both indoor and outdoor use.
To get good results, it is advised to mix the colors to create a balance. Also, create a bland layout before full installation to get a nice outlook.
Wooden Tiles
According to recent flooring reviews, this tile is becoming more popular among many homes in Western countries. What makes the wooden tile unique is its capacity to adjust to different humidity situations in the house.
Hardwood tiles
These tiles are known for their great value in most homes. When hardwood tiles have been installed on the floor, it is expected that the property value will increase by at least 10%.
Unlike other options, hardwood floors don't need to be replaced regularly, and they are cheaper to care for and maintain. Even when some floor types show specks of dirt easily, hardware remains neat and doesn't store stains easily.
Though they show traces of wear and tear over time, hardware floors are very durable and long-lasting. These tiles are advisable for homeowners new to interior decoration because they add something special to the homes.
Once installing these floor tiles in your home, they create a special taste without pushing much effort. Most people looking for apartments and homes always like tiles with these features.
Therefore, for landlords who want to sell their homes, hardwood flooring gives your property something different. Many people don't like spending much effort cleaning because it takes time and money.
Therefore, expenditures spent on carpet cleaning and dirt removal can be greatly reduced by installing tiles made from hardwood. When cleaning hardwood flooring, high-end vacuum cleaners aren't required to clean hardwood floors.
What is needed is wood soaps and a map to give your floor a beautiful look. Hence, using hardwood floors improves the outlook of your interior and beautifies your home.
Sandstone Tiles
These tiles are designed to offer you a rich and natural feeling for all your flooring needs. Sandstone tiles are used mainly for pools, patios, walkways, and gym arenas.
These tiles come in various styles, sizes, and colors, which have great appeal to everyone.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are made from clay materials and are heavily sought-after. These tiles are quarried, prepared, and molded for immediate usage. They are also excellent for most interior decorations and appeal to many households.
The most impressive characteristics of these tiles are durability, extended lifespan, versatility, and impressive abrasion resistance. Their high durability permits them to stand the regular flood traffic.
Moreover, they provide an array of eye-catching design experiences. While covered with a strong glaze, ceramic tiles come with a splendid style, pattern, and theme. However, they shouldn't be installed outside the house because of their inability to withstand heat and the harsh cold during winter periods.
Also, they are likely to absorb moisture which wears down their lifespan. Ceramic tiles come in some varieties and styles.
Faux Wood Tiles
Faux wood tile is an ideal option when discussing top tiles in the world. These tiles are more durable and resist moisture than hardwood.
They also have better designs, aren't affected by insects, and don't need much care.
Recently, many house owners have been shifting from hardwood tiles to wood tiles for several reasons. Hardwood floors get affected by increased human traffic and scratches; this particular tile provides better resistance to these issues.
This is why they are a perfect choice for structures that will witness high-traffic applications that last a lifetime. Many people have experienced troubles when seeking flooring materials suitable for water-prone spaces, like toilets, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Unlike other flooring types, tiles of this caliber cope better with moist; hence they are recommended for wet applications. Though you can take care of hardwood floors easily, it requires constant refinishing, resealing, and restaining.
Because these wood tiles came from ceramics, the maintenance is basic and easy to carry out.
Furthermore, in contrast to hardwood floors, faux wood doesn't suffer from termites. When hardwood floors are attacked by termites, though, they become irreparable. You will need to change the entire flooring, which comes at a huge financial cost from your side. To prevent such problems, consider getting faux wood materials to be better served.
In addition to this, faux wood tiles provide diverse designs, themes, textures, and colors. You could also integrate several customized flooring finishes that you like, which isn't common in the market.
This is because of the inkjet technology, a recent model in the flooring industry. Due to the high demand for reclaimed wood, it has become scarce and expensive.
Faux wood provides a better option than reclaimed wood because it is more affordable and can be purchased anywhere.
In conclusion, you can save capital when buying faux wood tiles because of the unique features they offer. Asides from having benefits ahead of hardwood flooring, they are cheaper and better.
According to statistics by Omaha magazine, choosing this tile saves costs and provides cheaper maintenance costs than other alternatives.
Quartzite Tiles
Quartzite Tiles come from a natural rock known as quartzite, which gives the tiles an appealing look. The quartzite rock is formed when sandstone with high quartz is heated at an optimal temperature.
The durable nature of the material is why they remain a suitable choice for flooring enthusiasts. When you buy these tiles, you are assured of good resistance to bacteria due to the acidic nature of the material.
When seeking a good flooring option for indoor and outdoor applications like pools, bathrooms, and driveways, choosing quartzite is good. If you want a shiny, darker, or marble-like appearance, you can crystalize the quartzite and seal it with a dark shade.
In conclusion, numerous flooring options are available when talking about flooring tiles. Choosing the best flooring type is difficult because your budget, preferences, and tastes will determine the kind of flooring tiles you want.
If you decide what flooring tiles you need, talk to a tile expert who will help you with all your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the lifespan of tile flooring?
Most tiles can have about 55 years or more, depending on the maintenance and material used. These tiles also come in grades.
Grade one tile is often considered the best in terms of quality. Also, glazed ceramic, terra cotta, and glazed porcelain are durable options for tile flooring.
For unglazed tile, they have some sealant that guides it from wetness and extends its lifespan. Also, these seal treatments are usually applied every two and a half years.
How is floor tile recycled?
You can recycle the materials used to make floor tiles when you take them to a local waste recycle center. Glass and ceramic tiles can be recycled to make other products and tiles.
The advisable way to prepare tiles when you want to recycle them is to split them into tiny pieces using a hammer. Many archaic tiles can be reused for mosaic art projects.
Can tile flooring be considered waterproofed?
Yes, tile flooring is considered waterproof when glazed materials and sealants are used when keeping these tiles protected from wetness. Vinyl is considered a top material when dealing with waterproofed tiles.
Can I use paint for tile flooring?
Tile flooring can be painted in any color you desire. It is a good substitute for buying expensive decorative floorings. Note, though, that when exposed to moisture for long, it causes paint to wear off over time, except in dry spaces.
You can consider chalk paint because it works well for most color tiles, unlike latex paints, which are suitable for patterned tiles. One can use a high and mid gloss brand of oil paint, which can be a good choice for many tiles and has been known to offer damage control more than other paints available.
Can I regrout tile flooring?
Yes, you can regrout tile flooring if you use grout tools like ceramic knives and chisel. These tools are useful when removing these grouts, and they must be in good condition.
You will also need to use a sealant for your tiles to prevent fresh grouts from penetrating the tiles. Once any grout materials are noticed during installation, they should be removed immediately.
Can floor tiles be fixed on wall surfaces?
Yes, most floor tiles can be used on wall surfaces. Most floor tiles need optimal durability to avoid wear from movement traffic. Be careful, though, when applying times on exterior walls because they are affected when exposed to moisture and other extreme weather.
Can I remove or reuse floor tiles?
Floor tiles can be recycled and taken off, albeit with some complications. A good example is when you try to recycle ceramic tiles, which is difficult when considering the presence of mortar.
It can be done, though, when you carefully use tools like a chisel, putty knife, and other thin tools.
Can floor tiles be used for countertops?
Floor tiles are great for countertops because they offer cheaper value and better results than granite or various natural stones. Laminate floor tiles act as good bases for floors and other sites.
Your best bet is using glue to fix the tiles on countertops rather than self-adhering tiles.
Can I use floor tile as a backsplash?
Yes, tiles can be used as backsplashes, especially on surfaces, due to their ability to resist moisture. As much as tiles are manufactured from water-resistant materials and have the required sealant, they will be fine. Use backsplashes in the kitchen, bathrooms, and toilets to help prevent moisture damage.
Can I install floor tile over linoleum?
Yes, you can install floor tile over linoleum once the linoleum is fixed on concrete. When doing this, a flooring material called substrate must be placed on the linoleum to make it more durable and less flexible. Putting tiles over linoleum is great, particularly when it has asbestos fibers which cause health problems.
Can I install floor tiles on plywood material?
Yes, this is possible; however, these plywood surfaces should have layers or sheets that will act as a base before installing tiles. Also, ensure your subfloor doesn't shift when installation is going on.
Consider using a thinset base with good latex material when applying them to the surface areas. This makes the tiles glue firmly and hold their place.
Can floor tile be used as shower floors?
Yes, floor tile can be used for showers. Many tiles are made from waterproof materials or are sealed to withstand wetness and ability to take minimal water absorption.
Mosaic porcelain tiles are recommended for shower floors because of their good makeup features. You can cover shower walls in glazed and porcelain ceramics.
Can tile flooring be repaired?
Tile flooring that has suffered any form of damage can be repaired. One of the benefits of these flooring types is that only the tiles with damages need replacement or repair.
This saves cost and covers defacement around the property. Hairline tile cracks can be repaired with jelly-based primer and excellent marine epoxy. Tiles with severe damages need a replacement; however, replacement time varies between 12 to 24 hours.
