The flooring of a space sets the tone for the rest of the room. It gives the space character that is enhanced by the overall decor. Using floor tiles is a great way to create a unique sense of character in a room.
This guide will help you through this challenge by looking at the different floor tile types and where you can install them.
Locations for Tile Flooring
Floor tiling is a great choice for many different locations around the house. It is appropriate anywhere you want an attractive surface that is easy to clean. Some of the most common choices for flooring tiling include:
Kitchen Tile
The kitchen is one of the messiest spots in the home. Carpet in a kitchen is a recipe for disaster, which is why many people prefer tile or hardwood. These simple surfaces make cleanup easy without having to worry about long-term damage.
Floor tiling can be an effective choice over hardwood if you are concerned about cost or durability.
Florida Tile SamplesBathroom Tile
The bathroom is another typical room that sees its share of messes. Sanitation is often a major concern in this room, which is why certain tile types are a good fit for this location.
A typical design style is to continue a certain type of tile up onto the walls of the shower. This is a great way to tie in a common design element so a uniform design style is achieved.
Entryway Tile
Tiling in the entryway is perfect for having an easy to clean surface that normally attracts dirt and mud from the outside. This is also common in homes with mudrooms and other spaces where people can take off dirty clothing.
Floor tiling in these points provides a great contrast to hardwood floors and carpets in main living areas. For the perfect tiling in one of these spots, pick something that is durable and long-lasting.
Tile Types
There’s a whole variety of tile types out there for you to choose from. We can break down these types into two major categories: ceramic and natural stone.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are artificially made tiles of many shapes, colors, and sizes. They can be glazed or unglazed.
One of the biggest decisions to make when considering ceramic tiles is whether you want porcelain or non-porcelain. Each type is made slightly differently and has different advantages over the other.
Porcelain tiles are known for being durable and long-lasting. They are perfect for places in the home that see a lot of heavy traffic and usage. Due to this durability, they can be more expensive per square foot.
Non-porcelain tiles are great for tighter budgets since they are less expensive per square foot. While they might not be as durable as porcelain tiles, many still can handle the normal everyday abuse of home foot traffic.
Both types of tiles come in many varieties of styles and colors. Depending on your intended home design, you can find the right one at the right price with little effort.
Stone Tile
Stone floor tiling is a great choice for a natural and unique work. Most often, they are cut directly from large slabs of different types of rock such as marble, granite, limestone, or slate.
Different types of rock are going to be more or less expensive than others. The type of rock will also determine the overall look of the floor.
Most stone flooring will also require some sort of finish or treatment in order to protect it. When treated and maintained properly, stone flooring is a great option that is long-lasting.
Keep in mind that since all rocks are different, samples may differ from the final product. There will always be slight variations in the final look.
Things To Think About
Ultimately, choosing the right tile types comes down to your own needs and preferences. Whether you are refinishing a room or building a new home, you can find the right tile types if you think about a few important things.
- Make sure you have a clear budget in mind. You should divide up your overall budget into different areas, including the flooring. Be sure to maintain this budget so you aren’t spending more than you have to.
- Keep in mind your preferred specifications. Each tile is going to come with different types of grades, wear resistance, slip resistance, and other minor differences. These differences will largely determine how long the tile lasts and how much it costs.
- Decide whether these tiles will be used indoors or outdoors. Even though most tiles are found inside, stone tiles are quite common in outdoor settings. Patios and deck spaces make great candidates for the floor tiling treatment. Outdoor use requires special considerations such as weather and the elements. You will want to find some tiles that can stand up to the abuse without losing their look or integrity.
- Finally, the overall style of the tile is important for aesthetics. It contributes to the design of the entire room and it will influence what colors, furniture, and other design elements you include.
Finding The Right Tile
The process of finding the right tile types for your home should be exciting. With a little bit of research and thought, you can make the best choices you need to get the desired finished product.
You should look for tile that will fit your budget, design, and typical use around the home.
Floor tiling will make a statement in any room. Finding something that is long-lasting will allow you to enjoy the tile work for many years to come before having to replace it.
If you live in the Myrtle Beach area and want additional help or information, feel free to get in touch. We are happy to help.
