Tile

Types of Tile Flooring

While several types of tile flooring materials, finishes, and features are available, not all of them are appropriate for every application. For example, you will need waterproof tile if you install a new floor in your bathroom.

Tile Material

Some of the most popular types of floor tile materials are ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. However, vinyl, acrylic, and glass tiles are also available. 

Ceramic tile is made from clay and fired in a kiln. Porcelain is created from a mixture of quartz and clay and is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic. Natural stone includes stone quarried from the earth, like slate, marble, and granite.

If you want tile flooring that is waterproof, you’ll want to go with ceramic or porcelain tiles because they are non-porous. Even though vinyl is waterproof, the many seams in a vinyl tile floor negate any protection.

Tile Finishes

Several tile finishes are available, including:

• Glazed, which has a smooth, shiny surface that is easy to clean but slippery when wet
• Unglazed, which has a matte finish and is more durable than glazed tile but is more difficult to maintain and clean
• Textured, which has a rough surface that is slip-resistant but the most challenging to clean
• Glossy, which is like glazed and has a smooth, shiny surface
• Brushed, which is similar to textured, though typically not as rough

If you’re unsure what type of tile flooring finish you want, it’s a good idea to browse our collection thoroughly before making your purchase decision.

Benefits of Tile Flooring

The characteristics of tile flooring make it a popular choice for homeowners with various budgets, style requirements, and application needs. There are numerous benefits of tile flooring:

• Durable: These floors can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making them excellent choices for high-traffic areas
• Stylish: Tile flooring can add a touch of luxury to your home and is considered to be a high-end flooring type
• Low-Maintenance: Tile flooring doesn’t require polishing or waxing, and it resists chipping, stains, and scratches
• Easy to Clean: Just vacuum it regularly and mop it with a mild detergent solution
• Eco-Friendly: Tile flooring is a sustainable choice since it is made from natural materials
• Versatile: Tile can be used in several rooms of the house, like bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms

In addition, tile flooring lasts for a long time and can be recycled. It’s also an excellent choice for outdoor areas, like patios and decks.

Tile Flooring Installation

If you plan to install tile flooring as a DIY project, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Prepare the subfloor by ensuring that it’s level, clean, and dry. Lay the mortar bed and set the tile using a rubber mallet or setting block. Grout the tile to fill the gaps, then seal it to protect it from moisture damage.

If you’re ready to begin transforming your floor, the first step is to choose the best tile flooring for your home.