When it comes to choosing tile for floors, there are many options available. Modern tiles come in numerous varieties, including natural elements and synthetic types. These might include things like stone, quartz, various metals and, most commonly, natural stone and ceramic. Some of the more uncommon types include brick, glass and even cement.
There are both porcelain and non-porcelain types of ceramic tiles. Most of the non-porcelain varieties are made primarily with some type of clay. As for the porcelain types, they are often made from various minerals, as well as powdered crystal, such as gypsum. Aside from choosing porcelain or non-porcelain, the buyer will need to decide if they want a glaze on the tile, a finish that will help the tile resist damage, stains and moisture and provide better friction for walking.
While non-porcelain tile is the most affordable tile flooring, porcelain tile is more expensive and difficult to work with. However, porcelain tile offers more durability, minimal water absorption and natural stain resistance. Ceramic tile is ideal and commonly used for bathrooms and kitchens. It comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, designs and textures. The possibilities are limitless.
For tile made from natural stone, correctly-sized pieces are cut from larger slabs, and they have varying natural finishes applied to them. There are several different stone varieties that are popular in the tile industry, and there can be subtle differences within each variety that stem for where the stone was originally quarried. Each stone type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Granite tends to be very hard and resistant to damage, and for this reason, many homeowners choose it for areas that get a lot of foot traffic.
Contrasting the very dense granite is the more porous marble. This stone type is often used on countertops, but if it's going to be used in an area where water hazards are common, be sure to reseal it regularly, as the porous qualities makes it susceptible to discoloration and damage from moisture. Limestone lends a nice earthy quality to a surface, but it's not the most durable or stain-resistant, and therefore is not a good choice for high-traffic rooms. Travertine is a crystal-like variation of limestone that shares many of its qualities. Slate, like granite, is very durable, and would not be a bad choice for busy areas.
Stone tile finishing typically comes in honed, natural or polished finishes. Honed surfaces are matte and smooth in appearance. It prevents wear and slipping and is a perfect choice for busy walkways. Natural finishes have a dull earthy appearance. Depending on preference, the finish preserves as much of the natural stone characteristics as desired. Lastly, polished surfaces have a mirror like, highly reflective, and slippery to walk on finish.
There are both porcelain and non-porcelain types of ceramic tiles. Most of the non-porcelain varieties are made primarily with some type of clay. As for the porcelain types, they are often made from various minerals, as well as powdered crystal, such as gypsum. Aside from choosing porcelain or non-porcelain, the buyer will need to decide if they want a glaze on the tile, a finish that will help the tile resist damage, stains and moisture and provide better friction for walking.
While non-porcelain tile is the most affordable tile flooring, porcelain tile is more expensive and difficult to work with. However, porcelain tile offers more durability, minimal water absorption and natural stain resistance. Ceramic tile is ideal and commonly used for bathrooms and kitchens. It comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, designs and textures. The possibilities are limitless.
For tile made from natural stone, correctly-sized pieces are cut from larger slabs, and they have varying natural finishes applied to them. There are several different stone varieties that are popular in the tile industry, and there can be subtle differences within each variety that stem for where the stone was originally quarried. Each stone type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Granite tends to be very hard and resistant to damage, and for this reason, many homeowners choose it for areas that get a lot of foot traffic.
Contrasting the very dense granite is the more porous marble. This stone type is often used on countertops, but if it's going to be used in an area where water hazards are common, be sure to reseal it regularly, as the porous qualities makes it susceptible to discoloration and damage from moisture. Limestone lends a nice earthy quality to a surface, but it's not the most durable or stain-resistant, and therefore is not a good choice for high-traffic rooms. Travertine is a crystal-like variation of limestone that shares many of its qualities. Slate, like granite, is very durable, and would not be a bad choice for busy areas.
Stone tile finishing typically comes in honed, natural or polished finishes. Honed surfaces are matte and smooth in appearance. It prevents wear and slipping and is a perfect choice for busy walkways. Natural finishes have a dull earthy appearance. Depending on preference, the finish preserves as much of the natural stone characteristics as desired. Lastly, polished surfaces have a mirror like, highly reflective, and slippery to walk on finish.
About the Author:
A good tile can only look as good as the grout around it. If that grout isn't in top shape, the entire floor won't look as good as it could. Be sure to contact The Grout Medic for tile and grout repair in Denver.
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