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.
For those looking for an affordable and simple option, non-porcelain will probably be what catches their eye. However, despite the higher cost and slightly more challenging installation, porcelain tiles naturally offer better durability. Regardless of which option someone goes for, there are numerous color options, shapes, patterns and textures to choose from. Don't be afraid to get creative when redoing a floor.
Natural stone tile is quarried, cut to size and finished from natural materials. Marble, granite, limestone, slate and travertine are all types of stone tiles. There are many variations of each type depending on where each stone was quarried. For example, granite is very hard and dense. It has a distinctive appearance because of the unique minerals inside the rock and when it is polished it is scratch resistant. Many people choose granite for high-traffic places like kitchens.
A more porous stone type is marble. While the color options and beautiful finishes can make them a very appealing option, they can be very vulnerable to water due to their porous nature. If you use them in a wetter area, do ensure they are properly sealed with regularity. Limestone makes for a natural, earthy look, but be aware that it is a softer stone that can be scratched with relative ease. Travertine is another limestone type that shares many of its qualities, as well as affording a crystal-like look and feel. For higher-traffic floors, slate is a good alternative to granite that comes in dark tones.
You will commonly find stone tiles in polished, honed or natural finishes. Polished surfaces are very reflective, and are often used on countertops for their beautiful appearance. Is does tend to make floors more slippery, however. A honed finish provides decent traction for walking and a matte appearance. A natural finish preserves the most of the stone's original qualities, but may make the surface look comparatively dull.
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.
For those looking for an affordable and simple option, non-porcelain will probably be what catches their eye. However, despite the higher cost and slightly more challenging installation, porcelain tiles naturally offer better durability. Regardless of which option someone goes for, there are numerous color options, shapes, patterns and textures to choose from. Don't be afraid to get creative when redoing a floor.
Natural stone tile is quarried, cut to size and finished from natural materials. Marble, granite, limestone, slate and travertine are all types of stone tiles. There are many variations of each type depending on where each stone was quarried. For example, granite is very hard and dense. It has a distinctive appearance because of the unique minerals inside the rock and when it is polished it is scratch resistant. Many people choose granite for high-traffic places like kitchens.
A more porous stone type is marble. While the color options and beautiful finishes can make them a very appealing option, they can be very vulnerable to water due to their porous nature. If you use them in a wetter area, do ensure they are properly sealed with regularity. Limestone makes for a natural, earthy look, but be aware that it is a softer stone that can be scratched with relative ease. Travertine is another limestone type that shares many of its qualities, as well as affording a crystal-like look and feel. For higher-traffic floors, slate is a good alternative to granite that comes in dark tones.
You will commonly find stone tiles in polished, honed or natural finishes. Polished surfaces are very reflective, and are often used on countertops for their beautiful appearance. Is does tend to make floors more slippery, however. A honed finish provides decent traction for walking and a matte appearance. A natural finish preserves the most of the stone's original qualities, but may make the surface look comparatively dull.
About the Author:
Often times, tile is only as good as its grout. 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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