When it comes to flooring projects, tile is always a popular choice – and for good reason. Tile is durable and easy to maintain, not to mention it often comes in a variety of colours and designs. Of course, as with any renovation project, it’s important to do a little research to find out which types of tile are most suitable for your home. Depending on your needs, different types of tile will have different advantages. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the various options out there and how you can ensure you make the right choice.
Popular types of floor tiles
Getting a firm grasp on the difference between all of the different types of tile can be somewhat confusing, especially if it’s your first time doing this type of renovation. But fear not, because we’ve compiled a guide to some of the most popular floor tiles:
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Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles are a great choice as they can work in various rooms. This type of tile is usually made from red or white clay that has been fired in a kiln. Ceramic tiles are coated with a special glaze that protects and seals it and provides ceramic tile with its unique colour and pattern.
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Porcelain tile
Porcelain tile differs from ceramic in a number of ways. Porcelain tile is technically a specialized type of ceramic, but the clays used to make it have a higher density and are fired longer at a higher temperature. These differences lead to a smoother finish and heavier feel to porcelain tiles.
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Marble tile
Marble tile is a popular natural stone, loved for its timeless appeal. From the living room, to the dining room to the hallway, marble always looks classy. Compared to porcelain tile, marble tile is much heavier and porous. Marble flooring will require a little more care to maintain its appearance.
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Luxury vinyl tile
Luxury vinyl tiles have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to 3D printing technology. This durable and waterproof option mimics the look of hardwood or stone, but at a much lower price.
How to choose the right tile
Now that you know some of the most common types of floor tile, it’s time to choose the right one for your project. Since every room differs in use and foot traffic, you’ll want to install the right tile to ensure style meets practicality in your home. Here are are a few things to consider:
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Hardness & Durability
Find out the tile’s PEI rating. This is a system that determines the hardness and durability of a tile. The rating helps you decide where you should install that particular tile in your home.
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Colours & Patterns
The colour of your tiles will greatly contribute to the overall design and atmosphere of any room. White tiles will brighten up a room, while dark tiles tend to add more richness. For a bolder look, you might want to consider patterned floor tiles. You’ll want your guests to enjoy their view from above!
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Size & Scale
Lastly, you’ll want to give some thought to the size and scale of your tiles. If you want to make a room look more spacious, larger tiles in a lighter shade should do the trick. Smaller tiles, on the other hand, will add more impact and drama to a room – especially if they’re patterned.
Upgrade any room
So now that you’re a tile expert, let’s explore some ideas and inspiration for the different rooms in your home.
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The Kitchen
A room where dropped plates and spills happen should have durable floor tiles. For a tried and true flooring option, consider porcelain tile. It can withstand heavy impact and is almost completely water resistant. A spill is no match for a solid and stylish porcelain tile.
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The Bathroom
It’s best to choose a floor tile that can withstand moisture, humidity, grime, spills and heavy traffic. Porcelain tile and ceramic tile are classic choices for bathroom floors, since they’re highly durable and easy to clean.
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The Living Room & Bedroom
For the living room or bedroom, hardwood floors are a great, classic option. However, if you want to try something a little different, ceramic wood tile is a great alternative. This sturdy and affordable option holds up to water and temperature fluctuations well, so you can put your flooring worries to bed.
Time to take the floor
With a huge variety of floor tiles to choose from, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when renovating your home. In order to make your decision a little easier and less stressful, just take some time to learn about the different types of tile and their unique qualities. Contact us if you have any questions or need advice when it comes to choosing the right tile for your project.