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.
Ceramic tile comes in either porcelain or non-porcelain material. Non-porcelain tiles are made from red, brown or white clay as well as other materials. Porcelain tile is made from minerals and clay and also feldspar, which is white sand or dust (a type of crystal) found in a rock. A homeowner can choose porcelain and non-porcelain tile that is glazed or unglazed. Tile that is glazed has a semi-gloss, matte, or high-gloss finish. Glazed tiles have scratch resistance, traction, less water absorption and a higher stain resistance than unglazed tile.
When it comes to price, non-porcelain is the most affordable option, and is slightly easier to work with than porcelain. However, it lacks some of the advantages that come with porcelain. Even without a glaze, porcelain performs admirably resisting water absorption and stains. For reasons like these, porcelain tiles are what you'll find making up the majority of homeowners' bathroom and kitchen floors.
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.
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 tiles are often finished in one of three ways. First, you can have a natural finish that makes the stone look as close to the original stone's appearance as possible, but some homeowners may find it too dull. Second, there's the polished finish, which makes the stone shiny and reflective, but a bit slippery to walk on. It's usually a great choice for counters, but you'll need to weigh the risks if you want to use it for a floor. Finally, honed finishes are smooth and matte, and provide a very nice grip for your feet.
Ceramic tile comes in either porcelain or non-porcelain material. Non-porcelain tiles are made from red, brown or white clay as well as other materials. Porcelain tile is made from minerals and clay and also feldspar, which is white sand or dust (a type of crystal) found in a rock. A homeowner can choose porcelain and non-porcelain tile that is glazed or unglazed. Tile that is glazed has a semi-gloss, matte, or high-gloss finish. Glazed tiles have scratch resistance, traction, less water absorption and a higher stain resistance than unglazed tile.
When it comes to price, non-porcelain is the most affordable option, and is slightly easier to work with than porcelain. However, it lacks some of the advantages that come with porcelain. Even without a glaze, porcelain performs admirably resisting water absorption and stains. For reasons like these, porcelain tiles are what you'll find making up the majority of homeowners' bathroom and kitchen floors.
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.
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 tiles are often finished in one of three ways. First, you can have a natural finish that makes the stone look as close to the original stone's appearance as possible, but some homeowners may find it too dull. Second, there's the polished finish, which makes the stone shiny and reflective, but a bit slippery to walk on. It's usually a great choice for counters, but you'll need to weigh the risks if you want to use it for a floor. Finally, honed finishes are smooth and matte, and provide a very nice grip for your feet.
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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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