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 is cut to the proper size and finished with natural materials in order to create stone tiles. These tile can be made from a wide range of stone types, and there are still more varieties within each type. Granite, limestone and marble are the most commonly found, amongst several others. Depending on where the stones were quarried, there may be differences in color, density and brittleness, due to a unique mineral makeup. Granite tends to be the most popular option for high-traffic areas due to its durability against damage and scratches.
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.
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.
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 is cut to the proper size and finished with natural materials in order to create stone tiles. These tile can be made from a wide range of stone types, and there are still more varieties within each type. Granite, limestone and marble are the most commonly found, amongst several others. Depending on where the stones were quarried, there may be differences in color, density and brittleness, due to a unique mineral makeup. Granite tends to be the most popular option for high-traffic areas due to its durability against damage and scratches.
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.
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.
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Often times, tile is only as good as its grout. And when that grout gets damaged, it can make entire pieces of the floor unsightly. Don't hesitate to give The Grout Medic a call for tile and grout repair in Denver.
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