Tile is an integral part of any remodeling project and can change the look and feel of a room. A well-chosen material can also increase your home’s resale value.
Materials vary and come in various price points to suit all needs. Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles all provide a unique appearance to your home.
Durability
If you own a home, you know the significance of flooring durability. To guarantee that their floors endure longer and are simple to maintain, homeowners must select the best tile material.
Ceramic tiles are a popular choice among homeowners, as they’re durable and inexpensive. They also come in various colors and designs to match your unique tastes.
Durability is significant in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. You do not want to spend a lot of money on new flooring only to have to replace it a few years later.
The most durable floor material on the market is porcelain tile. It’s challenging and dense, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic rooms.
Porcelain is also resistant to water damage, so it’s a good choice for bathrooms and patios. You’ll also want to look for through-bodied porcelain. This type of tile contains no glaze so it can hide chips and scratches better than glazed tiles.
However, it’s worth noting that porcelain is more expensive than other types of tile. It’s also a little heavier to install, adding up to a big chunk of your budget over time.
Natural stone is another highly durable option, as it comes in various forms and colors to suit your style. These options are ideal for bringing extra character into your kitchen or bathroom. They’re also easier to clean than other options and are hypoallergenic. They’re also the best floor tile for a pet-friendly home, as they don’t stain and won’t trap dirt and odors. You may even be able to find pet-friendly grout, so your furry friends won’t have to worry about messing with the rest of your flooring.
Aesthetics
One of the best things about tile stores in Chicago is their personalized attention to detail. It is more than just a place to pick up a tile roll. The premium options use the most recent advancements in natural stone and tile technology, so you can be sure your floors and backsplashes will last. In addition, you can find many exciting and functional kitchen accessories to complement your new countertops, bottom, and backsplash.
Quality is the most crucial factor to consider when looking for the best tile. However, it can be challenging to determine what you’re buying once you’ve got it in your hand. The most reputable dealers have dedicated customer service representatives, ensuring your needs are heard and your queries answered in record time. And for massive projects, they have in-house professionals who can complete your remodel with precision and flair.
Variety
Whether resurfacing your kitchen backsplash or replacing an old, outdated bathroom floor, new tile can instantly add style to your home. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and cement.
For example, subway tiles work well in a kitchen or bathroom. And rock pebbles create a spa-like effect in a bathroom.
You can also buy a variety of decorative elements, such as trim pieces and borders, that accentuate your tiles’ colors and textures. Then you can mix and match styles to create your ideal design.
Installation
Tile installation is a complicated process that involves many different skills and techniques. Therefore, working with a professional installer who understands your needs and can deliver the best results for your project is essential.
Before installing tile, you need to have a prepared substrate. It can include a concrete or wood floor or a cementitious backer board if the area is a basement or outdoors. It is a crucial step that will ensure that the tiles are set correctly and won’t have any issues in the future.
It is also essential to have a plan for the installation. It will help the installer know where to place each piece of tile and how much material is needed for each area.
Efflorescence, a white powder that forms on cement grout, can be a real problem in high-moisture environments like bathrooms and basements. Fortunately, professional installers can anticipate these problems before they occur and install the right tile that prevents them.
Another common issue is water absorption, which can happen in areas that don’t have access to a drain. It can cause water to seep into the grout, which will cause it to stain.
Working with a qualified tile installer with expertise and a successful track record is the best approach to prevent these problems. In addition, they must know the most current industry standards and procedures and be ready to respond to your inquiries regarding the tile’s appearance after installation.