Floor tiles are the main part of decorating homes, offices, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Without these, embellishment is incomplete.
There are several floor tile options available. This can make it challenging to choose the right style, especially if you don’t know what your needs are in terms of size and color. This article will explain some of the most common types of floor tiles so that you can find one that suits your home or office space best.
Many different floor tiles are available, depending on your preference and budget. But, first, you must choose the right floor tile type for your needs.
Many factors can affect the cost of floor tiles, such as:
- Larger tiles will cost more than smaller ones.
- Patterns can be expensive or inexpensive, depending on how many colors are used in the pattern and how intricate they are.
- Thicker tiles have better durability than thinner ones.
Types of Floor Tiles
Ceramic
Clay and other materials are used to make ceramic tiles, which are then burned at high temperatures. They’re durable, so they can be used in kitchens and bathrooms where you want to keep your floors looking great.
They’re not as expensive as porcelain tiles, but ceramic ones still cost more than vinyl flooring.
Glass Tile
Glazed glass tiles are an attractive choice for backsplashes or shower tiles. Compared to other tiles, glass tiles have the highest stain resistance, even being impervious to red wine and acidic lemon juice. While prone to damage, glass tile is relatively easy to chip and break if something is dropped on it, so this product works great on your wall.
Granite Tile
With its naturally occurring specks and flecks of color, granite is another natural rock tile used in countertops and flooring. Granite is significantly more complicated than marble and less prone to chips and cracks. Granite is a fantastic floor for damp areas or counters since it is comparatively waterproof and won’t collect moisture or stains. Commonly found in large format slabs, granite is not a penny pincher or cost-sensitive material.
Cement Tile
Cement tiles are a commonly used building material in construction. They are also very useful because they can create various patterns, from whimsical shapes to abstract and geometric designs. Cement tiles can be used in almost any type of design.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for flooring because they’re stable, resistant to staining, and can be used in wet areas. In addition, they are available in a wide range of shapes and dimensions, including those in the form of squares and rectangles.
Making porcelain involves heating clay into a molten state at high temperatures before molding it into various shapes through firing or baking. The tiles must be promptly chilled after installation to prevent cracking or breaking from exposure to extremes of heat or cold. This process makes them very expensive compared with other materials. However, their durability makes them worth every penny spent on them.
Marble
If your priority is to add aesthetic value and beauty to your home, then marble tiles are a great choice. They are made from highly durable natural marble stone. Due to the variability of the material of the extracted components, marble tiles are available in almost every color. Marble tiles are perfect for every room application since they may be polished, brushed, honed, tumbled, and other finishes.
However, its porous nature makes marble tiles vulnerable to stains and flaking. Therefore, they are hardly used outside. But using a suitable surface sealer before installation can reduce its porosity. In addition, the sealer acts as an invisible protective layer on the tile surface, preventing pores.
Mosaic
Small fragments of stone, glass or other materials are used to create mosaic tiles. They can be used to create a pattern or picture on floors and walls.
Mosaic tiles are often used in bathrooms and kitchens because they add beauty to the room.
Terracotta
Pottery is often made from terracotta clay. It also comes in a rustic-looking floor tile variety. The texture and color can vary depending on what kind of terra cotta you’re looking for. Still, it tends to be more common in bathrooms than anywhere else.
This may be the perfect option for your home if you want something with more character and personality.
Natural Stone
Because they can endure the abrasion and wear of heavy foot traffic, natural stone tiles are a fantastic option for high-traffic areas. They can also be used in various settings and environments, including kitchens, bathrooms, and patios.
Natural stone also has several other benefits. For example, it’s durable enough that it won’t need replacing after installing it once. Furthermore, it’s easy to clean (with soap or mild bleach). In addition, you don’t have to worry about damaging your walls when installing natural stones because they’re lightweight.
Limestone
Limestone tiles are divided into two. Sedimentary limestone is formed by hard clay soil, and metamorphic limestone is formed by pressure on the existing rock. Due to their strength and longevity, they have been frequently used to construct structures for hundreds of years, including cathedrals and castles. Therefore, this tile is appropriate for usage in various interior places where the style of stone is present, in addition to monuments.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic floor tiles are made up of small pieces that are put together in a specific pattern. People use these tiles for any purpose, as they are convenient, practical, durable, and beautiful. Home designs are often designed with mosaics on the floor. Mosaic flooring has been used since ancient times to decorate floors in homes and other places, making it pretty old.
Quarry Tiles
Quarry floor tiles are a cost-effective and practical flooring solution that can be used in a variety of different types of areas. They’re especially ideal for use in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. They are easy to install and maintain and have many advantages over conventional ceramic tiles.
Travertine Tiles
The travertine flooring, commonly referred to as travertine marble is widely used in residences and workplaces. Travertine floor tiles are made out of stone concreted straight or skewed, with or without joints, and turn on themselves. This gives it a unique appeal when placed in a room, giving you something with no boundaries. The special effect can create sophisticated and modern designs that fit within any budget.
Slate Tiles
Slate floor tiles are a prevalent type of slate flooring. This is an igneous rock. Slate is composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and small amounts of mica, clay minerals, and iron oxide. In addition, some forms have added colorants such as gypsum, lime, or silver oxide. Slate floor tiles are a long-lasting product that will give you years of dependable service and beauty in your house or place of business. There are many different kinds of slates available today.
Sandstone Tiles
Sandstone floor tiles are often referred to as sand-finished flooring. This is because they are made by submerging sandpaper in water and then washing it off. While the process is simple, the finished look of this flooring is a sight to behold. They are among the most adaptable types of tiles and an excellent organic complement to many designs.
Terrazzo Tiles
The term terrazzo is derived from the Italian word “terrazzo,” meaning to create a floor from a mixture of water, sand, and cement.
The terrazzo floors are usually made with marble chips and quartz sand mixed with cement and then polished. Due to the high installation expertise needed, this flooring is one of the costliest options.
Terrazzo floor tiles can be found in many different colors and textures. Depending on the type of stone used in the mixture, the surface might be anything from smooth to rough.
This style of floor often comes in black with white or gray accents.
Onyx Tiles
Onyx tiles are often used for bathroom floors, kitchens, and other spaces. They have become more popular over the last few years because they are durable and have a timeless look.
Onyx stone is not just used for flooring but also in many other types of architecture, including as columns and trim work. The stone has also been used as a background in paintings to add elegance to already beautiful works.
Wooden Tiles
Wooden floor tiles are a beautiful option for any home. It is perfect for anyone looking for a more natural, rustic look for their flooring.
Wooden floor tiles are available in various colors, textures, and shapes. They can be installed on any type of ceiling, and the price will vary depending on the size and the quality of the tile you select.
Additionally, wooden floor tiles provide a more durable surface than many other types of wood flooring. Therefore, it is perfect for high-traffic areas in your home, like kitchens, living rooms, or hallways.
The fact that wooden tiles require far less upkeep than other materials like carpets or hardwood floors is one of the critical advantages of installing them. In addition, wooden floor tiles are easy to vacuum and clean.
Quick Recommendations
Before selecting floor tiles, there are several considerations you should make.
Tile size
Small tiles are generally suitable for small areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets.
Room size
The space appears more prominent and airier due to the large tiles. The area will seem more unified if floor tiles are used on the walls, but wall tiles cannot be used on the floor. The floor tiles will have a hard glaze and be made of rigid material to withstand traffic.
Color
If you want to create a calm and relaxing ambiance or a dramatic and atmospheric mood in the space you are tiling, keep this in mind. Unless you have a feature area like a splashback, tiles are usually not the focus of a room. Still, they can complement other design features in the room. For example, you may need a relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom, so look for colors that blend well together. On the other hand, you want a more vibrant option in the kitchen, so choose contrasting colors.
Structure and Pattern
You have the option of selecting a glossy or matte finish. Natural terracotta tile lacks a glaze and must be treated to prevent stains, but glazed tile is easy to clean.
Calculate the Cost
Always calculate the exact number of floor tiles required and add 10 percent for waste. Keep the budget in mind to make picking floor tiles a little more manageable.
Conclusion
Make sure you choose the right floor tile based on your needs and budget. For example, consider using acoustic tiles instead of ceramic if you have a large room with high ceilings and no need for soundproofing. Since acoustic tiles are thinner than ceramic ones, they won’t muffle as much sound when stepped over, making them perfect for noisy environments. As opposed to ceramic, they are also simpler to install because they only need to be glued down with adhesive spray or hot glue instead of needing mortar joints or grout between layers.
