Dear Rob:
I’ve read all about different ways to use tile and hardwood on your site, and I’m still stuck trying to decide whether tile or wood is best for me. I know you’ve already written about the advantages of hardwood, so could you share some advantages of tile as well?
-Jen in New Mexico
Dear Jen:
There is no other flooring type that has the design flexibility of ceramic tile or natural stone. There are multiple shapes, sizes, installation patterns and colorways that give ceramic tile and natural stone endless design choices. This is just one of the many benefits of ceramic tile and natural stone.
In addition to tile’s design flexibility, ceramic tile is an extremely durable product. A good quality tile that is taken care of and installed properly can last a lifetime. Choosing a tile floor can be a decision that you don’t have to worry about ever again – unless of course, you decorating tastes change.
Ceramic tile and natural stone are both very easy to maintain. Walk off mats should be used at every entrance and the floors should be swept regularly. If you have a spill or stain, a manufacture approved cleaner can be used to remove the stain. That’s it for the tile itself! Areas around tile should be caulked on an annual basis.
Design Flexibility. Ceramic tile comes in sizes varying from 1″x1″ to 24″x24″ and many sizes in between including non square sizes and shapes such as octagons, rectangles and circles. These sizes can be used alone or can be mixed together for countless design choices. All you need is a little math to create custom installation patterns with the geometric size options of tile. These options in conjunction with all of the color choices available make tile the most versatile and designer friendly flooring product available!
Tile can be installed in nearly any application. Tile can be installed on floors, walls, in showers, tubs, backsplashes, ceilings, inside or outside. It can also be installed on countertops, table tops, fireplaces, hearths, columns and more. Unlike wood flooring, you don’t have to worry about installing tile in a wet environment. It can be installed over most subfloors with the proper underlayment.
Cost effectiveness. Tile is still one of the most cost effective surfaces on the market. Once you absorb the initial cost of tile you don’t have to spend money on it again for the life of the product if it is installed properly. It doesn’t need refinishing, resurfacing, reglazing, or recoating.
Repairs are simple. Should there be a need for repair, the process is not as complicated as other flooring surfaces. In most cases it should be performed by a professional. A professional can usually repair a broken tile without damaging other tiles around it causing a larger problem.
Increase your home’s value. Ceramic tile and natural stone can increase the value of your home helping you recoup the initial cost invested in the product.
Good for allergy and asthma sufferers. Unlike carpet, which can harbor dust, mites, dander and other allergens, tile and other hard surface flooring are easier to keep clean and allergen free.
When considering purchasing new flooring, ceramic tile is a good choice if your budget permits and you are looking for a product that is easy to maintain and will not have to be replaced quickly. It can give you long lasting beauty and a focal point for your decorating scheme in your home.
-Rob
Thanks for such an informative blog about ceramic tiles. I hope i can see this blog two years before when i was building my house and was confused what to select ceramic tiles or wood for my kitchen. but Thanks to Ciciliot for clearing my confusion. It is very hard to find good help and that i found then.
Not many people have knowledge about ceramics and help of professional is mandatory in this regard.
Dear Rob,
I have ceramic tile counter tops throughout my kitchen and LOVE IT!!! I am wanting to put ceramic tile on the floors in my den, without making it a radiant floor. I am concerned about how cold they would be in the winter months. And second, I have two dogs. On occasion they do have accidents. I am a concerned about the grout absorbing urine odor.Would I regret this route.
Morgan Tennessee
I believe what brings the most out of the natural stone products is those 4 words: durability, aesthetics and creativity, healthy. Natural stones offer a great variety, maybe one of the most useful materials, but still not valued well enough. I totally agree with Rob and would like to add as an expert that natural stones may be the defining content of one´s ambient. Wooden flooring and decoration may also be good, but it burns, gets second hand soon and keeps dirt. However, it is best for the dance stage and looks beautiful in certain ambients.
Nice overview, on the topic of natural stone tiles I can definitely agree that natural stone is easier to maintain than wood and carpet. Of the natural stone tile options travertine is a cost effective and gorgeous option for indoor/outdoor flooring.