Looking for the perfect tiling for your home floor? The options available are many. You must consider aspects such as durability, resistance to stains and water, and how easy it is to maintain and clean, among other factors.
Making the right choice can be challenging. We can help you explore various types of tiles and their ideal applications within your home. We will also delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Contemplating a do-it-yourself approach? You can learn quite a deal about the installation complexity of these materials from the experts in home flooring tiles Bahamas.
Ceramic Tiles
These kiln-fired clay or clay mixtures fall into two categories: porcelain and non-porcelain. Non-porcelain ceramics have varying PEI ratings indicating their suitability for different levels of foot traffic.
PEI Class 1 to Class 3 are ideal for residential and light commercial use. They are more water-absorbent and susceptible to wear compared to porcelain. However, ceramic tiles are cost-effective and easier to cut, making them a preferred choice for DIY projects.
Their strength, colorfastness, and flame resistance, along with easy maintenance and cleanliness, make ceramic tiles versatile for various areas in your home.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are made by subjecting clays to high-temperature firing. They stand apart for their density, smoothness, and resistance. They exhibit lower water absorption than ceramics and are frost-resistant, too, but not entirely frost-proof.
The glazing process enhances their durability, making them suitable for most indoor residential areas, especially those with heavy foot traffic or moisture exposure, such as showers and bathroom counters.
The tough nature of porcelain tiles makes them challenging to cut with basic tools, necessitating professional installation. It may be an excellent choice for various home spaces but may lack the warmth of natural stones. Porcelain is also more expensive and may not be the best choice for large projects, especially if budget is a constraint for your home flooring tiles Bahamas project.
Slate Tiles
Slate is a metamorphic rock with a fine-grained texture. It’s made from micas, chlorite, and quartz, making it suitable for floors, roofing, countertops, etc. The rock comes in blacks, grays, greens, and other colors, with varying shades. Some varieties even display veined patterns.
Slate’s durability and natural appeal make it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, especially for those who appreciate natural materials. Despite its stunning appearance, slate tiles are relatively expensive and require professional installation.
Sealing is also important while installation to fill its pores and provide surface protection. That’s why some homeowners prefer using slate in prominent areas like entryways, where its beauty can be showcased.
Granite Tiles
Granite is a dense and durable stone. It is a natural, quartz-based product with rich patterns and veining. The appearance of minerals in granite creates a marble-like look. Once polished, the high-gloss finish remains virtually everlasting, and the stone is easy to clean.
Granite’s USP is its strength makes it suitable for various applications, including kitchen countertops, wet bars, walls, floors, fireplaces, and vanities. However, each natural granite tile is unique, showcasing its own natural beauty. Regular sealing is necessary to preserve its appearance.
While granite offers numerous advantages, it falls on the higher end of the price range for tiles. Professional installation is often required due to its weight, irregular edges, and hardness, which may add to the overall cost.
Marble Tiles
Marble is a popular choice for tiles as it is available in various types, designs and colors and can complement any theme.
The appeal of marble lies in its diverse array of colors and striking, distinct veining patterns. It is softer and more porous than granite, making it ideal for bathroom walls, flooring, tub decks, fireplaces, furniture, sculptures, and courtyards. For the kitchen, honed and sealed marble is recommended, but less porous options like Carrara marble may be the ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
Marble comes at a premium price, costing significantly more than ceramic tiles. Also, installing marble tiles can be challenging. Specialized tools and expertise are needed, making professional installation a wise choice to avoid breakage and wastage.
Limestone Tiles
Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate. It can be found mostly in earthy tones like off-white, gray, and beige. Limestone is less dense than marble or travertine, but some varieties containing dolomite can be polished to achieve a marble-like shine.
Limestone is recommended for structural walls, entry walls, floors, fireplaces, vanities, and shower walls. However, it is not recommended for kitchen countertops or wet bars as it is susceptible to staining and scratching.
Limestone is affordable compared to other natural stones like marble or slate and is an excellent choice for budget-conscious projects. However, its softness makes it prone to cracks and breakages during installation. Its porous nature can also complicate the grouting process, as grout may seep into the pores. Careful consideration and professional installation are mandatory to achieve the desired results.
Travertine Tiles
Travertine is a type of limestone formed in mineral-rich spring water pools. It has the appearance of marble but is less dense and highly porous. Its distinct turfs happen due to the presence of trapped carbon dioxide bubbles during formation. The stone’s appeal lies in its natural veining and intricate details. It is available in various shades, from beige to brown, and can be honed or polished to a high gloss after filling the holes.
Travertine tiles are ideal for entry walls, floors, and fireplace surrounds, but it is not recommended for kitchen countertops due to their susceptibility to scratches and stains. Special care is needed, as some cleaning products may damage their surface.
Travertine is costlier than porcelain and ceramic but remains one of the more affordable options among natural stones. DIY projects involving travertine can be challenging due to their hardness and porosity. Handling and installation require specific cutting tools. Meticulous grouting is needed after proper tile sealing.
Specialty Kitchen is the best resource for everything in home design and renovation, including floor tiles. You can find all types of floor tiles here in one convenient place and expert advice from professional installers. The main cities served by this business are Grand Bahama, Nassau, Exuma, Abaco, Eleuthera, and Bimini.
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