There are many benefits to installing tile in your home. Not only is it attractive, it is also very durable, easy to clean and can improve your property value. There are several different types of tile flooring, each available in a wide variety of styles, colours and pattern options. Victory Tile in Calgary shares differences between popular types of tile flooring.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is made from clay materials that are formed in a mold and then hardened in a kiln at a very high temperature. Ceramic tile can be put into two categories: porcelain and non-porcelain. Porcelain ceramic tile is made from clay, but also contains about 50% of a white dust material called feldspar. When put into the kiln, this feldspar melts into a glass-like material that bonds all the ingredients together. Non-porcelain ceramic tile is a traditional material, made from different types of clay and other minerals.
You can get ceramic tiles in a variety of finishes including a matte, semi-gloss or high-gloss glazed finish. If you choose an unglazed tile, you’ll have to seal it in order to protect the surface from liquids. Ceramic tile is also the most economic tile flooring option, are very durable, stain resistant and will not absorb water. Ceramic tile works great in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom.
Natural Stone
You’ll love the elegance of high-end natural stone tile including granite, marble, travertine slate and rock. When you choose natural stone you have a limitless selection of textures, natural patterns, colours and characteristics.
Granite tile: Granite is very dense and hard, each slab has unique veining and colouring, and once polished it is scratch resistant. Granite is a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Marble Tile: Marble is also available in a variety of colours. It is more porous than granite and is not the best choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen unless you seal it on a regular basis.
Travertine Tile: Travertine is a type of limestone that will give your home a unique earthy tone. It is a softer, more porous stone so it is not recommended for kitchen floors where it can be easily stained and scratched. They are very bold and will give your home an elegant look, but do require a bit more maintenance than other tile flooring options.
Slate Tile: Slate offers a naturally textured surface or you can choose a smoother finish. It is very dense and durable making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen and comes in a variety of darker, earthy tones.
Glass Tile
Glass tile is most commonly found in the bathroom or is used as backsplash or other features throughout the home. Glass tile is resistant to mold, mildew, moisture and stains and is easy to clean. The glass used to make glass tile has been hardened, making this tile flooring option able to stand up to wear and tear from foot traffic without being damaged. It also reflects light, where other types of tile absorb light, making it an innovative way to brighten up a dark room. Many people like how aesthetically pleasing glass tile is, but should be aware that it can be scratched by sharp objects like your pet’s claws and can be slippery!
Learn more about how to choose tile for your home renovation.
Replacing your flooring
Whether you are doing a straightforward bathroom remodeling or a complete overhaul of your interior design, Victory Tile has you covered from the kitchen to the bathroom – and everything in between. Victory Tile can help you with all of your tiling needs, including all preparations required under the tile.
Contact Victory Tile today!
