How do you choose between tile products?? Stone, ceramic, mosiac, and more... with so many to choose from it can be quite difficult to find the product that will make your renovation complete. Each project demands different products and by using the following list, you can determine which one is for you!
Stone
Description--Most commonly used stones for flooring include slate, marble, granite, sandstone and bluestone, it is available in geometric or irregular shapes. It is an expensive flooring material with a hard and noisy character. Stone is usually solid and earthy in appearance but can be cold underfoot if the floor below is unheated and installation must be in a cement bed or on to a concrete subfloor.
Uses--Because of its expense and weight, stone is used mainly in smaller areas of the home such as entrance ways, halls, around fireplaces and in kitchens. When considering stone as a possible flooring material, the floor on which it will rest must be able to adequately support the load or overstressing of structural frame may result.
Maintenance--Requires little maintenance, minimal sweeping and mopping and its very durable, although any cracks or chips may be difficult to repair
Slate
Description--Dense, fine-grained stone with a slightly rippled surface. Colours: dark grey (most common), purple, green, green-purple, black, blue-black. Surface finishes: clear stock (solid colour throughout), ribbon stock (darker bands are predominant.) This product can be moderately expensive
Uses--Most appropriate in main living areas or as an accent. Though take caution, Slate can be slippery when wet. We dont usually advise for bathrooms
Maintenance--Slate is highly durable and stain resistant. Regular sweeping and occasional wet-mopping, joints may require scouring. The product can scuff in high traffic areas
Marble
Description--Smooth and opulent stone that is usually veined, certain marble veining allows for creation of specific patterns. It is available in slabs or tiles. Marble is available in almost any colour, the most common being black, brown, grey, rose, blue, and white. The most common types with its own specific markings are dolomite, travertine, onyx, serpentine, and calcite. The most common surface finishes are polished (glossy, high gloss) and honed (satin, smooth with little or no gloss.) Marble can be the most expensive of all floor coverings but is fantastic to look at.
Uses--Marble can be placed anywhere! Primarily if a formal or elegant character is desired in principal bathrooms, dining rooms, and entrance hallways. Also, marble can be used as an accent with other flooring. And as with other gloss finished tiles, take caution they are slippery when wet
Maintenance--Regular cleaning and polishing. Marble is moderately durable but varies depending on type.
Ceramic tile
Description
Although once relegated exclusively to bathroom use, ceramic tiles are now welcome in all areas of the home. Ceramic is versatile and available in a huge array of colours which makes them appealing for use in kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, utility rooms and entrances. Some of the advantages of ceramic are that they are water- and stain-resistant, and they bring relief from hot weather in the summer. They can be cold to the touch and potentially a source of discomfort in the winter. High gloss and glazed tiles can be slippery when wet. Prices for ceramic are moderate to expensive with the most costly being those with multi-colour glazes and textured surfaces.
Uses--Because of their slippery nature, unglazed or non-gloss ceramic tiles with roughened surfaces should be used in high-moisture areas
Maintenance--Pretty simple, just regular cleaning. Being man made, ceramic is very durable and cleans easily.
Mosaic tile
Description--These are small tiles measuring between 1 to 2 for squares and 1 by 2 for rectangles that are also available in hexagons. Available in glazed or unglazed finishes usually in 12 by 12 sheets for ease of installation
Uses--Most commonly used in bathrooms, entrances and kitchens
Maintenance--Very durable, damp-mopping and scrubbing of grout is sufficient |
