Why Should You Choose Tile Instead of the Other Types of Flooring?
So you’re thinking about installing a new floor. Choosing the type of flooring is an important decision. Ceramic tile has many advantages over other types. Tile can be set in a wide variety of designs, allowing you to add your own individual touch to your home. It is more durable, able to stand up to years of use, and easier to clean. In most cases, a quick run over the tile floor with a broom and a mop is all that is needed to maintain it.
Carpet requires frequent vacuuming and, in some cases, steam cleaning to maintain cleanliness. Even with frequent cleaning, high traffic areas will begin to show wear after a few years. Wood floors, while beautiful, do require care of the finish to maintain appearance. Also with wood you have to be careful that it is not scratched. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to sand and refinish your floor. Linoleum has its own set of problems. It tends to discolor with age and may peel up.
When most people think of tile, they think of a tile floor, usually found in either the kitchen or bathroom. However, tile can be used in so many other places. In the kitchen, you can use ceramic tile to create a backsplash or even on the countertops. Tile can be placed around a fireplace or up the wall above it for an amazing focus point.
In the bathroom, it can be used on shower walls or to provide a backsplash for the sink or tub. Other places you can find tile are in patios, mudrooms, laundry rooms or foyers. For a unique entrance to your home, tile the floor and place a medallion or a ceramic tile star of contrasting color in the center of the room.
Tile floor layouts are limited only by your imagination. They range from simple block pattern to more intricate designs. Some people choose to give the tile a 45 degree turn and set it on the diagonal. Tile can be staggered to create a brick pattern. More intricate designs can include layouts which include varying sizes of tile or ones which create a path through the room. Inserts of contrasting or complementary colors can be used to bring new depth to a room.
The method of preparing a floor for ceramic tile can vary depending on the floor. In general, existing flooring needs to be removed to expose the subfloor. While some people choose to simply tile over their existing flooring, this can sometimes lead to problems in the future.
The subfloor should be cleaned of all debris, including glue, nails, screws and dirt. If the subfloor is cement and has large dips, it may require filling in before you can begin tiling. With wood subfloors, once you have ascertained that the floor has not weakened, cement backer board such as Durock should be laid. This will prevent the tile from popping up if the floor shifts.
Ceramic tile can have many uses in your home. Whether you are wanting to cut down on your cleaning with a tile floor or add a beautiful backsplash, it can do this and more.
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