Floor tiles are an incredibly versatile option for flooring anywhere in your home. Tile floors are a perfect combination of beauty, durability, and easy upkeep. Our tile specialists here at Preferred Flooring have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you create unique tile flooring for your home.
We mentioned a few of tile’s many advantages above, so now we’ll elaborate a bit. Since floor tiles are available in various materials, sizes, and shapes, you can use them for any room in your home. As far as flooring types go, tile is one of the most cost-effective choices upon purchase and long-term. It will hold up to heavy traffic over the years much better than wood or carpet flooring. Floor tiles will also help to improve the air quality inside your home as their solid surface won’t hold onto allergens and pollutants. Tile floors can keep your home at a comfortable temperature during summer because they don’t retain heat the way other types of flooring will. Another reason to go with tile for your floors is that it’s an eco-friendly choice. Floor tiles are made using natural materials, and some can even be recycled.
You’re likely most familiar with ceramic and porcelain tiles, but floor tiles can also be made using stone and glass. We’ll give you some details on each material.
- Ceramic tiles are made using clay and other minerals. The tiles are fired in a kiln and then glazed, creating a flooring material that is non-porous, easy to clean, and stain-resistant. Tiles made of ceramic are available in many textures, and if slippery surfaces are a concern for your home, we suggest a textured tile over a smooth finish.
- Porcelain tiles are ceramic fired at a much higher temperature which creates a more dense, durable tile. Porcelain floor tiles are also impermeable to water, while non-porous ceramic can absorb a small percentage of water.
- Using natural stone tiles is fun to bring an outdoor element into your home. Many people think stone floor tiles are only available using granite or marble, but limestone, slate, and travertine are other great options. Your stone floors can be glazed for a high-shine finish or left in their natural state to add visual interest and texture. Stone flooring also hides minor scratches and other surface damage better than ceramic or porcelain tiles.
- Glass tiles are much more unique and have an artistic, one-of-a-kind quality. While glass floor tiles can be just as durable as ceramic varieties, they are usually found in backsplashes and other wall projects, like mosaics.
That comes down to personal preference, as you can find tiles in an endless number of color variations. White floor tiles used to be associated with sterile, generic environments, but that’s no longer the case. White tile reflects light and makes small rooms appear more spacious and airy. The color white is associated with cleanliness and has a calming effect which can help you relax after a busy day. You can mix and match shades of white to create a stunning monochromatic effect with boldly colored accent pieces for pops of color.
You can create an elegant, timeless look with black floor tiles in your home. Think of black tiles as the little black dress of flooring as they genuinely go well with anything. Try using black floor tiles paired with dark grout in your kitchen. Your kitchen will have a modern look that hides dirt amazingly well. If an all-black or white tiled floor feels overwhelming for you, checkered tiles are a classic look that has stood up to the test of time. Choose large tiles for areas where you don’t want the floor to take center stage and small to medium-sized floor tiles in rooms where a busy floor won’t clash with the rest of the decor.
For keeping things clean, ceramic and porcelain floor tiles top the list for easy upkeep. You can use almost any cleaning solution, including white vinegar, on these tiles as they will not scratch or lose their shine quickly. Sweep or use a dry microfiber mop to remove any dirt, then mop with the cleanser of your choice. Dry your tiled floor after to prevent slips and falls and any water spots or film.
You can clean natural stone tiles similarly, but you must be pickier with the cleaning products you use. Ensure the broom you’re using has soft bristles to avoid scratching the tiles and any products with high acidity on slate or marble floor tiles. Use a mild solution with a neutral pH to prevent discoloration on granite floors.
Are you ready to enhance the look of your home with floor tiles? Our expert team is here to help. Contact us online or by phone for a no-obligation estimate. Your complete satisfaction is our priority. Stop by our store in Breese, IL. We are also proud to serve the areas of Breese, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL.