The type of floor tiles can make or mar the entire beauty of your living space. If you know how to choose the right one for tiles for your floor, not only you, every other person that comes steps in will also love the charming look and the comfortable feel.

To choose the finest floor tiles for your space, you will have to first learn about the different types available and how best you can use them to get the perfect picture you desire. Suppose this is your first time undertaking a flooring project. In that case, you might find it somewhat complicated to choose the most suitable floor tiles out of the numerous options available. You will understand it better if you have once gone for floor tiles hunting.

Getting familiar with the tiles market will first know the most commonly used ceramic and porcelain floor tiles. Later, you will discover other types like cement, glass, metal, stone, and more.

You will even find it more confusing to hear that not every type of floor tile can work perfectly for your flooring project. I don’t mean to complicate things here; that’s just the simple truth. The above-stated fact already made it clear that you need to understand all the available types of floor tiles to choose the right one for your space. 

So, what are the different types of floor tiles available? Here is the list.

1. Ceramic Floor Tiles 

It is almost certain that you have seen enough ceramic floor tiles over the years. Why? It is the most commonly used floor tile around. Most homeowners prefer to use these floor tiles because they are suitable for a wide range of modern or traditional designs. 

Ceramic floor tiles are very versatile. If you are looking to create a custom design exactly how your mind pictured it, this type of floor tile is a perfect choice. Ceramic floor tiles are also durable; feel free to install those tiles on your reception floor or outdoor space with heavy foot traffic.

2. Porcelain Floor tiles     

Here are other prevalent floor tiles aside from ceramic tiles. Seeing the porcelain floor on the floor will remind you of the beauty of natural stone. Porcelain floor tiles project an elegant finish in a space. These tiles are available in various colors, styles, and designs, making you more creative with your décor. Porcelain floor tiles are suitable for outdoor spaces more than other types available. They are highly resistant to cracks and stains.

3. Glass Floor Tiles 

How do you feel seeing glass tiles on your floor? It provides a great appearance that catches the eyes. One sellable advantage of glass floor tiles is that they are highly resistant to stains. That means you have nothing to worry about when staining substances like red wine, lemon vinegar, and the like drops on your floor. It takes only a simple wipe with clean water and a tiny amount of soap to remove all the dirt in an instant. One of the low points of glass floor tiles is that they easily chip along the edges.

4. Cement Floor Tiles 

Though this type of floor tiles has been around since the 19^th century, they are still trending in the modern world of interior and exterior design. Cement floor tiles are available in incredible patterns and designs. They are super versatile for creating a wide range of stylish designs. one drawback about these floor tiles is that they are tedious to lay. They are most suitable for low-traffic areas.

5. Marble Floor Tiles    

Of course, marble floor tiles are most commonly used in luxurious homes. That is because they are a bit more expensive than the other floor types you have out there. Marble floor tiles add glamour and a touch of elegance to your living space. Whether you lay them on the interior or exterior area of your home, it’s perfect anyway. If you want to upgrade your floor to look more luxurious, marble floor tiles will give you the ideal result. One of the low marble points is that they require more cleaning efforts to remain beautiful.

6. Mosaic Floor Tiles 

Mosaic floor tiles come in various shapes, colors, styles, sizes, and materials. You can have your desired flooring design working with mosaic tiles. Though mosaic tiles are mainly used for walls, they are also perfect for attractive and durable flooring.

7. Granite Floor Tiles 

These natural stones look more precisely like marble because they have natural flecks. Of course, there are slight differences between the two types of tiles. Granite is among the most attractive-looking floor tiles options you can play with when designing your exterior space. They are also very strong pretty much affordable.

8. Limestone Floor Tiles 

Although limestone floor tiles are not very common, they are perfect for your flooring projects. Limestone floor tiles allow you to have a rustic style complemented with natural stones, variations, and shades. If you want a natural appearance in your space, lay limestone tiles on your floor. You can read about the Pros and Cons of Porcelain Floor Tiles by visiting http://expertplumberspuyallupwa.com/pros-and-cons-of-porcelain-floor-tiles/

9. Travertine Floor Tiles 

Travertine floor tiles are incredibly best for outdoor use. They offer a unique natural aesthetic that projects beautiful natural tones. Travertine is a natural stone so it can be less attractive in the face of stains and traction. To keep your travertine floor tiles active for as long as possible, you must put in more maintenance efforts. 

10. Quarry Floor Tiles  

Quarry tiles are made with high-quality ground materials. Hence, you might consider them as perfect floor tiles. They are solid and durable. That means you can enjoy the beauty of your floor for a lifetime.

11. Metal Floor Tiles 

You will love this fantastic floor tile on your kitchen floor. From experience, nothing gives a better comfy look on a countertop than metal tiles. one major drawback of metal tiles is that they can start to scratch them immediately you install on them your floor. Yet, they look gorgeous with their smooth finish.

12. Resing Floor Tilles 

If you find a single style too dull for you, resin floor tiles are your best choice. They will allow you to combine different types as much as you want it. Resin floor tiles are also perfect for DIYers who cannot afford to pay professional tile installers for your flooring project.

Final Words 

Choosing the right floor tiles for your flooring project is essential to achieving your desired result. Hence, you would have to be careful to choose based on your budget, purpose, weather conditions, and the expected traffic.

Suppose you review different flooring options for your new home or an upcoming renovation project. In that case, you might give porcelain floor tiles careful consideration – especially if you plan to use them in high-traffic or wet areas, such as kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, etc. The integral elegance and simplicity of the porcelain floor tiles, combined with implausible durability and versatility, have drawn the attention of several homeowners and contemporary interior designers worldwide.

Created from porcelain clay and fired at a very high temperature, porcelain floor tiles have an inspiring finish quality, strength, and durability. Available in glazed and unglazed variants and a wide range of shades and styles, these rugged and highly versatile floor tiles can be used in various indoor and outdoor applications to enhance the architectural design and add value. Porcelain floor tiles, in particular, have become a prominent feature in modern homes around the globe.

However, before you decide on porcelain floor tiles for your home, you need to become aware of its specifics, advantages, and drawbacks.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tile Flooring

Porcelain floor tiles are often referred to as the more contemporary variety of ceramic floor tiles. Both tiles are very similar, but unlike ceramic, porcelain is made from a more refined clay mixture and is fired at higher temperatures. That results in a more solid, more scratch- and stain-resistant finish and a more rigid, denser material with less than 0.5% water absorption rate. The density and composition of the porcelain floor tiles allow them to withstand traffic without any damage to their good-looking appearance and functionality.

Benefits of Porcelain Floor Tiles

• Outstanding durability – Due to its unique composition and the specifics of the manufacturing process, porcelain is more robust and denser than most other household materials (even harder than granite). Therefore, porcelain floor tiles are highly resistant to the worrisome heavy impact stresses and unlikely to break under pressure. Also, they don’t crack due to the cold. Their finish can last a lifetime, even in harsh weather conditions and heavy-traffic areas.

• Water-resistance – Porcelain is less likely to absorb moisture than other flooring materials – its great density makes it highly resistant to liquid penetration, mainly when glazed. Therefore, porcelain floor tiles can last for decades, even in humid environments (such as the bathroom);

• Stain-resistance and excellent hygiene – Spills cannot enter the dense, non-porous tile material, making porcelain floor tiles naturally stain-resistant. When glazed, the floor tiles become virtually impossible to hold stain. What’s more? The non-porous porcelain tiles do not harbor mold and bacteria growth, which makes it hygienic and suitable for use in modern baths and kitchens (for countertops, wall coverings, and flooring alike);

• Low maintenance – Porcelain’s natural stain and water resistance make it very easy to clean and maintain. You can clean spills that might seep into more porous materials and cause persistent stains to remain on the porcelain tiles’ surface with nothing more than a damp cloth. Mopping your porcelain floor tile with a solution of mild detergent and water once in a while is all that it takes to disinfect the area and keep it in excellent condition;

• Easy repair – Not only does porcelain flooring have an incredibly long lifespan, but it is also easy to repair in the unlikely event of damage. If a tile cracks, it can be removed and replaced (it’s advisable to save an extra box of floor tiles when installing a new porcelain floor to make color matching easier if you need to replace a new whole tile later.

• Consistent color and design – The color and design of a porcelain tile run through the whole tile, so it will retain its look as it wears down. Besides, if a tile chip (which is highly improbable), the damage will remain unnoticeable

• Increased home value – Porcelain is renowned as a quality building material, so including it in your home will significantly increase the property’s value.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Tile Flooring

• Weight – The high density of porcelain floor tiles makes them very heavy. That results in a complicated installation process and restricts porcelain flooring on the upper levels unless it is strong enough to support the extra weight.

• Complex installation – Porcelain is heavy, rugged, and extremely difficult to cut, making the installation process quite laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, attempting a DIY installation may easily result in expensive material waste and severe headaches. Hiring professionals, on the other hand, will increase the overall cost of the project (the installation expenses can add about 25% – 50% to the total cost depending on the location and specifics of the project);

• High price – Porcelain is quite expensive, so opting for porcelain floor tiles will cost you more than other standard flooring options (such as ceramic tiles, for example). However, this type of floor can last for decades, so it is worth the investment.

• Vulnerable grouts – Porcelain floor tiles are easy to care for. Still, the lines between the tiles (the grouts) are complicated to keep fresh and clean. Grout is a porous material that can be easily corrupted by humidity and insidious moisture. That may quickly result in mold and mildew unless the grout is sealed correctly.

Now that you’re aware of porcelain’s primary advantages and disadvantages, you need to know what exactly to look for when choosing porcelain tiles for your home.

Selection Guide for Porcelain Floor Tiles

The first step in selecting the best porcelain tiles for your particular needs is to match the tile to its intended use. Then, you can turn your attention to the aesthetic aspect of your project.

1. Find the class of porcelain floor tiles you need. 

Porcelain is rated in five classes to help classify its durability and functionality. Class 1 is the weakest type of porcelain that is only suitable for wall tiles. Classes 2 and 3 are appropriate for light traffic areas, such as residential floors with little or no exposure to scratching dirt (such as bathrooms). Class 4 is excellent for medium to high traffic areas, such as entryways, halls, and kitchens. Class 5 is for heavy traffic and commercial use;

2. Check the coefficient of friction and the absorption rate of the floor tiles. 

Floor tiles should be nonslip and highly resistant to spills and stains. Therefore, you need porcelain tiles with a coefficient of 0.06 friction for the floors in your home to ensure your and your family’s safety. Also, have in mind that tiles for bathroom floors and other floors subject to moisture, as well as tiles used in and around swimming pools, must be impervious to liquid penetration so that water and other fluids do not penetrate and stain them;

3. Choose between glazed and unglazed porcelain floor tiles. 

Unglazed tiles have a consistent color throughout the tile, so they will look the same as the surface wears over the years. They come in a variety of finishes, from rough to polished;

Glazed porcelain floor tiles have a protective coating that creates a waterproof barrier over them. That layer is nonabsorbent and highly resistant to stains. Glazed porcelain tiles are manufactured in an array of vivid colors and decorative patterns and can have a shiny or matte finish;

4. Choose the color and texture that will work for you. 

It is the color and texture of the porcelain floor tiles that define the overall atmosphere in the room. You can easily find the kind of tiles that will create the impression you’re looking for – both glazed and unglazed porcelain floor tiles are available in various colors and come with beautiful decorative ornamentation. You can choose from a uniform appearance, slight variation of color and tone (different texture or patterns within similar hues), or random color differences from tile to tile that create a unique, artistic installation. 

5. Decide on the shape and size of porcelain tiles you want to use for your floor. Remember that rectangular tiles are easier to install than irregularly shaped ones. In contrast, more unusual shapes enable for more interesting, exquisite patterns. Also, don’t forget that it’s much easier and faster to lay several larger tiles instead of dozens of small tiles (installing smaller tiles requires plenty of time and great accuracy with placement and grout joints).

Porcelain Floor Tiles Care and Maintenance

The nature of these floor tiles forms the reason they are tremendously easy to clean. Get warm water and a soft brush or sponge. They are usually enough to keep your porcelain floor tiles looking spotless at all times. Make sure you sweep any dirt and debris from the floor before mopping it.  When you decide to practice a more thorough cleaning, ensure you use a neutral pH cleaner that will not compromise the finish, and don’t forget to thoroughly rinse the surface with clear water. You can read about The 12 Types of Floor Tiles for Modern Flooring by clicking here.