Choosing to install a tile floor is a fantastic flooring choice to make for any room in your house. A tile flooring looks elegant and clean all the time and it is durable, but also very easy to maintain. However, as much as it seems suitable for basically all locations, in some locations it is not suitable. This is the reason why you should consider various floor tiling tips discussed below when you opt for tile flooring. You should always consider hiring a floor tiling contractor to ensure the job is done correctly.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Floor Tiles
Floor tiles have various advantages and disadvantages that are crucial for you to understand before making your final decision. Below are some of these advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
Tile flooring generally increases the value of the home. Its beauty and allure can last for a long time if it is maintained in the proper way. Tiles have a timeless appeal especially if you settle for earth tones. They are the perfect choice of surface to install over a radiant heating system of the floor. They also require little cleaning and maintenance. They are the perfect flooring type for kitchens and bathrooms due to their ability to withstand water as they are well sealed. They are also non-toxic making them the best floors for people who have various allergies.
Disadvantages
Although it is a popular choice of flooring in many countries, sadly tile flooring is not meant for everybody due to some cons that have been noticed. If the tiles are installed over a surface that does not have a radiant heating system for floors, the surface will be cold and thus hard to walk on barefooted. For people who love DIY projects, they will find tile installation being difficult for them as there are special saws that cut the tiles as well as when mortar dries it gets unforgiving. it usually has no insulation properties and thus it does little to dampen sound in any given room. Some tiles can get slippery when wet which is dangerous. They also get chipped or cracked when something heavy is dropped on them and the repairs are not cheap.
Tips on Choosing the Correct Floor Tiles
There are several types and styles of tiles to choose from when you opt for tile flooring. This includes marble, ceramic, quarry and porcelain. Before choosing the right tile, there are several considerations below that ought to be made.
Durability
There is a rating system to help you choose the best tiles to use referred to as the PEI scale. This system usually rates the tile surface from Class 1 to Class 5. Class 1 is the least resistant while class 5 is the most resistant. Wall tiles can be from any class but the floor tiles ought to be a class 2 for places with light traffic but entryways and kitchen ought to have class 3 and above.
Choosing the Right Size
Tiles come in various sizes with the smallest ranging at 3/8” mosaics to slab tiles measuring 24”x48” and other sizes in between. The smaller ones were popular back in the day but of late there has been a shift towards larger floor tiles. The reason for this is the perception that larger tiles make the room space appear larger. Ensure you consult widely in order to get the best tiles for your home.
Color
You should go for the color that is right for you but put in mind the various rules that apply to tile colors. Light colors make your space look large while darker colors add warmth to the room and hide dirt. Neutral colors allow you to change your accessories easily.
Texture
Textured tiles or those with a matte finish are less slippery than the shiny ones. This would be important to consider when choosing the floor tiles of bathrooms, kitchens and other areas that are prone to moisture. This will increase the slip resistance.
All the above are important floor tiling tips that will be helpful when choosing the right tiles.