Did you know that the flooring industry reached nearly $22 billion in sales in 2017 alone? That’s because a lot of homeowners are interested in buying high-quality flooring options when renovating their properties.
But what are the best floor tiles available out there? If you’re thinking of remodeling your house, which way should you? Well, the tile flooring options are varied and this article strives to give you a few important pieces of advice. Keep reading to learn more about the different flooring types and how to pick a suitable one for your house.
1. Pay Attention to Flooring Hardness
The hardness refers to the durability and resistance to traffic. In other words, the tougher a floor tile, the harder it is to get damaged. There are multiple categories of hardness in this case and we’ll talk about some of them.
For example, the Class I refers to very soft tiles which can be only installed on walls. Class III tiles are suitable for moderate traffic. They can be installed in all rooms of the house, except for the kitchen and hallway. Class IV and V are ideal for places with a lot of traffic such as kitchens and entryways. You can also install Class V tiles in commercial spaces. When buying porcelain, slate or laminate flooring, ask about the resistance level to make a better decision.
2. Consider the Slip Resistance Features of the Tile
Some areas of the house require a different type of flooring option. For example, you want non-slippery floor tiles for your bathroom or kitchen. These are areas that can get wet very easily and you don’t want to be injured because you slipped on the floors. This aspect is particularly important if you have kids or elderly people in the house.
For a quick and efficient solution, you might want to go for ceramic or porcelain tiles. These have a textured surface that prevents slipping. Other attractive and eye-catching examples are slate tiles or pebble stone. At the same time, you can even go for mosaic or glass tiles because they usually have more grout lines which give a more textured appearance.
3. Check out the Porosity Rating
The porosity of a floor tile refers to its ability to absorb water from the environment. Porous floors such as untreated wood can draw a lot of moisture and they are not suitable for kitchen or bathrooms. Ideally, you would want to go for something called impervious tiles which have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are usually impervious and they don’t facilitate the growth of mold and mildew.
4. Take the Visual Aspect Into Account
Your flooring options shouldn’t only be practical, but also aesthetically pleasing. If you’re all about design and you have a flexible budget to work with, you might want to consider going for marble tiles. These are very durable, completely unique when it comes to appearance, and they’ll also increase the value of your property.
At the same time, granite is also a good luxury option. Granite is a natural stone and it will reflect the colors and nuances created by the Mother Nature itself. Make sure that you also seal your granite and marble tiles to protect them against damage and you’re golden!
5. If You’re All About Durability, Go for Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are not new. They have been used for decades in both residential and commercial properties. As the name suggests, your tiles are virtually made of concrete which is one of the toughest and most durable materials out there. You should expect concrete tiles to last a lifetime and they usually require little to no maintenance.
Concrete tiles are also more affordable than natural stone and they give a modern and minimalist look to your house. They can be installed in virtually any room in your property and increase home value. Make sure that you find the right tile contractors to install your concrete tiles and you have nothing to worry about.
6. Go for Bamboo Flooring if You’re Eco-Friendly Minded
In a similar fashion, bamboo flooring is also very popular nowadays. Bamboo is a type of grass grown in East Asia. It can grow very quickly, so cutting it and putting it in floor tiles is not a problem for the environment. One of the main advantages of bamboo flooring is that it can last for decades.
If you’re wondering about aesthetics, bamboo tiles look like wood. There are various nuances and shades to choose from. For example, you can go for light brown tiles to dark red ones. Bamboo flooring also doesn’t require sealing and it will look great in any room of the house.
7. Go For “Quiet” Flooring Options if You Enjoy the Silence
Some homeowners are bothered by different types of sounds, particularly the ones made by the floor tiles. Whether you step on a poorly installed wooden floor and it squeaks or you drop something on a porcelain tile and wake up the baby, the sounds are annoying and reduce your comfort level.
Luckily, there are “quiet” floors on the market and they are suitable for these people. For example, cork flooring is increasingly popular and it consists of floor tiles made from cork. This flooring option is very quiet when you step on it and it also has insulation properties.
You can also go for carpet flooring. This option isn’t only cheap, but it’s also available in many color options. Carpet flooring is also suitable for houses where babies and pets live because the softness of the material is very appealing to your little one.
Now You Know How To Select The Best Floor Tiles!
As you can see, the best floor tiles are the ones that suit your unique preferences and needs. All that you have to do is to come up with a budget, create a list of priorities, and see what the market has to offer to you.
Also, don’t hesitate to check out our other blog articles to learn more about flooring types, how to maintain your floor, and how to pick a good contractor for the job!