So you have decided to hire a Tampa Bay tile contractor to help you renovate the floors in your home. There are many choices you will have to make with regards to the style, color, and size of the tiles you choose to use. You will also need to decide whether to use rectified or non-rectified tile, which is something you should definitely discuss in depth with your contractor because of the complexity and precision involved in a rectified tile installation. But the most important decision you will need to make is the type of tile itself.
Here are a few of the most popular tile types for home flooring renovations:
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is probably the most common tile flooring surface used in homes throughout the United States, and with good reason. For starters, it is very practical. Ceramic tile does not require a lot of maintenance, cracked tiles can be replaced without ripping up a large portion of the floor, it is very tough to scratch, and it is simple to clean. It is also a very cost effective option when compared to other flooring types. And the best part is, there are thousands and thousands of different ceramic tile options available on the market today, allowing you to get basically any color, shape, and style that you can dream of.
Porcelain Tile
Though porcelain tile is technically ceramic, there are a few things that differentiate it, making it its own tile type. For starters, porcelain tile is fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic, creating a tile that is denser. The fact that it is less porous results in a tile that is both more moisture resistant and less apt to be stained. They are a bit more expensive and harder to cut than ceramic tiles, but the costs should not be prohibitive if you think this is the right type of tile for your home. From a looks perspective, porcelain tiles are available in either a high glazed finished or more of a flat finish, so you can easily pick the look that’s right for your home.
Travertine Tile
Of these three tile flooring options, travertine tile is the rarest and most expensive. But it is also the only one of these tiles that’s fully naturally made. Its natural look is very apparent, leaving many homeowners to consider it one of the most beautiful tile options available. It is offered in many shapes and sizes, though your color options tend to be limited to more natural, earthy tones. It is also the tile type that requires the most maintenance and is the least durable. But if you are looking for a gorgeous
natural finish to your floors, than travertine tile may be perfect for your home.
To speak to an experienced Tampa Bay tile contractor to figure out which of these options is best for you, please contact Jack O’ Trades here. You should also ask your tile contractor whether or not they use a modern crack suppressant and waterproofing membrane like the Schluter-DITRA, which is especially important for tile installations in Florida.