| By :
Mark Etinger
We all have dreams and aspirations for our humble abodes. With tiles you can turn your boring rooms into luxury living. Tile flooring is extremely versatile. It is used in modern décor schemes, country homes, gothic design, and Tuscan or Spanish villas. In a well designed home, tile is king. I guess the real question at hand is not whether you are going to use tile flooring in your home renovation project, but what kind of tile floors and walls you plan to use. The more common kinds used are ceramic, porcelain, and glass. So, which do you choose and why? Some basic things you should always ask yourself when shopping for tile are: 1. Where do you plan to use the tile?
2. How much money are you willing to spend?
3. Will you be wearing it down with use? Start with the first problem: location. You probably will not be using materials for the walls as you would for the floor or counters. Stone, ceramic, or porcelain tile makes sense being used for countertops and floors whereas glass is fantastic for walls. You may want to consider that ceramic tile does not absob moisture or odors, and it is easy to clean so it is good for bathrooms and kitchens. Glass tiles are the alternative because they are recyclable and are very colorful. Mosaic glass is better for grip in showers and wet floors. Clay-based tiles are good for outdoor patios and kitchens too because they look rustic and have good grip. Next, consider your renovation budget. How much are you willing to spend on tile floors and walls and per how many cubic feet? Natural stone and glass tile is generally more expensive than ceramic. Consider the space you need to fill and get estimates from the store where you plan to buy your tile. Think about what tile is most appropriate to cover that space. Also, consider the size and shape of the tiles. You may find that different shapes or designs can help you save money. Last, how much traffic will the location get? You want the most durable floors in busy rooms. A foyer or outdoor patio, for example, will be getting more wear than other spaces. Porcelain provides a durable and no-slip surface. It is tough enough to withstand abuse from shoes without looking dull. Ceramic is also pretty durable and is one of the most commonly used for homes. No matter how you look at it, you should be asking yourself which tile floor is most practical. All of your choices will look nice if you chose a color and design wisely. The materials should be a big factor in your decision-making.
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