Tiles are thin layers of rectangular slabs used for covering the bare surface of the floor. There are various flooring types which include, hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, carpets, rugs, etc. Tiles are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc. Tiles are also used for table-tops and countertops. They are preferred to other types of flooring majorly because they are impervious to water. They are also scratch and stain-resistant.

Types of Tile and How to Choose Them.

There are different types of tiles based on their design and use. Different tiles are most suitable for different uses. Here are the various types of tiles and what they are used for.

Ceramic Tiles. This is a combination of silica and clay that has been hardened by high temperatures. They are the most common tiles used in flooring. Ceramic tiles can either come in glazed coating and are known as glazed tiles, or they can come without glazed coating. The latter is known as Quarry tiles are commonly used in parking lots and footpaths because they are rough and are skid resistant. This is necessary for the daily fiction of these areas. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of colors and shapes
Porcelain Tiles. They are made by subjecting finely grained clay to extreme temperatures. The temperature used for porcelain tiles is higher than what is used for ceramic tiles. This makes them stronger, denser, and more expensive than ceramic tiles. They are made in darker and more exotic colors.
Glass Tiles. This is a more eco-friendly tile option as they are usually made from sand and recycled glass. The nature of glass limits its usage to only areas of low human traffic because it can break easily, especially around the edges. They are commonly used to cover walls of places like bathrooms and kitchens. The exquisite and sophisticated look of glass tiles makes it a popular choice in commercial areas like hotels, malls, etc.
Vitrified Tiles. These tiles undergo a process called Vitrification hence their name. They are made by combining silica and clay at high temperatures. Vitrified tiles are much harder and stronger than clay. This strength makes it resistant to wear and tear.
Mosaic Tiles. Unlike the conventional tiles listed above, mosaic tiles are smaller pieces of tiles that have been cut into different shapes and arranged in different layers on walls or other places of use. They are mainly used for their aesthetic attributes.
Digital Tiles. These are gaining more popularity with the rise in the knowledge of technology. Digital tiles are printed on the surfaces of glazed tiles using Digital Printing Technology. The creative possibilities of digital tiles are endless as you can bring any idea, design, taste, or preference to life. They are more expensive because of the process of making them.

Tile Installation

This is the process of installing tiles on walls, floors, countertops, or wherever they are needed. Tiles can be bought at home improvement stores or online on stores like Amazon, Lowes, etc. Tile installation is complex and tricky and will require professional skills. The process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. One mistake or inconsistency can have your floors or walls looking irregular.

Tips for Maintaining your Tile Flooring

One of the selling points of tile flooring is the ease at which it can be maintained. This is largely due to their scratch and stain-resistant ability. Even with all these amazing qualities of the tile flooring, we still have to do our part to enhance its durability.

Clean up spills immediately. As much as tiles are water-resistant, some spills can still stain the tiles permanently if left for too long. You also do not want to leave water on the floor where you can accidentally slip. Wipe off food stains as soon as you notice them. Make use of mats. Most people tend to ignore the wonders of mats because they love looking at their tiles. When placed in strategic locations such as the entrance of the home, mats are a great way to catch dirt and stain that would have otherwise been on the tiles. Get mats that are not so large and easy to clean and place them strategically around the house. Be sure to check for allergies when getting a mat.
Vacuum and Sweep regularly. When using tile flooring, you’ll have to sweep dirt often to avoid build-up, especially if you have kids and pets in the house, or if you have a large family generally. Vacuuming your tile flooring is highly recommended as it removed stubborn dirt and small stones from the floor.
Mop your floor at least once a week to remove any stains that are on it. You do not have to worry about drying up your floor because it does not absorb water and will dry off almost as soon as you mop it.
Do not use acid or bleach regularly. Bleach always seems like the answer whenever we’re trying to get rid of stubborn stains but it is not always so. Continuous use of bleach will strip your floor of its natural color and leave it looking dull. When it comes to cleaning your floors, any kind at all, neutral PH levels is a safer bet. If you clean off stains immediately you notice them, you will not have to consider using bleach on your floor.
Clean your grout lines. Grout lines are the line of joining between two tiles. People tend to ignore the grout lines when they clean their tiles. Badly maintained grout lines can house bacteria and other microorganisms. If you have had your tiles for a long time without cleaning the grout lines, you might believe the lines are black. Chances are, they are not. Use a small soft bristle brush and a bathroom cleaner to scrub the grout lines. There are also appliances specifically designed to scrub grout lines and remove stains.

Tiles flooring is the people’s choice especially in the bathroom areas because of its high water resistance. They are easy to clean and are scratch and stain-resistant. Ceramic tiles are the most common in residential areas while glass tiles are used in commercial areas. Tile installation should be carried out by a professional to ensure accuracy and quality of jobs. You can contact The Furniture Phoenix to get a FREE quote on your tile installation today.