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Tile And Natural Stone
Tile And Natural Stone Flooring Guide
Tiling your floors can be of great benefit to your home. Tiles provide excellent resistance to water and stains, are resilient under daily foot traffic, and require minimal maintenance. When deciding to tile your flooring, there are several factors that need to be considered before finalizing the right tile. These include ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and natural stone flooring materials like marble, granite, and limestone.
Visit the SCV Floorsmith showroom to get a hands-on look at porcelain, marble, and other tile types before you make a final purchase. Our comprehensive tile and natural stone flooring guide can help you choose wisely.
Color Selection for Tile and Natural Stone
The shade of tile that you choose can impact how the entire room is perceived. Keeping that in mind, it is important to consider the effect of different shades while choosing the tile color. Lighter colors can make a space look larger than it is, making them the ideal choice for small or crowded rooms. On the other hand, dark colors can create a feeling of warmth and comfort in a room. Those who like to switch up the decor on a routine basis can opt for neutral shades as they adapt well to different themes and decor. Vibrant shades add character to the room and lend it a cheerful feel.
Be it man-made tiles or natural stone tile flooring, there will be a certain degree of variation from one tile to the next. This subtle change in pattern and color helps add a sense of character and depth to the room. Laying out a few tiles before installation will help you better understand how the tiles will look with their variations. This helps you get a better understanding of the overall design.
Durability and Tile Types
Ceramic And Porcelain Tiles
The tile manufacturing industry uses the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating to determine the durability and resistance to wear of a tile. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the least resistant to abrasions. It is important to check the PEI rating before deciding on the appropriate tile for your space. Tiles with lower PEI ratings can be used on walls and areas with lower traffic, whereas tiles with a higher PEI can be used in high-activity areas such as kitchens, halls, and living spaces. The benefits of ceramic and porcelain tiles include easy maintenance, durability, and resistance to stains.
Natural Stone Tile Flooring
Stones have provided natural flooring for thousands of years and offer a timeless look and feel to your space. Natural stone tile flooring is known for its durability and ease of cleaning. Choose from a variety of natural shades and textures without having to worry about the wear and tear of the tiles. Since they are made from natural materials, these tiles are easy to clean and require little maintenance. You can refer to our tile and natural stone flooring guide for more information on selecting the right stone.
Style and Design Choices
Based on the design and decor of your space, you can choose from a variety of styles and designs.
- Stone Finish: Natural stone tile flooring, marbled finishes, or porcelain tiles with a stone look are extremely popular as they easily adapt to different color schemes and decor themes. They offer a timeless look and are well suited for formal spaces.
- Wood Finish Look: Tiles with a wood look are perfect for spaces with a slightly traditional design or rustic feel. They are commonly installed in high-traffic areas such as kitchens where traditional wooden flooring would not last.
- White Finish: White tiles, or subway tiles as they are commonly known, have always been popular. They look best when paired with modern designs and products such as glass, metal, and ceramic. This is the ideal choice for those trying to achieve a striking look.
Size of Tiles
Tile sizes can range between the sizes of 3/8” all the way up to 5’x10’ panels. For a natural look, it is important to ensure that at least three tiles can fit in a row, one after the other, on each side.
Tiles of larger sizes can help make a room look larger as the irregularity from grout reduces.
Texture and Safety
Smooth and shiny textures are a popular choice as they create a formal and classy look. However, they can be quite slippery. This should be taken into consideration when installing tiles in naturally slippery areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Tiles with textures or a matte finish are less slippery and offer good grip.
They exude a rustic charm and bring out the warmth in other elements of the decor.
Grout for Tile And Natural Stone Flooring
Similar to tiles, grout is available in a variety of colors. For a clean and seamless finish, make use of a grout that matches the color of the tile. However, if you want the color of the tiles to stand out, choose a grout color that contrasts with the tile color.
Be sure to ask the salesperson or consultant about the best practices for maintaining grout. For tips on how to install natural stone tile flooring, including grout recommendations, refer to our detailed guide.