Choosing a flooring type is a super important detail of a renovation or construction, after all, it will give color and finish to all rooms. And it’s not uncommon to have doubts at this stage, so today we’re going to talk a little bit about ceramic tile flooring. There is an incredible variety of models of this type of flooring – and there is also a lot of information you need to know before opting for them. So keep reading to learn more about the subject.
Ceramic or Porcelain Flooring?
Both floors are considered tiled floors and are often used inside buildings and houses. But they have their differences, so let’s explain a little about the two of them to avoid confusion:
Ceramic Tiles
The ceramic tiles are made by a mixture of clay and other inorganic materials. The process is less complex than the manufacture of porcelain tiles, and the result is pieces with less uniformity, but with a wide range of textures and styles.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, have a process a little more complex than the ceramic ones. To make the porcelain tiles, a mixture of porcelain and other minerals is made, which generates a more uniform look to the flooring. That’s why we can find porcelain tiles that shine, like polished porcelain, or not.
In other words, the biggest difference between ceramic and porcelain is in the manufacturing process. In common, they have the fact that they are both very resistant flooring types.
How to Choose Ceramic Tiles?
As we mentioned, there is a huge variety of ceramic tiles on the market and choosing the best one for your project is not always easy. Check out some tips that can help in this process:Pay attention to sizes: choose proportional tiles – that is, large tiles for large spaces, smaller tiles for small spaces. This is because large ceramic tiles can be poorly used in small environments, as they generate a lot of cutouts, which results in waste and higher cost.
–Beware of slippery floors: the finish and texture of the floor must also be analyzed, and especially according to the residents of the house and the room in which they will be installed. In the case of homes with elderly people and pets, avoid the smoother options, which can lead to accidents. Smoother models should also not be used in wet spaces, such as bathrooms
–Check the quality: there is a table from A to D that defines the quality of ceramic tiles. Type A flooring is top notch, and therefore the best quality. Versions B and C, on the other hand, enter the second and third line respectively. And the D-quality floor is called scrap, and it has a much lower quality, in addition to not having a manufacturer’s warranty. So, if you are looking for highly durable floors with a manufacturer’s warranty, the tip is to prioritize A or B quality models
–Reserve: In addition to the purchase necessary for the entire flooring area, the tip is to buy a reserve quantity of ceramic tiles. This is for possible future repairs, such as hydraulic repairs and cracked tiles. Normally, the best is to buy 10% to 15% more.
Advantages of Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic floors are easy to clean (a damp cloth is sufficient) and very versatile. As they are available in a number of patterns, they can be used virtually anywhere in the house. Tiles with wooden appearance for living rooms and bedrooms, tiles in light and neutral colors for kitchens and bathrooms are good options. But if you like the look of hardwood for a more rustic bathroom, for example, ceramic tile flooring (a non-slippery one, of course!) can be used without any problems.
Furthermore, this type of floor is usually very resistant. It is also a great option for homes with allergic people, since it does not accumulate dust and is not subject to the proliferation of fungi.
On the other hand, this is a colder type of floor – which can be a nuisance in colder places. Anyway, it’s possible to get around discomfort easily with rugs, for example. Also, some models can be slippery, so take this into account when making your choice.
Ceramic Floors in Vancouver
Have you decided on ceramic tile flooring for your renovation or construction? So please talk to us – we can help you with your queries, help you choose the best option for your project and also install it in the Vancouver area.