ALL ABOUT TILE
WHAT IS TILE FLOORING?
One of the most durable flooring options on the market, tile flooring can be comprised of a number of different materials, the most popular of which are ceramic, porcelain, and stone. An ideal option for homes and offices that receive a lot of foot traffic, tile flooring provides a beautiful look without sacrificing long-term durability.
Ceramic Vs. Porcelain
Though distinct, ceramic and porcelain are pretty similar materials. Both materials are made from clay, whether it’s natural or manmade, and created from pulverized rock, slate or marble. All porcelain tiles are ceramic, but not all ceramic tiles are porcelain.
Ceramic tile tends to be the more cost-effective option out of the two. Other perks of ceramic include that It is easier for the installer to cut and manipulate, and it also comes in a wider range of color options than porcelain.
What makes a ceramic tile also classify as porcelain? The composition of porcelain must include feldspar. Feldspar is a crystal that, during the firing process, melts into a glass-like material and bonds all the other ingredients together. Porcelain tile is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tile.
Due to its unique composition and firing, porcelain tile is denser than ceramic and less prone to breakage. While more expensive than ceramic, porcelain tile is still more cost-effective than natural stone tile. Additionally, because porcelain is extremely water-resistant, it better withstands exposure to low temperatures that cause freezing and thawing.
In addition to ceramic and porcelain, tile also can be made from natural materials like travertine, granite, marble, slate, and limestone. Natural tile is often more costly than ceramic or porcelain.
Featured Brands
Purchasing a new tile floor is a fantastic investment for your home – but it’s an investment, nonetheless. For this reason, it’s important to purchase from trustworthy brands with excellent reputations who can offer you the best options to accommodate your taste and lifestyle.
At Bob’s, we’re proud to offer only the best tile options at fair, competitive prices from the most respected distributors:
The Style of Tiles
Tile flooring offers endless opportunities for you to personalize your home – whether it’s through variations in shape, shading, size, or patterns. Though there’s no “wrong” way to do tile, it’s recommended that you consult with a trusted professional about the look and feel you’re going for, as well as the dimensions of each room you’ll be flooring in your home.
Why Choose Tile?
Tile is one of many options to choose from when flooring your home – and it offers distinct benefits. Beautiful, durable finishes are among the biggest perks of tile flooring. What’s more, it’s an all-natural, chemical-free option that leaves a minimal carbon footprint while giving your floors maximum sophistication – for an affordable and accessible long-term price.
Cost
In comparison to other flooring options, tile has the lowest life-cycle cost when measuring the price of maintenance and materials against the average tile flooring lifespan. Ceramic tile can be one of the more affordable flooring materials, starting at as little as $0.45 per square foot, while natural stone tiles tend to be more expensive.
Durability
A tile’s strength and durability are identifiable by its grade (or wear rating). A higher grade indicates a higher level of toughness and resistance to scratching. Tile also offers the lowest water absorption rate of any flooring surface, meaning not only will it naturally resist stains and dirt penetration, but that water will not damage the flooring itself. Though this could potentially mean higher risks of slipping, numerous tiles are now engineered to be slip-resistant.
Eco-Friendly
Made from natural clays and water, tile is a natural, eco-friendly option. Tile flooring will not emit any VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and does not hold allergens, bacteria, or odors, making it a healthy, low-maintenance choice.
Style
No matter the architectural style or interior design of your home, tile provides a versatile look that can perfectly complement any aesthetic vibe. Whether you go for a uniform style or choose to mix-and-match different tiles to create an interesting and unique motif, tile flooring allows you to express any look and feel you’d like for your home.
