Don’t Buy Ceramic Tile Before Considering This

Deciding what flooring to install inside your home can be a challenging task. But if you’ve settled on ceramic tile, the decisions have only begun.

Ceramic tile is a popular choice for today’s homes. It’s durable, easy to clean and maintain, and can give any room a fresh new look. Plus, you’ll find endless opportunities when you start making your final decisions. The designs, styles, shapes, textures, and colors available can match any decor.

What is ceramic tile?

Ceramic tile is one of those concepts we’ve all heard of, yet when you try to define it, you might be puzzled.

Ceramics are traditionally made from clay. You might be familiar with it when shopping for dishes, pots, or other earthenware. It’s created by baking or firing clay in a kiln. (As a side note, ceramic tiles are fired at 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to porcelain tile, which is created at 2300 degrees.)

Today’s ceramics are made from a formula of water, sand, and clay. When combined with grout, which is placed between the tiles when they are laid into place, it can create a hard surface that provides years of enjoyment.

You’ll find ceramic tile comes in two major categories: quarry tile, which uses natural clay or shale pulled from the earth, and a handcrafted tile made by compacting clay dust.

Ceramic tile also comes in different grades:

Grade 1 – usually placed on walls

Grade 2 – used for residential flooring

Grade 3 – used for light to moderate foot traffic

Grade 4 – for commercial use

Grade 5 – for heavy foot traffic

Don’t Buy Ceramic Tile Before Considering ThisOf course, you can mix and match, depending on your desires. Installing a commercial grade tile in your home may provide better results, especially if you have an active household. When in doubt, talk to one of our sales associates who can help you finalize your decision.

What does ceramic tile look like?

Because ceramic tile can take on any look, and is available in many different formats, it’s often one of the best choices for your home. Having trouble agreeing on what flooring to install in your home? Often, homeowners can agree that ceramic tile is the perfect way to blend everyone’s needs and desires.

That’s because ceramic tile manufacturers can create almost any look when developing the finalized product. Circles, squares, hexagons – you’ll find many shapes. While the majority is square or rectangular, if you have something special in mind, we can help you find it.

In some places, like the bathroom – you may choose to create elaborate designs with small mosaic tile. For use in main area living spaces, why not try one of the latest design trends and use large tiles. Ceramic tiles come in standard 6, 8, or 10 inch squares, or try large sizes like 12×24, 24×24, or even 12×48 inch tiles. Each creates a unique look in your area, depending on your wishes.

What about ceramic tile types?

Not every ceramic tile is meant for use as flooring. Pay attention to the type to determine how well it will wear. Typically you’ll find ceramic tile labeled as:

Glazed – glazed tiles are coated with a protective finish to protect the design underneath. They can be shiny and glossy, or come with a matte finish perfectly paired for natural stone designs. Glossy may be chic and perfect for wall designs, while a matte finish may work better in larger spaces and for flooring.

Wall tiles – this is where you’ll find perfect choices for showers, backsplashes, and other accents throughout your home. You’ll find your most variety in wall tiles because they can add personality anywhere you desire a pop of color. They are more fragile than other tiles, and can’t handle daily wear on the floor.

Floor tiles – these are specifically designed for use on the floor. Usually with a matte finish, they provide anti-slip qualities that make them function well over time.

It’s important to note the composition of the finish. This will tell you how well the tile will handle in different situations, which can be especially important in kitchens, baths, and other areas where moisture might be a problem.

Tile density will give you an idea of the strength – how well it handles under pressure.

Moisture absorption refers to the amount of moisture the tile can absorb. A dense tile repels rather than absorbs moisture. This indirect relationship determines what tile is best in each situation in your home.

  • Non-Vitreous – these are tiles that absorb 7 percent of more moisture. They handle well in indoor situations
  • Semi-Vitreous – they absorb from 3 to 7 percent moisture. They are for indoor use only.
  • Vitreous – they absorb less than 3 percent. They are frost-resistant, but cannot handle extreme conditions, which may cause them to crack.
  • Impervious – they have less than .5 percent moisture absorption, and can be used outside.

What’s underneath the tile

When you select your flooring, it’s good to keep in mind that all flooring sits on top of a subfloor, and will only do as well as the subfloor was designed.

Very rarely are subfloors “perfect.” It’s hard to make them level, or create a perfect place for flooring to reside. Depending on what is underneath ceramic tile can cause a hollow sound. This does not impact the integrity of the tile. But it can impact the sound quality, especially in larger rooms.

Because tile is often considered a “cold” flooring, here in the Rocky Mountains it’s a perfect choice to combine with radiant heating. It conducts heat well, warms up quickly, and is a perfect way to heat your home from the ground up. Many homeowners wouldn’t have anything else in their bathrooms because of ease of use. If you’ve been thinking of expanding these qualities to other rooms in your home, this may be the perfect reason to do so. You’ll love the results.

Is ceramic tile the perfect choice for your home?

Now maybe the right choice to make the change, and bring ceramic tiles into your home. They look good in any room, can add ambiance and classic good looks in a wide array of sizes, colors, and shapes.

Is ceramic tile right for you?

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Using Ceramic Tile For Universal Design

There’s a new focus on finding your perfect home and staying in place.

As we age, nesting takes on an entirely different meaning. We no longer plan a home around growing a family. Instead, we want to create a home where we can live indefinitely, throughout all the trials and tribulations of getting older.

Universal design sets up all the principles of aging in place. It’s about ensuring a house is set up appropriately for everyone, no matter what their abilities. It includes things like:

  • Flexibility in use – providing choices and adaptability
  • Intuitive use  – eliminate complexities
  • Low physical effort – easy to operate and maintain

Universal design is the process used to design a home to be accessible to everyone. Every space – from kitchens to bath, and living spaces – should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. And it should be done in such a way that it doesn’t call out differences, but instead has a smooth, easy-to-use style that looks as good as it functions.

Do you have narrow hallways? Widening them means that a person requiring any form of assistance can maneuver them just fine.

Do you have steep staircases? Universal design eliminates staircases, putting in easy ways to move from location to location without the need for climbing stairs.

And here’s the best part: universal design will never go out of style! That’s because there are already over 108 million people over the age of 50, thanks to the large Baby Boomer generation, with another 49 million following in their footsteps from the Gen X generation. These people want flexible living as they age.

While there’s a lot of features to build into a home specifically built under universal design guidelines, it starts at the bottom – the floor. And one of the best flooring choices you can choose is ceramic tile. What’s more, ceramic tiles aren’t just for floors. You’ll find them in use in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, on backsplashes, walls, and ceilings. Because they’re that efficient, that beautiful, anywhere you want them in your home.

Universal design and minimalism go hand in hand

The key to good universal design is: simple is better. Clutter doesn’t work. Rugs and other items you can trip over are nuisances more than helpers. Simplicity is key. That’s why ceramic tile works so well.

It’s beautiful. It’s functional. It’s one of the easiest flooring choices to maintain. And with a minimal amount of effort, it will look good for years – decades – to come.

Some designers will tell you to go big. Select ceramic tiles as large as possible in order to minimize the amount of grout needed in between. It creates a smooth, flowing look. Don’t clutter it with throw rugs – that can be dangerous. And keep furniture high off the floor – it accentuates the clean look of the floor.

Other designers will tell you size doesn’t matter; it’s the continuity of the floor that matters most. Whether you use smaller penny round tiles, or large squares two feet in diameter or more, the key in creating classic good looks is keeping it simple.

Open concept

When you open up the floorplan of your home, it naturally creates universal design. That’s because any barriers that might have impeded traffic flow are eliminated.

Does that mean eliminating wall space? Yes, wherever possible. That also means it will create rooms that naturally work together.

Take a look at your current home space. Average homes today have a kitchen, living room, family room, several bedrooms and bathrooms, hallways to connect the space, and additional rooms such as laundry rooms, home offices, or dens on the side.

Now take a look at the flooring in each of these spaces. Many homes are a hodgepodge of flooring choices.

  • Hardwood in the main living spaces
  • Vinyl in bathrooms
  • Carpet in bedrooms
  • Tile in bathrooms

How do each of these flooring choices connect? That can be a problem in two manners.

1. It can cause a tripping hazard.

2. It can create an imbalance in aesthetics.

Remember how you reworked clutter for a more minimalist look on countertops and with decor? The same holds true with flooring choices.

When you can see flooring change every few feet, from space to space, it clutters up the aesthetics. It adds chaos to the design.

Maybe now is the time to change out the different flooring choices you’ve made, and create a solid visual line from the front of your home to the back.

Some of our favorite ceramic tile choices include:

Wood Look Tile – this is growing in popularity because of its classic good looks. If you love hardwood flooring, but want the convenience of ceramic tile, look no further than wood look tile. It’s created using a design technology that at first glance, it’s easy to mistake this faux flooring for the real thing. It comes in planks, and can be many different colors, from light to dark.

Stone – want the look of stone tile in something that’s more flexible to install and maintain? Stone look ceramic tile may be the perfect choice. It’s a great way to create a smooth, uniform look, where natural tiles’ various shapes might not do.

Porcelain Tile – while not exactly a decor choice, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention porcelain tile in this article. Why? Because it’s a great choice to lay inside and outside of your home. Porcelain tile takes ceramic tile to the next level because of its high tensile strength. It’s resistant to moisture, and comes in a wide variety of design options. What’s more, you can move your floorplan beyond your inside walls, and use it in outdoor living space too. People love the versatility when moving their kitchen space outdoors.

And if you weren’t sold on ceramic tile before, let’s talk about radiant heating. Ceramic tile is one of the best flooring choices if you desire to lay in radiant heating. Imagine warm floors on a cold winter morning. It’s possible with ceramic tiles.

Is universal design right for you?

If you’re part of the minimalist movement, if you’re planning for the future and incorporating universal design into your remodeling plans, start at the bottom. Choosing ceramic tile to run all through your home is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

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Why Vinyl Tile May Be Better Than Ceramic Tile

There are certain environments throughout your home where moisture and spills are more likely to occur. Like your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.

It would never make sense to install carpet; can you imagine water seeping into the fibers and padding if your washing machine overflows? Now imagine cleanup if the flooring was water-resistant. It might be a pain, but you wouldn’t worry about the long-term implications.

That is why more homeowners are giving vinyl tile and ceramic tile another look.

But there’s a third thing to think about here in 2020 that will impact the way you live from now on: the coronavirus.

Cleanliness is more important than ever. Having the ability to clean and disinfect is at the top of every homeowner’s wish-lists for new flooring.

Does that make vinyl tile better than ceramic tile?

Let’s take a look.

Vinyl tile or ceramic tile – what’s the difference?

Why Vinyl Tile May Be Better Than Ceramic TilePeople, in general, have very distinct views of both vinyl tile or ceramic tile. They may remember growing up with one or the other, and have opinions about the look and feel of both.

If you haven’t looked at either lately, it’s time for a second look. Through technology, vinyl tile is now designed to mimic some of the most favorite products on the market. But the materials used in production are substantially different, and that can be a plus for you.

Vinyl tile is essentially made from the same thing as the more traditional vinyl sheet. It’s created using four layers:

  • A backing layer usually made from felt or fiberglass
  • A core layer made from PVC plastic
  • A print layer to add the design to your flooring product
  • A wear layer to give it its strength and durability

The difference between tile and sheet is the cut; vinyl tile is simply cut into squares to make it easier to handle and move. And because they’re easier to maneuver, manufacturers have been very creative with the design. You’ll find all sorts of patterns and colors. They even make composite tiles, which adds a sense of realism to more traditional plastic-only by including pulverized stone dust to the mix.

If you’re looking for a step up, you can move to the luxury vinyl tile line, which is much thicker and has tiles that join together through click-together technology. Luxury vinyl tile is found in both plank and tile format, and can take on the look of hardwood, ceramic or stone tile.

Ceramic tile is made up of natural clay mixed with other materials, fired and hardened with a surface glaze to give them their unique appearance. While ceramic tile tends to be a more generic term for the tiles you install in your home, it also includes things like porcelain tile, which hardens at higher temperatures, making them harder and more durable. They have their place in American homes, but keep in mind they do produce one of the hardest surface areas you can install.

Ceramic tile is often used in many ways – why not use it on the walls, countertops, and backsplashes to create a unique look? You would never do that with vinyl tile.

Do each have their place? Of course.

Is there a right choice? It all depends on you, your goals and your desires.

But if you are looking for beauty at an affordable cost, and want something that’s durable and easy to clean no matter how much you clean it, vinyl tile is worth a second look.

Why vinyl tile is growing in popularity

Market trends show that flooring is in demand now more than ever. That’s because people want a low maintenance, cost effective material that’s easy to install. Current statistics show it’s a 25 billion dollar industry, with growth predicted more than 7 percent per year through 2025.

What makes vinyl tile better than ceramic tile in many situations?

Cost

Vinyl tile is one of the most budget-friendly flooring choices you can make. In many cases, vinyl tile will be your only purchase. Compare that to ceramic tile where you’ll have to invest in adhesive, grout, and all the tools that go along with it. Depending on what vinyl tile product you select, you can expect to pay as much as 40 percent less than other popular types of flooring.

Durable

According to an article on Realtor.com, vinyl tile can last up to 20 years if well cared for. That makes it an excellent choice where water-resistance is needed. Plus, the soft cushiony texture is perfect if you have pets or kids, where playing and getting down on the ground is mandatory in your daily life. Ceramic tile’s hard surface means it’s harder no matter what hits it. If you drop a man, ceramic tile can chip or crack. It has a much better chance of bouncing back on a vinyl tile.

Installation

Are you looking for an easy DIY project? With most flooring choices, doing it yourself is often cost-prohibited because of the number of tools you need. If you want to install tile yourself, nothing is easier than vinyl tile. Start by pulling up the current flooring and ensure the subfloor is in good shape. With ceramic tile, the subfloor is less forgiving. If you tile over uneven spaces, there’s a greater risk your ceramic tile will pop off during normal living. Because vinyl tile is flexible, it settles in even with minor imperfections on the subfloor. And with luxury vinyl planks, they click into place without adhering to the subfloor. Their flexibility allows them to settle in and stand up over time.

And did we talk about the mess? If you’ve ever installed ceramic tile yourself, you know all of the stages you have to go through. Ensure the subfloor is level. Mix and apply the adhesive. Cut the tiles … and risk having broken tiles pile up. The dust. The grout! That’s why many people leave ceramic tile placement to the professionals.

Because vinyl tile is so easy to install, you can often have the project complete in one day, depending on the size of your room.

Flexibility

Are you the type of person who loves to keep up with the trends? Are you an HGTV addict? Is remodeling a part of your lifestyle? Then vinyl tile may be the perfect choice for you. Once ceramic tile is laid, it’s difficult to pull up and get your subfloor back into condition for the next flooring to be laid into place. With vinyl tile – especially luxury vinyl planks – with click and lock technology, you pick them up and ready the subfloor for your next flooring choice. That also makes them easy to repair if you damage one of them.

So what’s your flooring choice? Do you agree, vinyl tile is better than ceramic tile for what you’re looking for in a flooring choice?

Give us a call and learn about our complete line of vinyl tile.

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8 Reasons To Use Ceramic Tile In Your Kitchen Remodel

What’s the most used, most remodeled room in a home? According to the National Association of Home Builders (HAHB), it’s the kitchen. NAHB data shows that 81 percent of remodelers requested work be performed on their kitchen, with the bathroom running in close second place.

Is a kitchen remodel in your future? Where do you start?

Why not start at the bottom … with your floors.8 Reasons To Use Ceramic Tile In Your Kitchen Remodel

Your flooring sets the stage for your entire kitchen design. It creates mood, adds depth, can control the aesthetics of everything else you install in the room.

And while we know there are a lot of choices for you to consider, we think one of the best is ceramic tile. It’s simply one of the best flooring choices for kitchens.

Ceramic tile is made with inorganic materials like clay. That makes it easy to maintain, more durable, and less vulnerable to moisture and stains. But is it the right flooring choice for your kitchen?

1. Ceramic tile is beautiful

If you want options, look no further than ceramic tile. With today’s modern technology, there are infinite possibilities in creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Why is ceramic tile one of the best choices for kitchen flooring? Possibilities.

Ceramic comes in three formats: glazed, unglazed, and porcelain. Glazed is coated to provide better stain and moisture resistance. Unglazed is hard and dense and showcases a more natural look. Porcelain tiles are the hardest, densest tile available, with color going all the way through the thickness.

Ceramic tile is manufactured in sizes from one to twenty-four inches square. Don’t like square? Why not go with the newest entry: ceramic planks. They imitate the look of hardwood, making them a perfect choice for your kitchen.

Want a particular color or pattern? If you can dream it, you’ll find it … with ceramic tile.

2. Ceramic tile is durable

Ceramic tile is made from clay, fired in a kiln, and finished to provide a hard, durable surface.

A kitchen is tough on a floor – one of the toughest rooms in your home. But tiles can withstand as much as you dish out, and still look great in the process.

If the refrigerator leaks, your tile floors will still look great after the cleanup is completed. If it chips or cracks, keeping a few extra tiles on hand means you’ll be able to replace it and have your floors looking great again with just a little work.

Ceramic tile is truly the workhorse of the flooring industry, one of the strongest, long-lasting flooring choices you can make for your kitchen.

3. Ceramic tile is easy to clean

Ceramic tile is also one of the easiest flooring choices to keep clean. Sweep up daily dust, pet hair, and debris. Vacuum for a deeper clean. Mop as necessary. Unlike organic flooring choices like hardwood, ceramic tile won’t warp or curl with spills and moisture.

When properly installed, there isn’t a place dirt or germs can hide. You can even use heavy duty cleaners to keep it sparkling and looking brand new. Just check with your ceramic tile manufacturer for the perfect solution for your tile.

4. Ceramic tile is priced right

You’ve dreamed about solid wood floors in your kitchen. But the sticker shock is real, especially when you consider the maintenance it will take to ensure they look good for years to come.

That’s why more homeowners are turning to ceramic tile. You can find the right choice for you at any price point you desire. Depending on the quality, the style, and the composition, it can be one of the most economical kitchen flooring choices available.

5. Ceramic tile is healthier

When you think about everything you do in the kitchen, only one thing is for sure about any flooring choice you make: it will have to withstand a wide variety of activities. The knocked over water bottle. The spilled glass of wine. The pickle jar that falls from the fridge. The mess from a backed up drain.

But it’s more than that. How about the pet that sleeps at your feet? Have you noticed those furballs accumulating in the corners?

And what about pollen from outside, that lands subtly across your floor?

Allergens don’t have a place to hide or hover into with ceramic floors. They can easily be swept, vacuumed, or wiped away. And considering you spend most of your time in the kitchen, isn’t it nice knowing it won’t add into your allergy attacks?

6. Ceramic tile is easy to install

Ceramic tile does require special tools to install, and can be challenging to cut and fit into place, especially if you are a DIYer.

Yet installing ceramic tile can also be a forgiving DIY project, especially in smaller spaces.

And if you hire a contractor to do the work for you, you can have your project completed in a short amount of time. Ceramic tile doesn’t need acclimating as hardwoods do. And you can easily piece it around just about any cabinet, wall, or other hindrance you might have in place.

It’s easy to customize your kitchen with ceramic tile.

7. Ceramic tile is warm

Ceramic tile isn’t very good at retaining heat. In fact, it can stay rather cool to the touch, making it perfect for warm places.

Yet here in Colorado, ceramic tile is the perfect choice if you’re interested in installing radiant heating.

Ceramic tile is thin and mineral-based, giving it the perfect qualities for conducting heat. And because it contains no organic material, it won’t deteriorate if the hydronic system leaks water.

It heats up rapidly, and will even retain some of the heat for a short while after it’s turned off.

8. Ceramic tile is stylish

Have we mentioned that very little can beat the look of ceramic tile? That’s because there are an infinite number of ways to install it and keep it looking its best.

Go small, and create mosaic designs. Use decorative inserts and borders for a one-of-a-kind look. Change out colors and weave patterns in to suit your personality. Or use different shapes, such as hexagon, and let your imagination run wild.

We love ceramic tile and think it’s the perfect addition to any kitchen remodeling project you take on.

If you need a little inspiration, why not stop by our showroom today.

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