Reasons to Consider Tile Flooring

In American homes, tiles are the most common and popular flooring material, and this is for good reasons – or should we say, reasons. Tile floors are versatile, durable, easy to clean, water-resistant, and affordable.

In this blog, our team at Baker Bros discusses each of these reasons in depth. You will learn more about the best floor tiles and why you should consider tile flooring in your kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, bedroom, or outdoor patio. So, if you're ready to begin the tile-selecting process, let's begin!

What Are The Best Floor Tiles? 

There are many different types of tiles, each offering unique benefits. So, before we discuss why you should consider tile flooring, let's delve into the best floor tiles for your home renovation, build, or remodeling project.

• Ceramic floor tiles: Those who want a timeless and durable tile that won't cost a fortune often choose ceramic tiles. These tiles are versatile, easy to shape, and can be adapted to any homeowner's vision. They also come in different styles, sizes, colors, textures, and patterns. Ceramic tiles are less water-resistant than porcelain but are a reliable and easy-to-customize choice.
• Porcelain floor tiles: Although they can be used in most rooms, porcelain floor tiles are best suited to kitchens due to their water resistance and longevity. These tiles are made of refined clay and kiln-fired, ensuring they are dense and durable. They offer stain and scratch resistance, are easy to clean, come in many colors, sizes, and styles, and are ideal for heavy foot traffic zones.
• Glass tiles: Those wanting modern tiles that come in nearly unlimited patterns, colors, shapes, and transparencies should consider glass mosaic tiles, one of the best floor tile options for contemporary-styled homes. Other glass tiles include subway tiles, mainly used as wall tile backsplashes. These tiles can also be used for bathrooms and showers due to their slip-resistant grout lines.
• Stone tiles: Natural stone tiles provide a high-quality look and are incredibly beautiful. Popular natural stone tile choices include granite, marble, limestone, and travertine. However, although natural stone tiles are moisture-resistant, they need to be sealed, which is an extra step. Most don't mind this extra step because of their versatility.
• Metal tiles: Metal tiling, although less common than porcelain and ceramic floor tiles, is worth considering for adding a decorative touch to your home. Metal tiles come in different materials, from copper and bronze to steel and brushed nickel. These types of tiles handle temperature fluctuations well and are particularly striking in kitchens on accent walls and ceilings.

What Are The Reasons You Need Tile Flooring

There are many choices when it comes to flooring. Tiles are popular, but so are carpet, wood, and vinyl flooring. So why should you choose tiles over these other options? Let's explore the reasons why tile flooring is the right choice for any style or design of your home:

Versatility

Tiles offer more versatility than most other flooring options. Depending on how you cut, shape, and set your tiles, they can create an atmosphere that reflects your personality.

For instance, large-format, light-colored tiles in high-traffic areas can make a room feel bigger and more spacious. On the other hand, darker porcelain or ceramic tiles, with or without patterns, can make a room feel cozier and warmer.

Even the layout of tiles can impact the overall feel of a room. Many types of floor tiles are versatile, allowing you to lay them diagonally or horizontally. Diagonally laid floor tiles in narrow bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens can make the room appear wider. Keeping the size and style of tiles consistent throughout every room in your home can create a uniform look that flows and makes the space feel more spacious and open.

But versatility doesn't end there. Certain tiles can also be used on walls, ceilings, backsplashes, and even countertops. This flexibility allows you to customize your home according to your design preferences and tastes.

Durability

You will be hard-pressed to find another flooring solution that is as durable and hard-wearing as tiles. While some tiles are less durable and harder to maintain, showing wear more easily, this isn't the norm. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are prime examples of how formidable your tiling can be against damage.

If you purchase tiles and they are installed properly—whether by you or a professional—they will, for the most part, be slip-resistant, stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and able to withstand minor damage such as scratches, spills, and burns.

Because tiles are so durable, they are ideal for almost every room in the house: kitchens, lounges, offices, bedrooms, bathrooms, playrooms, and even outdoor spaces like garages, by the pool, and in other high-traffic areas such as hallways.

Easy to Maintain 

The last thing you want is difficult-to-clean flooring. No one has time to spend hours tending to their floor cleaning alone, so floor tiles are preferred. With floor tiles, they are incredibly easy to keep clean and maintain.

Interior floor tiles can be maintained by routine sweeping and mopping with special tile-proof floor cleaning products. Your outdoor tiles can be maintained much the same way. You can sweep away dirt (fallen leaves, sand, and other debris) every week and lightly hose them every two to three weeks to keep the area clean and presentable.

Through routine tile maintenance, you can remove any accumulated dirt and prevent premature wear and tear, ensuring your tiles last a long time. It has been proven that through proper care, floor tiles like ceramic tiles can last between 75 and 100 years, which is impressive and surely worth the investment!

Water Resistant 

Have you ever experienced wet carpets or damaged wooden floorboards from water seepage or spills? If so, you'll know they can be incredibly frustrating and costly to fix. This leads us to the next benefit of tile flooring—it's water-resistant.

Tile flooring is spill-proof. You can spill water or any other liquid, and all you'll need to do is mop up the mess. In most instances, there will be no damage, and it will be as good as new. This water resistance extends far beyond the floor. It's incredibly convenient if you have tile backsplashes or tiles around your pool, patio, or fireplace.

Tiles can even be submerged in water for years on end. Don't believe us? Think back to the pools you've swum in. Many of them likely had tiling on the walls or floors. Suffice it to say, tiles grouted correctly will never succumb to water damage, something we can't say about carpets!

Contact A Tile Expert Today To Choose Tiles For Your Home

Many different types of floor tiles are available, and at Baker Bros, we sell a wide variety to meet your home build or renovation needs. We hope this guide helped you find the perfect tiles for your next project and convinced you that tiles are a good flooring option no matter the room. If you are ready to undertake your tiling project, feel free to visit us to get started.