How to Choose the Right Type of Tile for Your Home Improvement Project
Believe it or not, there are now nearly as many different types of tile as there are stars in the sky. It used to be, not too terribly long ago, that all a person needed to say when shopping for tile for floors or counter tops was the dimensions needed, and the finish required. Tile almost always meant ceramic tile, once upon a time. But those days are long past, with the age of milk men, bell bottom pants and three channel television. Today, there are a number of different types of tile, each fit for different applications and uses in the home, indoors or outdoors.
Remember, too, that choosing the right type of tile can be the single determining factor to deciding the ultimate success or failure of your project, so be sure to choose the tile that is absolutely right for your intended use. Before you buy, it might be helpful for you to consult with the manufacturer of the tile that you intend to purchase, to ensure that the tile that you are buying has the full protection of warranty, and that the use for which you intend is covered by that warranty. If you are beginning to plan such a home improvement project of your very own, here is a breakdown of the types of tile, what they can be used for, and some of the pros and cons of each type of tile.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is the common type of tile. It is incredible versatile, it can be used in a variety of different applications or projects, and its best feature is that it is highly cost effective. Per square foot, it is usually the cheapest tile that you will find in the marketplace, and for many applications ceramic tile will be all that you will need to complete the project. Made from shale and clay, ceramic tile can be, in some instances, quite brittle, and working with it can be tricky if you do not have much experience with the intricacies of this type of tile. Ceramic tile is best for projects in kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and counter tops.
Marble And Granite Tile
Marble and granite tile is basically tile that is made from marble or granite stones. It can be highly costly, but it is often considered the most aesthetically appealing tile material on the market today. It is perfect for counter tops and back splash insets, but you would likely not want to use it for flooring.
Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tile is the most popular type of tile used for flooring, and it comes in a variety of different finishes, colors and patterns. Due to the fact that it can sold and distributed in sheets, it is perfect for use with expansive flooring projects in the kitchen, bathroom and even in dining rooms and service porches.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is highly delicate, but can be aesthetically appealing in retro resotration projects for old Craftsman style homes.
Slate Tile
Slate tile is perfect for flooring, for staircase work and for other extensive areas that need tile treatments. Slate is a porous rock that is highly resilient to most typical stresses.
Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tile is highly popular for use as insets with kitchen and bathroom counter tops, and as back splash insets as well. They often exude an art deco feel and are great for many types of retro remodels.
Travertine, Laminate And Linoleum Tile
These three types of tile are the most popular types used for flooring today, and they are often highly cost effective as well.