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marble tile in a traditional bathroom with large soaker tub

Advantages of Tile Flooring

How to Buy Tile & Advantages of Tile Flooring
 

Advantages of Tile Flooring

Tile is a popular flooring option that is an excellent choice for almost any home or design. Whether it's a bathroom, entryway, kitchen, or another area of your home, tile could be the best choice for your space. But how do you know if you should choose tile flooring, and which type of tile is best: porcelain or ceramic? We'll review the many reasons to choose tile flooring, the benefits and advantages, and the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile to help you narrow down your many options.

 

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Room By Room Winston Manor Multi Width - Baskerville
 

Shopping for Tiles for Your Next Project

When you're looking for a new tile floor, the first step is to find a flooring store like Carpet One Floor & Home that offers a wide selection of tiles and expert product knowledge to help you make your decision. 


Whether you're looking for the perfect new tile to complement the wood floors in your home, or you want to create a unique look in your bathroom, you'll discover that there are many options to choose from when it comes to tile. 


It's always best to look at tile products and samples in person before you make your final decision. Shop at a local store and consult an expert to help make sure your project goes as planned and you get the style you dreamed of.

 

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Borigni in white by Emser
 

Endless Tile Styles and Design Trends: How to Choose

From bright, bold colors and patterned tile to timeless, neutral classics, tile is available in hundreds of styles to suit any design. Square tiles, hexagon-shaped tiles, and round tiles are just a few of the common shapes, but rectangular, fish scale, and arabesque tiles are also available in tons of colors and patterns. 


When shopping around for tiles, make sure you're clear on the look and feel you want to achieve in any given room. Are you looking to make your floor more eye-catching to fit in with a particular theme or do you want to create an attention-grabbing backsplash?


Don't forget to take your existing decor into account too as your tile colors and shapes should complement and not overwhelm the other elements in a room. 


Lastly, get sampls where you can to avoid spending money on tiles that don't end up matching your home's style.


For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out tile design inspiration in our blog.

 

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Confectionary in wintergreen by Daltile
 

Calculating How Many Tiles You'll Need

When buying tiles, making sure there's enough stock available will require you to calculate how many tiles you will need.


Here are some steps on how to do that:

 

  1. Measure the Area: Measure the length and width of the area to be tiled. Use a tape measure for accuracy. Calculate the length and width of the floor or the height and width of the wall. 
  2. Calculate the Total Area: Multiply the length by the width or height by width to get the total area in square feet or square meters.
  3. Measure the Tile Size: Determine the dimensions of the tiles you plan to use. Tiles are usually measured in inches or centimeters. Example: A tile might be 12 inches x 12 inches (1 square foot).
  4. Determine the Number of Tiles Needed: Next, divide the total area by the area of one tile. Example: If the floor area is 120 square feet and each tile is 1 square foot, the number of tiles needed = 120 / 1 = 120 tiles.
  5. Account for Wastage and Breakage: It’s wise to add an extra 10-15% to the total number of tiles to account for cuts, breakage, and wastage.

Bonus tip: Mosaics, herringbone or diagonal patterns often require more precise cuts and potentially more tiles due to increased wastage, shop accordingly. 

 

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The Importance of Tile Durability and Strength

When creating the perfect home design, it's easy to focus primarily on the aesthetic and physical look of the space. 

 

However, it's equally important to choose a new floor that will be able to handle your daily life. One of the primary reasons to choose tile is because it's incredibly durable, resisting stains and scratches, which isn't the case with wood flooring. It can be exposed to all kinds of wear and tear like pets, kids, and unexpected messes. 

 

Tile is not likely to crack or chip even in high-traffic areas, and when properly installed, it can last for many years. It's also water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about common mishaps or accidents causing severe damage. Also, Carpet One offers exclusive tile warranties that can save you in the long run.

 

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Fabric Art Modern Kaleidoscope - White Ash

 

Touching on Price: What Can You Expect?

Several factors influence the prices of tiles, making the cost vary significantly. The material of the tile is a primary determinant, with natural stones like marble and granite generally costing more than ceramic or porcelain. 


The size and thickness of the tile also impact the price, as larger or thicker tiles require more raw material and effort to manufacture. Design and finish play a role; intricate patterns, custom designs, and special finishes such as high gloss or textured surfaces can increase the cost. 


Additionally, availability and demand influence pricing, with rare or high-demand tiles typically costing more. Lastly, the installation method and associated labor costs can affect the overall expense, especially for tiles that require specialized installation techniques.


Porcelain vs Ceramic: Is One Better Than the Other?

When it comes to choosing between porcelain tile or ceramic tile, there are many factors to consider. First, consider the area where you want to install tile. In high-traffic flooring areas and spaces that need waterproof floors, porcelain is a great choice. Porcelain is the densest type of tile, and it is 100% waterproof, which makes it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and other spaces where moisture and heavy traffic is common.


Ceramic tile is suitable for moderate and low-traffic areas, accent walls, and more, so if you're planning on installing tile in these areas, ceramic or porcelain would both work well. 


Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are hypoallergenic, easy to clean and maintain, and durable, but the one that fits your home best greatly depends on your budget, style, and area of installation. Learn more about the different tile types available for your floors and walls.


We can help you find what you're looking for! Visit your local Carpet One Floor & Home store where we'll be happy to help you turn your ideas and inspiration into a successful flooring project. 


Get your project started today!