Pros and Cons of Tile Flooring

What Is Tile Flooring?

Tile flooring is umbrella wording used to designate any resilient flooring made of tiles, in which the spaces between the tiles have been packed with grout. Usually, tile flooring is made up of ceramic, a clay-containing substance. You are going to usually hear these tiles being referred to as non-porcelain or porcelain which refers to variations in makeup.

Generally, porcelain tiles are more durable and denser than non-porcelain. These tiles come in a lot of variations subject to the manufacturing process. Natural stone tiles are another notable kind of tile flooring. Types of quarried stone comprise of—but aren’t limited to— marble, granite, and slate, each with their own particular attributes and look. Natural stone tiles are far more costly than ceramic ones.

Pros of Tile Flooring

Enduring and durable: When tile flooring is installed properly, high-quality tiles can offer an everlasting look for a home. With correct upkeep, tiles are adequately resistant to permanent damage and can easily last over two decades. A classification system—from Class 1 to Class 5—is used to help establish what tile is appropriate for your home. Class 5 is the most lasting kind of tile, however, for a home with normal foot traffic, Class 3 or 4 should be more than enough.

Water-resistant: Tile flooring is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and mud rooms, because the sealed tile is resistant to water. Tiles are placed into classifications based on how much water they soak up, so find tiles that are classified as semi-glass-like and glass-like. Don’t forget that tiles and grout are not water resistant. Your tile floor is going to need to be well kept for optimal water resistance.

Low maintenance: Tile flooring is very easily maintained on a daily basis, with only a light cleaning required.

Cons of Tile Flooring

Costly: Compared to other kinds of flooring such as laminate, tile—particularly high-quality or natural stone tile—is costly to buy and have installed.

Grout problems: Grout between tiles is required to be strongly maintained, particularly in high-traffic areas. Grout is cement-based, meaning it is additionally porous and can absorb dirt and moisture. Staining, disintegrating grout, and mold are all problems to watch out for. These could impact the appearance and strength of a floor, but routinely cleaning and re-sealing grout is going to keep major issues at bay.

Can be unpleasant underfoot: Tile floors are known for cooling down throughout the winter months, so anticipate for some cold feet once the weather begins to get colder. Having radiant heating installed is an innovator when you want to keep your tile floors warm and don’t enjoy the feeling of cold toes. This can be a costly add-on, so bolster your pockets.

Maintenance and Care

Provided that tile floors are installed properly and correctly sealed, cleaning and care stays easy. Using a moist cloth and a soft broom to clean up instant spills and dirt, and then adhere to a weekly vacuum or sweeper. Plan a deep clean every 2 to 3 months and make sure to clean the grout. Tiles, and any sealant or finish utilized, can be damaged by abrasives or chemical cleaning products such as bleach and ammonia. Stay away from using these products whenever you can.

If you notice grout that is crumbling or spot a buckling or broken tile, repair or replace the area sooner than later. Grout and tile that has been damaged can, when left unchecked, end up impacting the entire whole. Re-sealing your grout routinely is vital when you want to proactively avoid most issues. For high-traffic or highly used areas such as showers or mud rooms, strive to re-seal the grout at least annually. Doing this is going to mean you’ll only have to replace the grout completely every fifteen years or so.

For extra life span adhere to normal floor-care methods: lay rugs and mats down in traffic high areas, utilize furniture pads and trim your pet’s claws or nails frequently.