Tile Floors Introduced
As technology has created new and innovative ways to mix materials together and create new finishes it has allowed many new products to be used. Tiles are one such material. It was not that long ago that they were used primarily in the bathroom. Think of those hexagonal tiles you have seen in older homes and buildings. Then they were updated to provide a dash of color by shaving off the corners of a square to allow a smaller square to be inset. Now however, we have choices which range from brick to ceramic to terracotta tiles.
People and Tile Floors
In the busy homes of today we track in any number of substances daily from mud and grass to oil and grease. We need a floor which is very forgiving of substances and very quick and easy to clean up. Many people opt for tile floors in the main entrances and highly trafficked rooms of their home. A quick sweep of a broom or wipe with a cloth removes almost all of the substances that are left behind from dirty shoes and feet.
Other areas which receive a high amount of foot traffic, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, will also benefit from the simplicity of a tile floor. These areas also receive a high amount of water usage and tiles are very resistant to that absorption with proper finishing.
Types of Tiles
Tiles are available in so many materials that it is a wise idea to be familiar with them prior to selecting. The more common types used in the home are:
Cement
Remove the dull, drab, and boring gray picture from your mind. Cement is able to be colored, dyed, and stained to resemble any look or style you desire. As for durability, if it is durable enough for cars to drive on then it should survive in your home!
Ceramic
The most commonly used tile is a mixture of clay and shale which has been baked. There are a rainbow of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes to create a truly unique look.
Porcelain
One of the strongest and most durable types it is created from special clay and then fired at extremely high heat. Due to its high moisture resistance it is the type recommended for use in bathrooms or outdoor spaces which receive a lot of moisture.
The types commonly used in outdoor areas are:
Brick
Their red brown appearance is often decoratively used for pathways.
Terracotta
These orange brown tiles are molded from natural clay, fired, and then cooled with a sand coating. They are usually finished unglazed and sealing is highly recommended.
Terrazzo
A very eco-friendly material which consists of bits of recycled granite and marble mixed into cement tiles. These decorative, yet practical tiles are used in a variety of places.