The Beauty of Tile Flooring in Your Home

Finding the right type of flooring for your home is vital; one of the most popular and durable types is tile.  Tile flooring has been around for a very long time, dating back thousands of years.  Today, tile flooring is an excellent way to attain a long-lived flooring solution that looks great and has the potential to last a very long time.  Whether you choose to use ceramic tile, porcelain tile, Saltillo tile or something else altogether, you'll find that your home looks wonderful.

Your first step is to determine which type of tile is right for your needs.  You will find a surprising diversity of tile types available.  Each type of tile offers different benefits, different looks and has different care requirements.  What types of tiles are available? What do they offer you, the homeowner?

Ceramic – Ceramic tile is usually what most homeowners picture when they think of tile floors.  These are made from, you guessed it, ceramic.  These are available in a wide range of colors, with glaze, without glaze and in many other configurations, as well.

Saltillo – Chances are you have seen this type of tile before.  They are usually red-orange, or red-brown and are sometimes called Mexican tiles.  These tiles are not fired in a kiln, but are allowed to dry in the sun.  This gives them a wonderful look, but it also makes them weak.

Terra Cotta – If you love the look of clay pots, these tiles can bring that same warmth into your home.  However, terra cotta tiles must be sealed to stand the test of time.  They are famous for absorbing any liquid spilled onto them and can discolor and stain very easily.

Marble and Granite – Marble and granite are wonderful flooring options in their own right, but you can also find them as tiles.  Using these types of tiles is an excellent way to create beautiful flooring with the look and feel of natural stone, without the inherent cost of a full stone floor.