Tile Flooring For Beginners
Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can be quite the daunting task, as there are many factors that you need to consider. As you are probably well aware, your decisions on materials and installation for tile flooring should include factors such as style, ease of maintenance, and even the possibility of future refinishing projects. Also, some types of tiles may corrode if they come into contact with acidic substances (orange juice, tomato sauce, etc.), making them unsuitable for kitchen projects. In addition, you will also want to consider your budget, which will have a big impact on which tile material works best for you. In addition, if you don’t plan on a DIY project, then your budget might also influence which local Atlanta contractor you use.
However, if you are ready to make your bathroom or kitchen go from outdated to fabulous, then these few tidbits of information should make your life just a little bit easier.
Ceramic Tile Flooring or Countertop Materials
Ceramic tile flooring may differ from tile you might install on other surfaces, such as countertops, showers, etc. Tiles are usually made up of an assortment of substances, such as shale, talc, and sand particles, using refined clay as a base. The materials found in the tile will influence color, gloss, and even how they will hold up in certain environments.
Non-Corrosive Vs. Corrosive
As we mentioned above, certain types of tile flooring will corrode if it comes into contact with acids. For instance, travertine tile would not be a smart choice to install in a kitchen, as foods often contain acids. Because travertine tile is composed of calcified sediment, the basic properties of calcium will react with the acidic properties of food, thereby breaking it down. In a relatively short time, you may end up having to strip the surface and refinish it, which will cost you an unnecessary burden of time and money. Also, it is important that you only use basic cleaners, such as bleach, rather than anything containing citric acid, which is often found in any cleaners that have a ‘hint of lemon’.
Be sure to keep this factor in mind before selecting your tile. Before you make your choice, ask about tile maintenance, or the possibility of corrosion in certain environments.
Ease of Installation
Most tiles will come in three dimension configurations. The smallest of which is 6”x6”, then 12”x12”, and up to 16”x16”. This selection is usually dependent on what fits your style; however, there are certain situations in which your price will be affected. For instance, if you have a small room, but select larger tiles, it will require the contractor to spend more time cutting the tile to fit. More time on the project will result in higher labor costs. In most cases, however, the size of the tile is not much of determining factor in pricing. That has more to do with the material of the tile.
Caring For Your Tile Flooring
Maintenance and durability of your tiles is certainly a factor you need to keep in mind with special consideration for which room the tile will be installed. For instance, if you are installing tile flooring in your kitchen, be sure to select glazed tile, rather than matte-surfaced ‘unglazed’. Glazed tile is harder and stain resistant, as opposed to unglazed, which is porous and will absorb stains.
Make sure to keep these factors in mind, when making your selection. Speaking with knowledgeable Atlanta contractors or tile flooring sellers is also a great way to dodge the pitfalls in your home remodeling project.
