The holidays are upon us, and snow and gatherings cause increased foot traffic and moisture exposure. Fortunately, tile flooring is up to the challenge of foot traffic and wet conditions. Many households will entertain guests and prepare celebratory meals for numerous holidays over the next few months. In light of this, Commercial Floor Services is sharing the 4 reasons we’re thankful for tile flooring!
1: Overall Longevity
Perhaps the most desirable quality of tile flooring is its ability to last for many years. Take a look at the floors of castles and churches from centuries ago, and you might find an original tile floor that, while needing routine maintenance, has stood the test of time. This longevity is due to multiple factors, including the strength of the individual tiles and the structural integrity of a correctly performed installation.
Modern tile mortar, commonly referred to as thinset, is incredibly strong and will securely adhere tiles to the correct type of subfloor. It is easy for professional installers to use and cures quickly while providing superb bonding strength. Repairs are possible if a tile gets damaged, but hiring a professional is recommended. This is to ensure it gets done correctly and that adjacent tiles are not compromised during the repair process.
2: Water Resistance
One of tile’s greatest assets is its ability to repel water, even when saturated. Correctly installed and maintained tile flooring can remain impervious to water penetration, even in areas like a shower floor. This makes tile a fantastic option for kitchens and entryways, where exposure to liquids is almost guaranteed. Whether a spilled glass of water or snowmelt from boots, properly maintained tile only requires a quick wipe or mop to get rid of excess moisture.
These waterproof qualities make tile an outstanding choice for utility and bathroom floors. Showers and washing machines are usual suspects regarding water damage, but a tile floor that has been correctly installed and maintained can withstand these occasional splashes and leaks.
3: Design Options
Tile comes in as many shapes, sizes, styles, and materials as you could want. Imitation wood and stone options are available in ceramic or porcelain, and there are natural choices such as granite or marble, and even made options made from metal or glass. Tiles come in traditional squares and rectangles, but other shapes, such as hexagons and circles, have become increasingly popular.
When choosing the appropriate size of tile, consider the ease of installation and the overall appearance. Although a mosaic floor design composed of smaller tiles will look beautiful, it will be difficult for DIY or costly for professional installation and require more upkeep. In general, larger tiles are quicker to install and will have fewer grout lines, making cleaning and maintenance easier.
4: Budget Flexibility
Another area where tile stands out is its wide variety of price points. Want marble but find it cost-prohibitive? Many ceramic options come in faux marble designs. Looking for the feel of a Swedish spa for your bathroom remodel? Try a rectangular porcelain tile with the look of wood. Tile flooring offers many options in terms of cost, in addition to the nearly limitless design choices, making it one of the most versatile flooring materials on the market.
When looking at the cost of your tile, be sure to factor in the upkeep involved. Natural stone will need to be cleaned and sealed periodically, while most ceramic and porcelain tiles will only need the grout to be maintained.
The team here at Commercial Floor Services is certainly thankful for all of the great attributes tile flooring provides, but what we’re most grateful for is our customers! So from all of us to all of you, thank you for trusting us with your flooring questions and projects, and we wish you all a happy holiday season.
We’re happy to assist you with anything you need, so contact us today!
