Nearly three-fourths of all Canadian homeowners contemplated renovating their homes in 2021. A crucial part of the remodeling process is choosing floor tile materials, as there are plenty of great options to choose from.
But what are the best floor tile materials? And what makes one different from the other?
That's what we're here to look at today. Read on to find out more about different flooring materials and their key differences.
PORCELAIN TILE
The most popular choice for floor tiles is porcelain. Some get it mixed up with ceramic tiles, but the main difference comes from its texture and how it emulates stone, brick, or even wood finishes. They are fired at higher temperatures and are very dense, which results in the most durable floor available!
Similar to ceramic tiles, porcelain comes in a variety of different designs and colours that'll fit your specific home improvement needs. They're popular in bathrooms, kitchen floors, mudrooms, front entries, and any floor that is high traffic. A good quality porcelain is maintenance free!
CERAMIC TILE
Ceramic tiles are typically used in wall applications but can also be used for flooring. They come in plenty of different styles and colours, which make them ideal for fitting into any specific home project.
They're also easy to clean and install, making ceramic tiles accessible options for Canadian homeowners. There are glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles, each with its own unique look.
GRANITE TILE
A luxury floor tile that brings a clean, modern look to your home is granite tiles. Typically it is more expensive and more labour is involved with this natural stone cut in tiles. Available in a polished, honed and flamed finish. It requires a sealer.
GLASS TILE
Looking for something that's a little more stain-resistant than porcelain or ceramic? Then glass tiles might be the way to go. Things like red wine, vinegar, or other acidic foods can easily be wiped off. It is popular for kitchen backsplashes and accents.
SLATE TILE
For a rustic look, a natural slate floor is popular. Tiles cut from real rock, vary in colour, texture and sizes. Requires a sealer to keep protected, which can control the darkness and shine if desired. Typically, warmer than other tiles and can’t beat the real thing.
CEMENT TILE
On the opposite end of the tile spectrum are cement tiles, which have been around a while now. They offer the possibility of incorporating different colours and patterns and can be repainted if the colours wear off. Some can stain so a sealer may be needed.
Cement tiles take much longer to install than other tiles. However, their durability and longevity make them a good choice.
MARBLE TILE, TRAVERTINE TILE & LIMESTONE TILE
When it comes to tile cost, marble is probably the most expensive but easily the most visually appealing. If you're looking to make a room look elegant or beautiful, marble tiles are the way to go. These natural stones require a sealer to keep protected.
Despite being expensive and labour-intensive to maintain, you can't beat the look of exquisite-looking marble floors. They're perfect for your bathrooms, and you can build your entire room around the marble patterns.
CHOOSING THE BEST FLOOR TILE MATERIALS
Understanding the different types of floor tile materials is crucial to your flooring process. Use this guide to help you find the best material for your home makeover or re-flooring project.
Are you looking to install new floor tiles for your Edmonton home? Contact A B Tile & Stone today to learn more about our tiles or view our selection in store. You can also shop our tile products online.