Think about your ten favorite memories of home for a moment. Do you see toys sprawled out on the floor on Christmas morning? Leaves dancing in the chill outside your window as you sip hot chocolate under a fluffy throw? Your family roaring in communal laughter at Grandpa Joe’s most recent antics?
Whatever precious moments fill the spaces on your list, chances are at least two of them take place in a kitchen. Sounds pretty accurate, right? After all, the kitchen is the known as the “heart of the home”.
It stands to reason that if you’re planning to re-tile this treasure box of memorable moments, you want to pick the very best for it. And this can be hard considering the wide range of choices available to you. Not to worry, the superheroes of Floor It GR are here to help with a simple rundown of each of your options!
Option #1: Stone Tile
Let’s start with your most expensive option, shall we? Hurts less that way. Yes, because stone is natural (a.k.a NOT manufactured), it is going to be pricey. But what could be more beautiful than a stone floor, we ask you?! Not many types of flooring exude style and grandeur the way stone does. It definitely leaves an impression on all who get to admire it.
You even have choices for the overall look for your stone tile! You get to decide between the luxurious-looking polished stone tiles, or the safer, albeit duller honed tiles. Polished stone is vibrant and eye-catching to be sure, but becomes slippery when wet. Honed tiles help keep people on their feet when water is a problem, but don’t have the same rich colors.
One other thing to think about with stone is the fact that it is naturally porous. Not great for kitchens that are home to messy cooks. This problem comes with a solution, though. There are special seals that you can use to help protect against water. Just be sure refresh the sealant on your stone floor every two years or so.
Option #2: Porcelain Tile
Love the idea of sand beneath your feet? Great! You get to experience that very thing every time you step onto a porcelain tile!
Okay, so it’s not the same as walking on a Hawaiian beach, but sand is what makes porcelain stand out. Sand is added to the clay used for porcelain tiles, which sets it apart from ceramic tiles. The combination of heat, pressure, and this sand is what turns porcelain into a force to be reckoned with. This tile is DENSE. It’s harder and less permeable than other tiles, so if you have a big family or a gaggle of friends who love spending time in the kitchen, porcelain is a good choice.
In addition to defying a high level of traffic and water, it also stands well against scratches and marks. The process used to color these tiles ensures that each hue is carried all the way through the tile from top to bottom, so damage is less noticeable when it occurs. The downside is that any kitchenware that happens to battle with porcelain is going to lose.
Lastly, the fact that this tile is so impenetrable means that it is challenging to cut and will be difficult to install. The price tag will likely be on the higher side, but is ultimately worth the extra cash since the floor will last a long time.
Option #3: Ceramic Tiles
Unlike porcelain, ceramic tiles are relatively soft, so they are easy to cut to your prefered size and install. This does make them more prone to damage, but that’s not to say they’re quick to crack or break.
When thinking about ceramic tile you’ll also need to consider its reaction to water. This is for a kitchen, so liquid will inevitably hit the floor at some point down the line. Ceramic is a more porous species of tile, which means it will absorb water faster than other kinds of tile if it comes into contact with the stuff. A simple, yet aesthetically pleasing way tile companies avoid this issue is by adding a glaze over the top of the tiles. Beautiful and practical! One of our favorite combinations!
Alright, floor-seekers! Go forth and pick your perfect tile! Make your dream kitchen a reality! Just remember us while you’re doing it, okay? These insights are good for picking a floor, but installing one is a whole other story. Contact us to get more help with this exciting adventure!