Which tiles are best for flooring?

 These are just some of the questions that come to mind when deciding what kind of tile you want in your home. Different materials can include granite, wood, vinyl, and linoleum tiles as well as ceramic or porcelain tiles.

# Why choose tile for flooring?

The tiles are also very durable and can last for many decades. Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and vinyl tile are all suitable for most homes but each will have its own pros and cons depending on personal preference. 

# Types of floor tile

There are four main types of tile: natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, and vinyl. 

Natural stone tile

Natural stone tile (Granite tile) is the most common type of flooring. Natural stone tiles come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and are generally very durable. It a great choice in areas such as the living room, laundry, and bathrooms because of its high bearing and non-slip tile capacity. They are also suitable for kitchen counters. 

They are also fairly easy to clean and maintain, making them the perfect choice for people with allergies or with children who might be curious about the floor. Vinyl, porcelain, or ceramic tile can be quite pretty as well. 

• Best in areas: Living room, laundry room, bathrooms, and kitchen countertops
• Durability: Hard with high-bearing capacity; non-slip
• Surface: The tiles are relatively easy to clean and maintain, making them the perfect choice for people with allergies or children.
• Maintenance: They are fairly easy to clean and maintain.
• Price: You will pay around $5-$10 per square foot for the material, while the installation cost is around $7 per square foot.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is a great choice because it is resistant to water damage, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where there may be constant moisture problems. It is produced from quarried clay, then prepared and molded. It is best used in kitchens and bathrooms because it is easy to clean.

Ceramic tile can be availed in glazed and non-glazed or polished and non-polished forms. It’s a cheaper option for homeowners and costs sixty percent less than porcelain tile. It also gives homeowners the option for DIY installation as they are easy to cut and install. 

• Best in areas: Bathrooms and kitchens
• Durability: The tile is very durable. It can withstand high temperatures and water damage.
• Surface: The tiles are not easily scratched, making them perfect for homes with children or pets. They are also heat resistant. 
• Maintenance: It is easy to clean and maintain since they are non-porous. They can be cleaned with aggressive cleaning agents. 
• Price: Ceramic tile flooring cost around $2.50 to $3.00 per square foot on average. For installation, expect to pay around $4  to $8 per square foot.

Vinyl tile

Vinyl tile is a type of tile that is also very easy to maintain and looks good with almost any decor. Manufactured using PVC with a flexible structure, it comes in different shapes and sizes such as sheet forms and plank-shape tiles. Vinyl tiles can also be used as a floating floor or glued into place. 

Unlike ceramic tile, these require professional installation to bind them into place. Vinyl tiles often resemble wooden tiles or natural stone tiles. 

• Best in areas: In high-traffic areas including kitchens, dining areas, laundry rooms, basements, and bathrooms.
• Durability: It provides a good amount of durability and can withstand extreme temperatures.
• Surface: These tiles are stain and spill-resistant
• Maintenance: The vinyl flooring can easily be maintained with minimal effort. 
• Price: These are a little bit more expensive than ceramic tile but they are still cheaper than wood and natural stone tile. Vinyl floor materials average between $1 and $5 per square foot.

Porcelain tile

Porcelain tile is similar to ceramic tile but has a smoother finish, is resistant to staining, and can be laid on floors with high moisture levels. Porcelain tiles can be used in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere that you want them to be on display while being able to stand up to constant traffic. 

• Best in areas: Entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere that requires both durability and elegance
• Durability: This type of tile provides a smooth finish with stain resistance.
• Surface: While this type of tile can be damaged by chemicals or vermin, it is unaffected by water. So it’s perfect for bathrooms.
• Maintenance: Porcelain tile is fairly easy to maintain as long as the right cleaning products are used. 
• Price: Porcelain tile prices average between $3 to $10 per square foot. 

Natural stone tile is the most popular type of tile in the United States as they are relatively inexpensive and incredibly versatile. While vinyl tile is the most affordable of the four types of tile.

# Other tile flooring options

Mosaic tile

Mosaic tiles are a beautiful and affordable way to add a unique look to your home. If you want a tile floor but don’t want to spend much or you worry about scratching the surface of the natural stone, mosaic tiles are an excellent choice. 

Mosaics come in many different designs and colors, including geometric designs such as circles, triangles, squares, and more. Some mosaics are made from ceramic while others are made from glass.

• Best in areas: Mosaic tile is good in heavy traffic areas as it is made with durable materials.
• Durability: Available in ceramic and glass materials, the tiles are available in a variety of colors to create your very own one-of-a-kind floor!
• Surface: Mosaic tiles are very easy to clean and maintain. They can also be cleaned using hard scrubbing. 
• Maintenance: It is easy to maintain thanks to its durability and resilience. 
• Price: For this type of tile, you may spend around $6 to $9 per square foot. 

Concrete tile

Concrete tiles come in many different colors and patterns and are extremely resistant to scratches. They are also significantly cheaper than natural stone tiles which can be handy for people on a budget. 

• Best in areas: Concrete tile is suitable for low-traffic but high-traffic areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. 
• Durability: The concrete tile is resistant to heat, cold, moisture, and acid so it can handle all kinds of flooring. 
• Surface: Smooth and flat, the polished concrete tiles are easy to clean. It can also be cleaned using hard scrubbing. 
• Maintenance: A simple vacuum or damp mop will keep the surface of the tile looking its best. 
• Price: The concrete tile is one of the more affordable options for homeowners on a budget. 

Glass tile

Glass tiles are an excellent choice for homes with children or pets as they are sturdy and durable. The glass tiles are also available in a variety of glass, marble, and ceramic finishes to match your decorating style.

• Best in areas: Glass tile is suitable for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, closets, bathrooms, and entryways as they are scratch-proof and easy to clean. 
• Durability: The flooring is resistant to scratches and stains as well as heat, cold, moisture, deterioration, and acid. 
• Surface: Slightly rougher than other tiles, the surface of glass tile is slightly textured so it can hold up to traffic from pets and children. 
• Maintenance: A simple vacuum and damp mop will keep glass tile floors in great shape. 
• Price: Glass tile is usually more expensive than other ceramic tile flooring options. 

Shower tile

Shower tile has the highest density of porcelain tile compared to other types of ceramic tile. The solids content is between 78% and 86%, making it hard, durable, and smooth. This type of ceramic tile is often used for bathroom floors.

• Best in areas: Shower tiles are durable enough to be used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, closets, bathrooms, and entryways as they are scratch-proof, heat resistant, and easy to clean. 
• Durability: Shower tiles are normally installed in the shower area, where there is constant wetness as well as water temperature changes, so durability is an important factor.
• Surface: Most shower tiles come in a variety of formats, such as glass, ceramic, and stone. 
• Maintenance: Maintenance required based on the material used.
• Price: Price varies based on the material used.

Cement tile

Cement tiles are made of a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. The mixture is then poured into molds. It is set in a mortar bed that is then left to dry and cured. The mortar bed will hold the tile firmly in place during installation. Cement tiles are used primarily on bathrooms or basements because they are relatively inexpensive. They do not have a porcelain look, but rather appear to be cut from large stones. 

• Best in areas: Cement tiles are best suited for high-traffic areas. These tiles are also suitable for patios as they can withstand extreme temperatures and moisture. 
• Durability: The tiles are resistant to heat and humidity as well as oil, water, and acid. 
• Surface: Cement tile is generally smooth so it can be easily cleaned. Allowing the floor to dry before cleaning will also prolong the life of the tile. 
• Maintenance: Cement tiles can simply be vacuumed or mopped. 
• Price: It is one of the less expensive tile alternatives for homeowners who want a natural look in their home.

Linoleum tile

Linoleum tiles are made from a mixture of linseed oil, kerosene, and natural wood pulp. The mixture is then molded into tiles or fabric. The tile is brushed with a primer to make it easier to install, then coated with an adhesive to hold the tile in place. After the tile has been installed, it can be sealed with a water-based sealer that should be left on for about 24 hours before being exposed to air. The sealer will also help protect the surface of the tile from spills and other damage.

• Best in areas: Linoleum tiles are best suited for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, basement, and dining rooms. 
• Durability: Linoleum is one of the most durable tile options on the market today. It can withstand moisture as well as excessive heat. 
• Surface: Linoleum tiles are available in a variety of colors so homeowners can choose which option they would like to install in their home. The tiles are also easy to clean and maintain. 
• Maintenance: Linoleum tiles can be easily cleaned with a soft brush. 
• Price: The price of linoleum tiles varies depending on the type used but it averages around $3.50 to $5 per square foot, not including professional installation cost. 

Wood tile

Wooden tiles are made from a variety of woods but are often made from bamboo. The wood is cut then coated with a layer of polyurethane or plastic to protect the surface, and then one or two layers of paint. After the paints have dried, several coats of glazing are added to give the wood tiles their beautiful polished surface. Wooden tiles are visually appealing as well as durable.

• Best in areas: Wood tile is best suited for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. 
• Durability: Wood tiles are resistant to moisture, heat, humidity, and oil. 
• Surface: The glossy finish on these tiles can easily be cleaned using a simple vacuum cleaner. 
• Maintenance: They can simply be vacuumed or mopped. Regular cleaning is required to remove any debris, dust, or pet hair that may have accumulated over time. 
• Price: Wood tile is one of the less expensive tile options on the market.

# Flooring tile installation process

Flooring tiles and their installation are generally fairly straightforward but it is important that the correct installation procedure according to the tile type is followed if you want to get the most out of your floor tile. 

• Prepare the installation site by removing any old flooring, carpet, or other surfaces that may be in the way.
• Cut all of the flooring tiles to size. You will need a sharp blade for this and it is generally better to use a wet saw if possible but you can use whatever you have on hand.
• Dry fit each tile before installing it permanently so that you know exactly how many tiles are needed and where each tile needs to go. Do not mix up these tiles with any others as this will cause problems when installing them later on.
• Use thinset mortar under each tile so that they stay put once they are installed in place and come loose easily when desired (no adhesive required).
• Use spacers to keep the tiles at a consistent distance from each other as this will create a more professional appearance.
• Clean up any messes that are made during the process of installing the flooring tiles. Take care not to cut yourself as well!

# Conclusion

Flooring tiles make an excellent choice for any homeowner as they are durable, easy to maintain, and come in a variety of styles and patterns. Whether you’re looking for something modern or traditional, you can find the right flooring tile for your home at a great price.