Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Flooring Buying Guide

Tile is an excellent choice for flooring - it's very durable and comes in so many styles, colors, shapes and sizes, the design possibilities are endless. It can accommodate a broad range of budgets as well, and when installed and maintained properly, it can last for the life of your home.

Tile can be installed in almost any location in your home, even basements – as long as the subfloor is in good condition and can support the weight of the tile. They are also an excellent choice over a radiant heating system.

From simple squares to mosaics in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns, as well as all types of borders and trims, tile floors can add interest and character to the design of any room. It can be installed in any pattern mixing sizes and materials, as well as laying tiles diagonally to create unique designs.

Both ceramic tile and porcelain tile are quite durable and highly moisture and stain-resistant. There are, however, a few differences between the two.

Porcelain tiles tend to be a bit more durable because they are made from dense clays that are fired at very high temperatures; ceramic tiles are made up of pressed clay and are prone to chipping.

The finish of the tile also affects their durability: glazed tiles have a finish and color applied over the surface of the tile, while unglazed tiles have the finish and color throughout the body of the tile making chips and scratches less visible.

Grout needs to be considered regarding durability and maintenance of tile floors. When deciding on grout, it's best to stay away from lighter colors as they show dirt from foot traffic more easily. Instead pick darker colors that either complement or contrast with the tile. Because grout is porous, it should be sealed to help keep it clean and prevent cracking.

Also, the larger the tile you pick, the fewer grout lines you'll need, so if you're concerned about maintaining the grout, this is a good way to go. Don't forget to consider the size of the space you're tiling – a small powder bath won't look good with large 16" square tiles.

It's important to pick a slip-resistant tile especially for kitchens and baths; the "coefficient of friction" rating or COF indicates a tile's slip resistance. COF ratings range from 0 to 1 with ratings above 0.6 considered slip resistant.

Tile is not as easy to install as laminate or vinyl, so unless you're an experienced do-it-yourselfer, it's best to use a professional installer - the tiling process is multi-step and requires patience, skill and special tools.

Costs and Maintenance

Pricing for tile floors depends on the tile chosen and the installation. Actual cost can be as little as $1 per tile to well over a $150 per square foot depending on the type of tile, the material and the finish. Installation costs vary depending on a number of factors, including your geographic location, the size and type of tile, and the complexity of the layout. Cutting corners on the installation is not a good idea - the durability and the life of your tile floors is only as good as its installation.

Maintenance of your tile floors is easy – just sweep or vacuum, and mop occasionally using floor cleaners recommended by the tile manufacturer.

To learn more about the different types of tile, see Tile and Decorative Surfaces Design Tips.