Walk into almost any home or office today and you are most likely to find tiles used as a flooring option. It isn’t by chance. For several years, floor tiles have proven their worth and are getting better as the days go by.
According to statistics, 60% of homeowners in the UK prefer floor tiles to any other alternative. Additionally, a majority of business owners pick floor tiles for their establishments.
What makes floor tiles better than the rest? What options are there? For answers to these and many other queries, we urge you to keep reading.
Benefits of Using Floor Tiles
Here are some reasons why you can never go wrong with floor tiles:
- They are affordable. As a matter of fact, they are one of the cheapest alternatives available. Some tile options may cost more than others, but the fact remains they are all easy on your pocket.
- They are durable. If you have children and pets, floor tiles are a great pick. They are highly resilient when it comes to wearing and staining and with proper care, they can last for years to come.
- They provide safe air quality. Since they are fired in kilns at very high temperatures, they contain zero volatile organic compounds. This is crucial as volatile organic compounds contribute to an array of health complications.
- They are resistant to water, which makes them an excellent choice for bathrooms. Ceramic tiles, especially, have a glazed protective layer on their surface, making them immune to stain penetration and water damage. In addition, they have a naturally high resistance to humidity, making them suitable for flooring in moist or very hot areas.
- They increase the resale value of your home. If you are hoping to sell your house sometime in the future, use floor tiles! Many homeowners have testified to its pleasant value-adding capacity.
- They are eco-friendly. Floor tiles are usually crafted from raw materials such as clay, glass, and sand. Plus, they can affect your environment positively by lowering your heating bills. They act as a type of insulation.
- They are easy to maintain. Their durability causes them to require very little upkeep. Please apply a sealant on your floor tiles roughly once every 4-5 years to keep them in top shape.
- They are available in an array of styles and colours, which allows them to blend seamlessly with almost every surrounding regardless of your personal preference.
How to Care for Floor Tiles
For your floor tiles to serve you longer, you have to take great care of them. One of the ways to do this is by cleaning up spills as soon as possible. For best results, use absorbent cloths to wipe spills. They help in avoiding slipping and dirt collection.
To keep them dust and dirt-free, use a fluffy dust mop or vacuum on your floor tiles daily. Never substitute the dust mop for a straw broom as the broom can leave some unpleasant marks on your beautiful tiles.
You can also use doormats on both sides of the doors that lead in and out of your house. This keeps water or mud from being tracked indoors during rainy weather. For floor tiling in your bathroom, please use a bath mat to keep them moisture-free.
Types of Floor Tiles
Floor tiles come in a variety of forms. Here are the most common ones:
- Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are crafted from clay materials that are quarried, prepared, then shaped into a mould. They have a hard and firm surface that does not attract or hold onto allergens such as dust, pollen, and dirt.
They may not offer much in the hue department, but their versatility makes them a favorite among many.
- Faux Wood
Faux wood is the latest trend in the floor tiles industry. It offers enterprise and homeowners alike the durability of tile and natural beauty of wood. Some of its benefits are it is free of termite risk and is more water-resistant and durable than hardwood.
- Travertine
This particular choice is a kind of limestone that is a byproduct of natural hot springs, caves, and artesian springs from all over the world. It is naturally slip-resistant.
- Onyx
It is a common pick for countertops, indoor, and light-traffic colors. It is regularly produced with fiberglass, mesh, or resin backing to provide it with strength as it is naturally fragile.
- Marble
Marble is a perfect combination of beauty and durability. It exists in nearly every color and its tiles have numerous finishes from brushed to tumbled to polished to honed, making them a super choice for any room.