You always have a lot of options to consider when choosing home décor in Houston, MO, and flooring materials are no exception. Even within the category of tile flooring there are many types of materials, colors, designs and textures you can choose from.
However, not every type of tile is ideal for every space. Here are some tips to help you choose the best option for your home:
- Tile hardness: One of the most important features to consider is hardness. You’ll find anything from Class I hardness (no foot traffic, only used for application on walls) up to Class V hardness (heavy to extra heavy traffic, ideal for commercial spaces). Consider how much foot traffic you’ll have in your home and whether those areas will have people coming directly from outside as you make your decision.
- Porosity: Tile porosity is measured by the ratio of air holes to solids in a given tile. This determines the tile’s absorption capabilities. If you are installing tiles in a bathroom, kitchen or other area prone to moisture, you are going to want lower absorption rates to ensure they’re impervious to water and will not be damaged.
- Friction: Ideally, you’re going to want tiles in your home that are slip resistant. This is especially the case in kitchens and bathrooms, where there’s more likely to be water present. If you have children or elderly people in your home, installing slip resistant tile becomes that much more important. Look for tiles with a high COF (coefficient of friction), and try to install tiles that are 4×4 or smaller, as they’re more likely to be slip resistant. In addition, materials like slate, textured ceramic or porcelain and pebble stone tiles all tend to be more slip resistant.
- Ceramic wood versus hardwood: In some cases, tile can be an excellent replacement for real hardwood, especially if you don’t want to have to deal with the upkeep associated with hardwood floors. Ceramic wood is extremely durable and resistant to scratches and moisture. You’ll be able to find ceramic wood that mimics almost any wood species.
- Lightness: Lighter colored tiles help you make your spaces appear larger. This is important if you have a small room without much natural light. Choose colors like cream, beige, white or sand, and use marble or porcelain accents.
- Modernity: If you’re looking for a more upscale, modern feel inside your home, concrete tile may be the way to go. It’s extremely versatile and can be used in just about any room of the house. Plus, you can have it custom made for any application you need, choosing patterns, color, texture, size and other design elements.
- Luxury: Stone tile is second to none when it comes to both luxury and durability. You can choose granite, marble and travertine as materials to elevate your home’s appearance, creating a naturally beautiful floor you’ll love.
For more tips about choosing tile for your home, contact Crowleys Homeworks and we’ll help you find the ideal home décor in Houston, MO for your space.