Tile Flooring Installation

Tile flooring is a hard flooring surface made from fired clay or natural stone and is installed in individual pieces set with mortar and finished with grout. The most common types of tile are as follows:

• Ceramic – made from natural clay and mixed with other minerals, then fired at low temperatures. It is usually finished with a glaze which gives it its color, pattern and protective surface. It’s softer and more porous than other types of tile, making it better suited for interior applications with moderate amounts of moisture like kitchens, as opposed to outdoor use. It is easier to cut and more affordable, making it a popular choice with budget-conscious homeowners.

• Porcelain Tile – is a denser, harder, less porous tile made from refined clay and  fired at higher temperatures. This gives it a lower water absorption rate compared to ceramic, making it more resistant to water and staining. Glazing is either applied to the surface or through-body (the color runs through the entire tile), so chips are much less noticeable. Thanks to the density and durability, it’s a great option for commercial use, high-traffic areas and some outdoor applications. Although it is more expensive than ceramic because of the denser materials and manufacturing process, it holds up better in demanding conditions and has a longer service life. 

• Natural Stone – quarried from the earth and cut into tile form, it offers unique veining, texture and color variations that can’t easily be replicated with manufactured tile. It is naturally porous, so it requires periodic sealing to protect it from moisture absorption and staining. Some of the most popular types of stone are:
• • Travertine – a warm, earthy, rustic-looking stone used in Mediterranean decor spaces. This sedimentary stone is fairly porous, so it requires sealing.
  • Marble – often used in bathrooms and high-end office spaces, this stone type is priced for its elegant veining and polished finish. As it is softer, it is more prone to scratching and etching from acidic cleaning substances.
  • Slate – commonly used in entryways and mudrooms and outdoor applications thanks to its good slip resistance. It’s naturally textured with varied grey, green, and black coloring.
  • Granite – often used in heavy-use, high-traffic areas. Because of its extremely hard and durable composition, it is highly resistant to heat and scratching.

• Cement Tile – also known as encaustic tile, is made from cemented layers that are pressed together (not fired), creating vibrant, colorful patterns that are popular in Mediterranean or vintage decor homes. Due to its distinctive look, its often used to make statement floors in bathrooms, kitchens and entryways. However, it is more porous so it requires sealing to repel moisture as well more maintenance than other fired tile options

• Quarry Tile – made from natural, unglazed fired clay, these tiles are extremely hard-wearing and commonly used for high-traffic areas such as mudrooms, kitchens and entryways. They are offered in a narrow range of earthy tones.

• Stone Effect Porcelain Tiles – manufactured from clay and minerals and high-temperature fired and made to look like natural stone. They are a cost-effective, highly durable, low-maintenance alternative.