There are a lot of advantages to using tile on many of the surfaces in your home. Tile is practically indestructible, easy to clean, and long-lasting. There are, however, a number of things that you should consider before remodeling with tile in your home. There are several different types of tile; natural stone, porcelain, and vinyl are among the most common, but glass and stainless steel are also used in some situations. The type of tile you choose will depend on your needs.
Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tile is typically purchased in square tiles that are 9×9 or 12×12 inches. These large squares are easy to lay down and come in a variety of colors and textures for every decorating scheme. Vinyl tile is one of the most inexpensive tiling options. It is also fairly easy to maintain and helps reduce noise throughout the house. However, it’s not intended to stand up to heavy loads and can be easily damaged by sharp objects. When installing vinyl tile, it’s important to note that the surface beneath it needs to be completely smooth, because it will eventually reflect the texture of anything left beneath it. It is, however, relatively simple for you to install on your own if you have the right tools and the time to do it right.
Typical price range for vinyl tile: $1-$3 per square foot.
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Natural Stone
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Natural stone tile is one of the most beautiful examples of tile. The end result is always unique due to variations in the stone itself. Natural stone does require more maintenance than other types of tile, and it tends to be more expensive both up front and over time. Natural stone tile will need to be coated with sealant to keep it from degrading, as natural stone isn’t resistant to common household cleaners and other substances that might be spilled on it. Natural stone tile can also be installed by hand, but it is generally recommended that those attempting installation have some tiling experience.
Typical price range for natural stone tile: $4-$9 per square foot or more, depending on the type of stone used.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Porcelain or ceramic tile don’t have sound-absorbing properties like vinyl, but both types are resistant to damage and hold up well over time. Porcelain and ceramic tile types are among the easiest to install. They have clean, straight lines that are easy to match up. Porcelain tiles are harder than ceramic, which makes them harder to cut, but also makes them more durable in many situations. Ceramic tile is also waterproof, while porcelain often comes with a slip-proof grip, so the type you decide to use should be determined by your individual needs.
Typical price range for porcelain and ceramic tile: $2-$3 per square foot.
Glass Tile
Glass tile is one of the most luxurious options. Glass tiles are luminous, reflecting light back and adding to the beauty of the room. However, glass tiles are hard to maintain in high-traffic areas and are more likely to show dirt, so they need to be cleaned more frequently. Fortunately glass tiles are easy to clean and resistant to chemical damage, which makes them desirable in some settings. Often, glass tiles are used to create accent walls and other effects, creating a beautiful work of art in a place that is less likely to be damaged than the floor. While glass tile accents and effects can be installed at home by do-it-yourself enthusiasts, flooring should probably be handled by the professionals to help ensure the longevity of the investment.
The typical price range of glass tile varies more than other types of tile, but in general, it is between $6 and $16 per square foot.
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Stainless Steel
Stainless steel tile is typically used as a backsplash in a kitchen. It’s a very strong, durable material, though it will dull and show scratches quickly and needs to be cleaned frequently in order to maintain its appearance. Stainless steel tile is a more expensive option, but it creates a clean backsplash effect that functions well in any kitchen. Stainless steel tiles are installed using a bonding element that holds them firmly on the wall.
Typical price range for stainless steel tiles: $15-$30 per square foot, depending on the design and the size of the tiles.
Tile is a gorgeous way to add accent or color to any room. It is also a great option for flooring, because it is highly durable and allows for the easy replacement of one or two pieces in the event of damage, rather than needing to replace the entire floor. If you’re thinking about giving tile a try, doing it yourself is almost always an option, especially if you have some home improvement experience. Who knows? You might create a unique design unlike anything ever seen before.
About Ben Lamm
Ben Lamm is a writer, musician, father and husband (not in that order!) He is a communication specialist and blogger for Glass Tile Oasis, an online shop with an extensive selection of some of the most unique and inspired kitchen and bath tiles.
Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.
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