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Are you thinking about adding ceramic tile floors to your home? There are a few things you should think about before purchasing them. We have everything you need to know about ceramic tile floors so you will feel confident when finishing your next flooring project.
Ceramic tile is durable and strong. It can last over 100 years if you take care of it properly. You can put the tile pretty much anywhere because of how versatile it is. Ceramic pool tile is a popular choice for homeowners building a pool. If you are redoing your bathroom, consider ceramic bath tiles to complete your floors. When you need a new kitchen backsplash, ceramic tile works well there too. No matter what you need, ceramic tile is a great choice for your space, and it will make your design look new and last for many years.
Cleaning Ceramic Tiles
When choosing a tile, you want something easy to clean. Ceramic tile doesn’t trap dirt because they are nonporous. When it is time to clean them, use your mop and floor cleaner to make them look new.
If you want floors that shine, choose glazed ceramic tiles. With regular cleaning and maintenance, these tiles will reflect the surfaces of your home to give off a polished and sophisticated feel.
Installing Ceramic Floor Tiles
If you have never installed ceramic tile before, you might want to call a professional. There is nothing more frustrating than looking at your floors and seeing all the mistakes you made since it was your first time installing tile.
Installing tiles takes a lot of work and specialized tools. Check your local hardware store to rent out these tools for your weekend project. If you do decide to install the tile yourself, be aware that it might take longer than a weekend, especially if it is your first time completing a large project like this. When you want your floors done faster, it is best just to hire a professional.
Tips for Installing Ceramic Tile Floors
If you do decide to install your ceramic floor tiles on your own, we have a few tips to follow!
Larger Tiles Are Easier
Larger tiles are easier to install because they cover more space. Larger tiles are great for the kitchen and bathrooms. If you do choose a smaller tile, keep in mind that it will take longer.
Use A Flat Subfloor When Installing Tiles
You need a flat subfloor otherwise your tile installation will fail. The subfloor should be at least one inch thick.
Rent A Wet Saw To Cut Tiles
Installing floor tiles can require some special tools, and one of the best to use is a wet saw. If you don’t have one, consider renting a wet saw. This will save you time when cutting the tiles. You can also purchase one at your local hardware store if you plan on doing more ceramic tile projects in the future.
Let The Tiles Cure!
Let the tiles cure for the appropriate amount of time. If you try to rush this part your whole tiling job will be damaged. Tiles need to cure before you add grout lines otherwise your whole project will be bad.
Ceramic Tiles Are Environmentally-Conscious
Most people are eco-conscious when redoing their homes or renovating various areas in the home. If you are one of these people, consider using post-industrial ceramic tile. These tiles are made with recycled materials. They still come in a variety of patterns, different color tiles, and many styles, but just in a more eco-conscious form.
Since ceramic tile is so durable, you won’t have to replace them any time soon. As long as the tile is installed correctly, maintained, and cared for, over the years, your tile can last a lifetime. This also reduces waste in the landfill, making ceramic tile a positive environmentally conscious decision.
Price Of Ceramic Floor Tiles
Price is a factor in any home renovation. If you want new bath tiles, it can cost you an average of $2,000. If you install the tile yourself, it keeps the cost down. Hiring a professional tile installer can increase the cost, but the upside is you know the tile will be installed correctly the first time.
Ceramic tile is more affordable than other types of tile. If you are considering glass tiles or porcelain tiles in your home, you probably have noticed they are much more expensive. While ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are similar, porcelain floor tiles often cost much more and can be harder to work with. Ceramic tile can help you keep your costs down but still give you an elegant look.
Heat Retention In Floor Tiles
Consider adding heated flooring under ceramic tile if you live in a cold environment. Ceramic does not retain heat like other types of tiles, so chances are your feet will be cold during the winter months. Adding heating underneath the tile will keep your feet toasty warm and help reduce electric costs throughout the year.
Floor Tile Durability
Ceramic has been used for thousands of years because of how durable it is. If you take care of it, it will last your whole lifetime. However, you need to choose the correct durability. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) is an abrasion test for the hardness of tile. The grades range from zero to five. PEI 0 is used for wall tile, and should not be used on floors where PEI 5 is ideal for heavy foot traffic, commercial, and industrial uses.
The following is the PEI class ratings:
- Use only on walls, not good for flooring
- typically used for shower surrounds. Don’t use it as flooring. Can be used for commercial and residential wall applications.
- can be used for floors as long as there is light foot traffic. Typically used in residential bathrooms.
- normal foot traffic, walls, and countertops. Good for general residential purposes.
- both wall tile and floor residential uses. Can be used for light industrial and commercial uses.
- heavy institutional foot traffic and heavy commercial traffic. Not typically used for residential applications.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile has been around for thousands of years. It is durable, strong, and easy to maintain. Oasis Tile has mother of pearl tiles, ceramic pool tiles, bathroom tiles, and even beveled subway tiles! With everything in one place, you can complete your home renovation project in no time - whether that’s getting new backsplash tiles, new mosaic tiles for the pool, or installing your own decorative tiles! And with Oasis Tile’s sample program, you can try out multiple floor tiles completely risk-free! Oasis Tile can help you find the perfect wall tiles, ceiling tiles, or floor tiles that you need for your home. Check out all of our tile options now!
