Tile is one of the most useful and aesthetically pleasing flooring materials, as it comes in many varieties in terms of materials, colors, patterns, and textures. Shopping for tiles is never an easy job, especially when there are so many options to choose from. However, there is no need to be overwhelmed, when you visit a store for tile in Fort Collins, you can ask an expert to help you out with your tile choice. The following are some tile choices to help you out with your selection.
Ceramic And Porcelain Tiles
These are the most common tile types. Ceramic tile is one of the most cost-effective tile types with a variety of options, however, some ceramic tiles can be pretty costly. Ceramic tiles are made of shale, clay, sand, and gypsum. Ceramic tiles, however, can be a little porous so they will require glazing to seal the surface.
Porcelain tiles are nothing but a variety of ceramic tile but they are better at resisting moisture as compared to ceramic tile. These tiles are very easy to install and come in a wide variety of styles. Ceramic and porcelain tiles can be installed as both flooring and wall tiles.
Glazed Wall Tile
Glazed Wall Tile is used for walls and cannot be used on the floors. However, glazed tiles that are used for flooring can be used for walls. When buying glazed wall tiles, check the PEI ratings as it will give you an idea of the tile is suitable for walls or not. PEI I and PEI II tiles are used for walls only and cannot be used on the floors.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles give a very flashy and fun look and they are best suited for uses as kitchen or bathroom backsplashes. This type of tile is also not suitable for the floor as it can easily crack under pressure. They have reflective surfaces that are nonporous and lustrous but are prone to cracking. Also, since glass tiles are so lustrous and beautiful, they are also somewhat expensive.
Mosaic Tiles
This is yet another exquisite tile type that can be used on both walls and floors. Mosaic flooring can be used to create very beautiful designs and interesting visual patterns but you have to keep in mind that they require big maintenance. Mosaic tiles have multiple grout lines so cleaning them is a little difficult. Mosaic tiles are either square or hexagonal. If you want to install glass mosaic tiles, you can install them on walls, they are not suitable for flooring.
Quarry Tiles
Quarry tiles are ideal for outdoor use but you can also install them in indoor hallways and foyers. Quarry tiles have a rough surface and as such, they are ideal for use outdoors and give a good grip. You can also install them in pool areas where flooring with a good grip is necessary. Quarry tiles also have a random patterning which also makes them visually appealing, especially in the outdoors. They are also very durable, however, they are somewhat porous so you will need to seal them to resist moisture.
Natural Stone Tiles
These are made of natural stone like granite, slate, marble, and travertine, etc. and they work great for both floor and walls. Being a natural stone, these tiles are slightly porous and as such, they need to be sealed to make them moisture-resistant.
Carpet Tiles
While not really a tile, carpet tiles are an inexpensive way to warm up your room. They are suitable for use in rooms like the living room and bedroom as they give a comfortable feeling underfoot. Carpet tiles are available in different colors, patterns, and thicknesses and their price usually range from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. You can install these tiles by yourself or you can hire a professional service for carpet installation in Fort Collins to get the flooring installed.
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