There is a wide variety of materials that can be found in kitchens and bathrooms these days, ranging from ceramic and porcelain to stone and wood. One popular choice is tile flooring, which comes in various types with different benefits and drawbacks. This article will discuss the pros and cons of five common varieties: ceramic, porcelain, travertine, marble, and natural stone.
To begin with, let’s consider ceramic tiles as an example of what tile flooring looks like when it’s used as a stand-alone surface rather than being set into a backer board or grouted into the mortar joints between the individual tiles. Ceramic floors are generally made by firing clay at very high temperatures until it forms a tough material that can resist wear and tear.
One big advantage of ceramic tiles is that they come in a wide variety of colors and designs, which can give your kitchen or bathroom a unique look. They’re also relatively affordable when compared to some other types of tile flooring in Oklahoma City, OK, and they’re easy to keep clean. However, they can sometimes be slippery when wet, so you’ll need to take care when installing them in a bathroom or near a sink.
Porcelain tiles are made from the same materials like ceramic tiles but are fired at even higher temperatures, making them harder and more durable. Porcelain tiles are available in many of the same colors and designs as ceramic tiles, but they can also be found in a range of glazed finishes, which give the tile an attractive look and make it easier to clean.
Porcelain tiles can be expensive, but they’re less likely to chip or crack than ceramic tiles are, which makes them a good choice for kitchens. They’re also slip-resistant when wet, so they can be installed in bathrooms as well as other areas. On the downside, porcelain tiles aren’t particularly soft underfoot unless you install them on top of carpet padding or some other material that creates a little bit of giving.
Travertine is another popular choice for kitchen and bathroom floors because it’s relatively affordable and easy to take care of by simply sweeping up dirt and debris.