Ceramic Flooring

Ceramic tile is the ideal flooring option for many homes and businesses. It’s extremely durable - when properly installed, it practically becomes part of the floor itself - and has a life expectancy comparable to solid hardwood. There are many different sizes, shapes and styles of ceramic flooring, including a wide variety or colors, textures, and grout options. The most common ceramic floor tile is 13” square, but larger or smaller tiles, oblongs, diamond shaped and even hexagonal tiles are also popular.

Rooms Where Ceramic Flooring is Used

Ceramic flooring is most commonly used in homes for entryways, bathrooms and kitchens, although some homeowners opt to use ceramic tile floor in their living and/or dining areas as well. Ceramic tile is fairly waterproof if sealed correctly, and if the edges are carefully caulked and maintained, moisture will be unable to cause damage to any wood sub-floor. Tile is used less often in bedrooms because it is cold in the winter; however, this can be worked around by using large area rugs in bedrooms and runners in hallways.

Advantages of Ceramic Flooring

Most ceramic floor tiles generally have some type of texturing, which may be mild or dramatic. More texture is convenient in kitchens, baths and entries where a slippery surface could cause a fall. Ceramic tile has a distinct advantage in kitchens and baths where it adds value to the home and can be implemented into showers, tub surrounds, counters and backsplashes for an unbeatable custom look. In industrial settings, dark grout is often used to minimize staining, while homeowners will often opt for a shade of grout similar to the color of the tile itself to make rooms seem larger.

What to Consider When Purchasing Ceramic Flooring

Tile can be a risky choice if there is chance of a foundation settling after the floor is installed. This is sometimes a problem with older pier and beam built homes. Tile and grout will crack if the floor shifts or sags, so having the home professionally leveled and stabilized before putting down a ceramic tile floor is advisable. Tile can be laid either over concrete or on a wooden sub-floor covered with cement backer board. Second story floors should be evaluated to determine if they can carry the weight of a ceramic floor. The experts at Ideal Floor can help you determine if ceramic flooring will work in your home, and can help you find the ceramic tiles that best accent your existing décor.