Tile

The many kinds of tile flooring

At Genoa Custom Interiors one question we hear over and over is whether ceramic tile can be used on floors. The answer is yes, it can be used on floors but there are various types of ceramics and they all behave differently in various installations. For example, the 4 X 4 ceramic square is going to behave very differently than porcelain, which is a type of ceramic. Check with your tile flooring retailer to be sure you have the right grade.

The difference between ceramic squares and porcelain

Porcelain is made of a non-porous clay called Kaolin and also includes some sand and glass. This makes it heavier, denser, more durable, and appropriate as tile flooring in busy, high foot traffic rooms such as the kitchen or bath. It is also frost resistant and waterproof, so it can be used outdoors. It won’t crack in freeze-thaw conditions so use it on patio and deck floors.

Porcelain is a large format ceramic, sometimes measuring 25 X 25, and, right now, the trend is for bigger and bigger tiles. Porcelain is also highly decorative, coming in a large variety of colors, patterns, and designs. It can be made to look like anything, from wood to stone, leather, and fabric. It’s often also used on walls and tub/shower surrounds.

Ceramic 4X4 squares, too, are highly decorative and can be glazed or unglazed. They must be glazed, however, to be waterproof and that glazing also gives them a hard outer shell. They can be used on medium traffic floors indoors, on backsplashes, accent walls and tub/shower surrounds.

Other ceramics

More ceramic tiles include mosaics, the tiny, highly decorated pieces that are durable and mold/mildew resistant. Terracotta pieces are ultra-strong, and also porous, so ask about sealing requirements. Subway ceramics, the formerly the all-white 3 X 6 rectangles usually seen on backsplashes, are now available in all colors, shapes, and sizes. While they can be used on floors, it is recommended that they be installed in low traffic areas.

The interior designer at Genoa Custom Interiors has plenty of ideas to share on making your tile flooring become the jewel in the crown of your home. Come see us and get your free estimate, at our showroom in Genoa, OH if you live in Ottawa County, OH, Lucas County, OH, Wood County, OH, Sandusky County, OH, or Erie County, OH, or anywhere in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

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