 Tile is not only affordable, but it is also a great investment. It
can actually increase the value of your home. The most popular tiles
have always been and still remain the neutral shades, but you can
customize your tile by interspersing colored tiles to accent your
look. Be sure to remember and use the same manufacturer of the tile
you choose when you are creating patterns with various tiles, as tiles
may vary in size and thickness.
Another factor to consider when choosing tile is the actual size of
the tile. Most rooms can easily take a 12" x 12", 13" x 13" or even a
16" x 16" tile. One rule of thumb to remember is that the bigger the
tile, the larger the area will appear. Listellos and decos are used to
form accents or patterns. They are very popular.
Different Types of Tiles
Glazed Tile
Can be made in a variety of colors and designs. It creates a
smooth, non-porous surface that is very hard to stain and easy to care
for. Gloss levels come in matte, satin and high gloss.
Unglazed Tile
It is simply baked clay and the colors are usually limited to the
neutral colors of the clay.
Porcelain Tile
Is a glazed tile that come is colors, patterns or custom styles.
Special clays, glass and minerals are used that are similar to those
found in chinaware. Porcelain tile also comes in a plain, rough or
polished finish and is highly stain resistant.
Terra Cotta Tile
More commonly known as Mexican Tile. The more common terra cotta tiles
are hand-made in Mexico. It has a very rustic look, often times with
animal tracks imprinted on them. They also vary with a range of
colors.
Mosaic Tiles
This type of tile is generally less than 3 square inches in size. They
often come mounted on sheets for easy instillation. The numerous grout
joints help create slip resistance, so its a great tile for wet areas.
The growing popularity of ceramic tile has led to an
expanding use from traditional areas such as bathrooms to using it in
kitchens, hallways and family rooms. You can use tile in almost any
room of the home!
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