One of the important features of a home is its flooring. If you’re planning to design and remodel or build your house, you should consider choosing a floor type that is stylish and durable. Homebuilders recommend two of the most common types of flooring: ceramic tile and natural stone.
Natural Stone Floors and Ceramic Tiles: A Brief Description
Before diving headfirst into your tile floor installation, let’s take a look first at these two types of floorings. This will help understand them better and choose between the two.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is described as a man-made clay material that has undergone several processes. It is hardened in a kiln, finished, and then glazed to create a complete design. Ceramic tiles are durable and perfect for both dry and wet locations. They are often installed from the front door to the laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom. Ceramic tiles are available in different colors, so there will be a wide array of choices. It is more cost-effective compared to natural stone flooring.
Natural Stone Floors
Natural stone floors are mineral substances acquired from mountains and cut into uniform tiles. They are used for walls, floors, and backsplashes at home. Various natural stone tile choices include granite, marble, travertine, limestone, and slate. These materials showcase opulence and luxury and increase the sale value of a home.
Which Material Is Best for Your Tile Floor Install?
Choosing between natural stone floors and ceramic tiles can be challenging. However, if you are aware of its advantages and drawbacks, the selection process will be easier. Check the space’s overall design and size, as well as the furniture and equipment the flooring will hold.
The following factors should be considered for your tile floor installation:
1. Durability
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles have different hardness ratings. If you opt for ultimate durability, make sure to look for tiles with PEI 3 rating or above. However, if you plan to use it for backsplashes and spaces that won’t endure frequent foot traffic, you can choose tiles with a lower PEI rating.
Natural Stone Floor
Slate and granite are known to be more durable compared to marble and limestone. As natural stone floor wears, it tends to chip along the corners and edges. To minimize the imperfections that may appear, you may start with a more rustic tile.
2. Maintenance
Ceramic Tile
You can use glazed ceramic tile without using an additional coating. However, you can add a sealant to the grout if you are worried about staining. The sealant will keep it messy-free as the surrounding tile.
Natural Stone
Stone materials are porous; thus, they require a glaze or a sealant to fill the pores and prevent water and stains. Depending on the type of natural stone materials you choose, the sealant will need to be reapplied periodically. Make sure to get rid of acidic cleaners for natural stones because they can damage the material.
3. Color Options
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles come in different color variations. You can even have a tile with colors that resemble hardwood planks and the appearance of natural stone. Since there are a lot of colors you can choose from, you can easily choose a tile that fits perfectly with any interior design.
Natural Stone
Natural stone floors also come in different color variations. You can choose from crisp whites to deep brown and beige tones. You may also opt for colors like gray, purple, and yellow, based on the material you’ve chosen.
4. Cost
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is considered to be one of the most affordable yet durable flooring options. The price depends on the finish, style, and grade of the ceramic tiles. Of course, unglazed tiles are less expensive compared to glazed tiles. However, they require additional finishing touches during the process of installation.
Natural Stone
You might be surprised that natural stone floors are expensive. This is because they are made from natural resources. Their luxurious and sophisticated style adds to why this flooring type is more expensive than other floor types. If your budget permits, this can be a great choice.
Conclusion
Choosing between ceramic tiles and natural stone flooring can be a bit challenging. But, you will surely come up with a better choice when you consider factors like style, cost, durability, and color. We hope that this guide has been helpful to you in determining what material is right for your tile floor installation. If you think you’re still torn between the two, you may want to ask tile floor installation experts for advice.
If you need tile installation in Santa Clara, CA, Design Miter Tile is the one you’re looking for. We offer top-notch services when it comes to home improvement and renovations. Let us handle your next project! Contact us today and get a free estimate!
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