Are you shopping for floor tiles? Well, it would be nice if you knew what you’re looking for, especially if you want something that’s long-lasting and worthy of your investment.
High-street concrete floor lasts the longest, but others believe that nothing can beat porcelain tiles when it comes to toughness. Of course, both can last a lifetime, and you just must choose which one you think fits the aesthetic of your home.
If you need more details to help with your decision-making, then here’s more information that you can use as a guide.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile is another excellent option for flooring. It is similar to ceramic tile but is denser and more resistant to water absorption. They are also highly stain-resistant, making them ideal for kitchen use where spills and stains are common. Porcelain tiles come in various finishes and designs, including options that resemble natural stone or wood.
Additionally, porcelain tiles are known for their versatility, as they can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them a suitable choice for floors that extend to outdoor areas. Their dense composition also makes them highly resistant to scratches and chipping, ensuring long-lasting durability. With their wide range of styles and superior performance, porcelain tiles are a popular and reliable option for durable flooring. Source: Kettle Caulking
Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta means “cooked earth.” These tiles are often ½ an inch or more in thickness. The color comes from the natural clays used to produce them, and the color is uniform all the way through. This means that if you get a chip in the surface or a corner of the tile, the deep rich red color will be identical to the surface.
These tiles readily absorb water and other liquids. They wear down easily in high-traffic areas, and this is considered part of their appeal. Generally speaking, these tiles are less expensive than other forms of ceramic tile flooring. When installed, these tiles have very wide grout lines that can be prone to staining if not sealed during installation.
Quarry Tiles
This can be a little confusing. Quarry tiles look very similar to terracotta tiles. The deep, rich reddish brown is practically the same, but that’s where the similarity ends. Quarry tiles are harder than terracotta tiles, and they are impervious to water and other liquids. They are fired at higher temperatures than terracotta, and this makes them tougher.
Although some clay is used, other minerals like shale, granite, and feldspar are finely ground and mixed together, then baked at high temperatures. They are a durable flooring option, and they can be used indoors and outdoors. Typically entrance ways, kitchens, and mud rooms are good candidates for quarry tiles. Source: Flooring Direct
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are another great choice for someone who is looking for a durable floor tile for their home. While ceramic tiles are not as durable as porcelain tiles, they are a cheaper alternative. Just like porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are resistant to scratches, however dropping heavier items such as plates or glassware can lead to chipping in your ceramic tiles. Source: Victorian Plumbing
Hopefully, this guide will be helpful in your search for a durable floor tile for your home. If you need more information about floor tiles or any other flooring options in general, just give us a call by dialing the number below!
