Flooring: Tile

Tile flooring and wall coverings can be traced back thousands of years. It is one of the oldest forms of decorative art. Tile flooring is closely linked to the development of pottery, which originated in China. Furthermore, historians believe that Ancient Egyptians developed kiln firing.

Tile is made out of a mixture of clay and shale that is baked in a kiln. Pigments are added to the mixture for color. Tile is available in an almost infinite number of styles, designs, colors, textures (smooth, bumpy, woodgrain, etc.) and finishes (glazed, unglazed, polished, matte, honed, etc.).

Also, you can lay tile in a variety of patterns. Learn more about tile installation patterns here.

Pros of Tile:

Tile can be used in any room of the house. Tile is durable and long-lasting. The material will not face, scratch, or dent. Additionally, it is resistant to wear and stains. Tile is also low maintenance and easy to keep clean. You can also install a radiant heating system underneath the tile. This is especially nice if you live where it gets cold.

Cons of Tile:

Tile needs to be grouted. The grout lines are harder to clean. Moreover, the grout can stain/discolor. Glossy and smooth tiles can be slippery when wet. Tile is naturally cold, which can be nice in the summer or in temperate environments.

You can learn even more about tile flooring here.

Other Types of Flooring:

If you’re not sure if tile is the right option for you, you can learn about other types of flooring here. There are many different flooring options that come in even more style options as well.