Mar 21, 2022
Aside from the walls, think of the most visible part of any household and you will most probably think of the floors. The design, appearance and durability of the flooring is the major things to consider on any renovation project. There are a lot of choices for the kind of flooring you can install. The most common materials you can choose from are vinyl, ceramic and granite. On face value and with the progress in technology, these don’t really look that much different from each other but these materials have pros and cons of their own.
While some would say granite looks best because of its shine, it also is the most expensive and more likely to stain. What about ceramic tiles? Well, it has a lot more colors and patterns but it also is much more fragile and more likely to have cracks. Vinyl on the other hand is the most affordable but also the easiest to get scratches.
Don’t worry, we have all of these kinds of floorings available at the online store so you can browse.
Vinyl tiles are usually made with a PVC core and come in different designs and patterns usually to mimic stone, ceramic or even wood. Due to their durability, affordability and water resistant nature, these tiles are most commonly seen in places with high foot traffic like offices and supermarkets.
Installation is easy with vinyl tiles. For the tiles to adhere and not have any water seeping through, installing requires a smooth surface like a well sanded plywood or flat concrete as imperfections and flaws on this bottom layer will affect the adherence of the vinyl and may cause bumps and indentations to the floor. In the event of scratches and bumps, heating the tiles is all that’s needed to remove the tile that is to be replaced.
A lot of things are great about vinyl tiles but these also come with its fair share of disadvantages. First off, vinyl tiles are not suitable for garages and other places with heavy machinery or furniture because they do not stand up well to heavy loads and can easily be damaged by sharp objects. They also warp and fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight and might even melt due to extreme heat.
Some plant lovers might already be aware of this as the main components of ceramic tiles are also the same components as pottery products. They are made up mainly of water, sand and clay. Ceramic tiles are commonly used in toilets, kitchens, and in some cases, patios and lanais.
One main advantage of ceramic tiles is that dirt or dust does not stick to the surface therefore making it easy to clean. If ever stains do happen, any heavy duty cleaner including acids can be used without damaging the material. They are also relatively cheap and are definitely durable if installed right. Installation of these kinds of tiles are a bit tricky and time consuming compared to vinyl tiles so it is best to hire a professional to install it rather than a DIY. Saying that, the cost might go up if you prefer ceramic tiles.
A drawback of ceramic tiles is that it’s slippery and due to its hardness, it might be a risk to install in a room used by someone who is prone to falling like children and elderly. Due to its inherent heaviness, these types of tiles are also not a good choice for upper story installation as it might add additional stress to the building’s balance and structural integrity.
Anyone might be familiar with natural stones like limestone, marble and granite tiles. These are usually used in places to give out that luxurious vibe like mansions and five star hotels. These tiles are the toughest and longest lasting flooring options currently available with granite as the most popular preference.
Stone tiles’ natural beauty comes from the fact that no two tiles are identical. This creates a beautiful range of patterns that only stone tiles can produce. Another advantage is that granite’s greatest asset is its durability and hardness. Being one of the hardest natural stones, granite can withstand everything from pet scratches to striking of a hammer without even a scratch. As for installation, better leave it to the professionals as there is no way you can install granite flooring alone.
Considering all those pros and advantages there are still a few disadvantages, mainly the price. Stone tiles also come with a very steep price tag due to its beauty and durability. Like ceramic tiles, stone tiles, especially granite, are tremendously heavy so it is suggested that a professional inspect your home if it is suitable for granite tiles installation.
So you might be wondering, what’s the perfect flooring? Well it really depends on you. Your budget and aesthetic will be the judge in what material you want to use.
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