Ceramic, Granite, Marble, Oh My! What Kind of Tile Flooring Should You be Using?

Ceramic, Granite, Marble, Oh My! What Kind of Tile Flooring Should You be Using?

When it comes to tile, there are many choices. Ceramic, granite, marble - how do you know which one to choose? Let's take a closer look at all the tile flooring options and what you should consider when choosing.

Location

Tile is not just for floors. Tile can be used in backsplashes, showers, mudrooms and even sunrooms or patios. If you're using tile for the backsplash in your kitchen, porcelain is the best material for the job. Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile flooring fired under extremely high temperatures, making it very dense and less porous than other types of tile. For this reason, it makes an excellent choice for back splashes and shower walls since its easy to clean and resistant to bacteria and mold. Porcelain ceramic tile flooring is also the best choice for outdoor areas like patios. They come in a wide variety of styles that mimic brick, stone, concrete and rock and are suitable for outdoor conditions.

Durability

Since all tile flooring is made from natural clay materials, they are all extremely durable. Different types of tile have different durability functions. For example, granite tile flooring is extremely stain, and scratch resistant, so it’s the perfect choice for mudrooms, laundry rooms or any area of your home that gets a lot of indoor/outdoor traffic. On the other hand, marble tile is made from soft stone, so it is very absorbent and prone to stains. It can still be used for accent walls or areas in bathrooms, but most people choose to use porcelain for the main flooring. Whichever type of tile flooring you use, you can be sure that it will last for years to come.

Maintenance

All tiles are relatively easy to clean. The non-porous surface of ceramic and granite make them the easiest to maintain since wiping with a damp cloth is all you need to do to keep them shiny and clean. Marble can sometimes be a little trickier since it's absorbent and prone to staining. It's best to use a cleaning solution specifically made for marble since acidic cleaners like ones made with citrus can damage the surface. For everyday cleaning, you can make a simple inexpensive solution of gentle dish soap and water.

Our flooring experts can answer any questions you have about tile flooring and help you choose from our wide selection to find the best style for your home. To browse all the different choices of tile flooring, come out to the Flooring Superstores in Calgary.