Tile has been used for thousands of years in new home construction because of its durability. Tile is made from a mixture of raw materials pressed together to create shapes, different surfaces textures, and designs.
If you are thinking about getting stone or tile flooring, there can be several benefits and drawbacks to that decision. Before deciding on a material, you’ll want to understand if your stone or tile of choice can be used in multiple environments.
Consider the following factors before deciding on which stone or tile you’d like to use in your next remodeling project:
- Inspirations for the remodel
- Size of the area you’re tiling
- Your price range
- Types of materials
- Design aesthetic
- Durability of the materials
- Installation
There are two kinds of tiles used in flooring and countertops projects, natural stone and ceramic. Both of these materials have a hard surface and are similar in characteristics and durability. Both are also made from natural materials, have the same installation process, and require the same level of care.
Seattle WA Natural Stone
Natural stones are found naturally around the world and come in a variety of mountainous mineral substances such as Marble, Travertine, Limestone, Basalt, Slate Quartzite, and Granite. Stone tiles are very durable and have been used for centuries. The tiles require sealing to help prevent staining over time because they are natural and pory.
Stone tiles carry the innate characteristics of the mountainous minerals from which they are derived, offering a unique design. The natural components of stone tile can stain. However, properly installing them and maintenance could provide protection against stains.
If your stone tiles are stained and need to be cleaned or replaced, contact the adept tiling professionals in the Seattle, WA area. We are ready to support you today. The Seattle climate is very rainy, and that’s why it’s imperative to choose a tile that is aesthetically pleasing and safe for your home.
There are some disadvantages to using stone tiles that should be considered. Each type of natural stone has a different absorption rate ranging from sandstone, the most porous, to travertine and slate, which absorb at a medium level, and granite which is closest to being waterproof.
Marble could scratch very easily because it is a polished natural stone, and some are very brittle and chip away easily. We recommend that you consider all of the benefits and drawbacks of natural stone before using it for your next flooring, showroom, countertops, and/or Seattle tile projects.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are typically made from red or white clay that has been fired in a kiln and could yield the perfect results for your flooring and countertops. Ceramic tile comes in glazed and unglazed forms.
Glazed surfaces seal the natural clay surface, are waterproof, tough, and stain-resistant. Glazed ceramic tiles don’t need sealer or protective finishes. Man-made tiles are often very durable and in some cases, may even be easier to clean than natural stone, making it sure to last in high-traffic areas such as stores.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain is made with slightly different raw materials than ceramic tiles, which allows for the tile to be pressed at a higher pressure allowing it to be more dense and durable. Porcelain is waterproof and can be installed anywhere in your home, business, and even outdoors!
Choose Home Care Contractors
Home Care Contractors understands how important your home is to you, and that’s why we offer a free quote to our clients and welcome questions. Whether you choose granite, marble, quartz, or some other material for your project, we use only top-quality materials. Clients can show us their ideas and tell us more about how they want to feel when they arrive home, and we can use our expertise to help meet those expectations and provide superior service.
Additionally, we offer our Seattle area clients an industry-leading 12-month warranty against defects in workmanship. Each tradesperson that we work with is a master, so when you choose us, you can relax knowing that your business showroom or home is in good hands. If you are in need of tile and stone in Seattle, WA, contact Home Care Contractors to request your free quote today.