In the very recent past, consumers who were considering renovating their bathrooms, kitchens or basements, had the choice of either thin vinyl, wood flooring in a limited selection of colors and styles and ceramic tile, also with few really attractive choices. While homeowners were considering spending their hard-earned savings to make their homes attractive, the choices were, to say the least, limited.
Today, that’s all changed as manufactures have not only opted to improve their products, but also to make them available in a myriad of colors, styles and textures.
So what choices are available?
Vinyl Flooring
When contractors sell a home, the traditional vinyl flooring is put down and the only choice a homeowner has, was perhaps, the choice of color. The product did provide a number of years of service, but was sustainable to nicks and dents. When time came to replace that product, another vinyl flooring was an option with similar results to be expected over the next few years.
Wood flooring
Wood was always a popular choice and many decorators suggested their customer install this product. Wood was a natural product that provided a soft, inviting look that matched many of the decorating schemes already present in a home’s interior. But, once again, durability was an obvious negative aspect of wood flooring, as high traffic areas did not stand up to the wear and tear. Refinishing the product was an option, but once again, cost became a factor. Good wood flooring that will give sustained service over the years is comparable, and in some cases more expensive than ceramic products.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles date back to the middle ages and were used extensively for use in religious and public buildings … and of course homes of the wealthy. Countries such as Italy, Spain and Morocco were noted for their innovative and intricate designs, and their tiles were admired the world over. Still today, many homes in Europe and other parts of the world have ceramic tiles throughout because of its beauty and durability.
Through the centuries, products changed little, until the middle of the 20th century. However, today, a multitude of styles, shapes, sizes and colors are manufactured, giving homeowners and contractors virtually endless choices.
Ceramic tiles are cost effective
Whether installing floors or walls, the durability of ceramic tile is unquestioned.
Builders putting up new homes or consumers redecorating theirs select ceramic tile with the assurance they will have the satisfaction of a beautiful product for many years to come. Attractive decorating schemes, obviously, also add value to a home. In addition to ease of cleaning, colors remain vibrant as they are literally “baked” into the tile. The thousands of styles, shapes and colors are a decorator’s delight, as the selection can be matched to any décor or color scheme present or to be created.
Glass inserts were a natural enhancement when added to ceramic tile installations. However, more and more decorative glass products came on the scene in the last half-century, and astute decorators realizing the perfect marriage of these two products incorporate both products to enhance the beauty of the tile. Ceramic tiles and designer glass products are an ideal combination to be considered.
Popular use of tiles
Because of its durability, tiles can be used virtually anywhere. Due to the relatively recent development of porcelain tiles, installers are able to guarantee durability even in outdoor environments, subject to freezing temperatures. Commercial environments are designed with these products in mind, as tile designs enhance the look of driveways and walkways much nicer that cement or asphalt products. However, homeowners buying ceramic or porcelain products benefit from the durability of those products regardless of where they are installed.
Tiles have even been designed to simulate wood flooring, giving the homeowner the value and durability of porcelain with the look of natural wood products. These styles match virtually every type of wood hue such as mahogany, maple, ash, etc., down to the knotholes and grain that only wood provides. These newer products provide the best of both schemes … the beauty of wood and endurance of tile.
Kitchen floor installations are usually complemented with tiles selected for the area above the sink and behind the stove, called the “backsplash.” This area gives the homeowner an opportunity to demonstrate creativity, or in many cases, the installer’s recommendation for design. Many backsplash areas lend themselves to the use of mostly smaller-sized tiles and decorative glass and metal inserts as enhancements. The vast selection of these products at your local tile store makes the choices quite easy. And, in most cases, the tile store is most qualified and happy to aid in recommending tiles for floors, walls and backslashes.
Happy decorating!