Tile flooring is perfect because of its durability and multitudes of styles and designs. Finding a suitable tile can seem overwhelming at first, but you can find a tile that can efficiently handle kids and pets with a bit of research. Selecting the right tile includes choosing the right design, the perfect size, the correct hardness, and the proper shape.
Visit our showroom in Frisco, and our designers will help select the right tile for longevity and durability. We also provide remote consultations during the planning process.
Are you ready to start your project? Let’s get started.
Tile can provide the stunning look of natural stone, wood, and other materials with incredible cleanliness and durability. Many tile floors throughout the US have lasted for centuries, and if they can survive numerous years in public buildings, courthouses, and homes, the right tile can handle your kids and pets for a few decades.
The strength of tile is a big asset for maintenance and durability, but it can also be a drawback.
Dirt, grease, spills, and other materials pose zero threat to tile, and flooring tile with sealed grout is resistant to stains, scratches, moisture, and dents. Pet nails and even high-heeled shoes can do a number on different types of flooring; unless the kids and pets are superhero strength strong, it will be near impossible to damage a tile flooring.
If you are looking for professionals to help you select the right tile that will withstand kids and pets, Luxe Design Center will help with selection and installation.
What is tile flooring?
Tile flooring is usually in kitchens and bathrooms but can be used throughout the house. It comes in two forms: ceramic and porcelain, so it is crucial to know the difference before picking tile flooring.
Types of Tile Flooring
Floor tile and wall tile are the two most popular types of tiles. Wall tile is lighter, unsuitable for foot traffic, rates lower on the hardness scale, and is popular for backsplashes or countertops.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is not as resilient as porcelain tile because it is fired and composed. It also costs less than porcelain tile, is more flexible, and has texture for an extra visual effect.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile differs from ceramic tile because it stems from refined clay packed at high pressure and baked at high temperatures, making porcelain stronger and less porous than ceramic.
Pros and Cons of Tile Flooring
Before buying tile, it is essential to know the advantages and disadvantages of tile flooring that will impact its suitability in your home.
Pros
- Easy to Maintain: Tile cleans up as easily as other smooth floor finishes. Tile floor spills can be cleaned quickly and without staining. You can wash tile floors with a mild detergent to keep them extra clean.
- Durable: Porcelain tile is strong and waterproof, while ceramic tile is more porous, which is something to consider when selecting. Both are durable and rarely chip. Plus, tile can be stain-resistant and dent-proof.
- Affordable: Porcelain and ceramic tile can range from $2 per square foot to $9 per square foot at home improvement stores.
Cons
- Cold: Tile is not a perfect heat conductor, leading some owners to install radiant floor heating.
- Grout needs attention: The grout lines will be susceptible to stains after installation.
- Tough to install: Installing tile is tiresome and requires precision to make the task go smoothly.
Tile Flooring Factors to Consider Before Selection
- Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile
- Attractiveness
- Tile Size and Shape
- Water-Resistant
- Durability
- Where Tile is Installed
- Sunlight-Resistant
How to Select the Right Tile that Handles Kids and Pets
Firstly, identify the space for tile installation and determine the foot traffic in that space. If it is a high-traffic area, a harder tile is best. Softer tiles, such as ceramic, work well in areas that do not see much traffic.
The design is another crucial factor because it can improve the visual effect, increase a room’s worth, and increase or decrease the installation time. Smaller and more complex design tiles will need more time than simple and larger tile designs. Various shapes work better in different patterns than others, so choose wisely. Luxe Design Center offers thousands of tile options in both porcelain and ceramic, so you can be confident when choosing the kind of tile best suited for a specific area that handles kids and pets.
Our experts at Luxe Design Center will work carefully to design your home with tile style, type, and colors all while staying within your budget and keeping traffic from pets and children in mind.
FAQs
How long will the tile floor last?
With proper cleaning and maintenance, ceramic tile floors can last around 50 to 70 years, and porcelain tile floors usually last about 50 years.
How long will it take to install the tile floor for my project?
It depends on the size of the room and the intricacy of the tile design. We estimate most tile projects to take one week once all selections for tile, grout, and any other details for the project are confirmed and the items selected are in our installation team’s hands.
How should I prepare for tile installation?
Prepare for the area to be a construction zone until project completion. Please box up any fragile breakables, and we’ll handle moving any large furniture out of the way during installation. It’s best to keep pets and children away from the project area until final inspection.
How do I clean my tile floors?
Wipe up any spills as soon as possible. Sweep or vacuum debris, dust, and hair regularly. Mop with mild detergents as directed.