How Durable is Tile Flooring
Tile floors have an exquisite and spotless appearance and are also straightforward to clean and maintain. If you are investing your time and money into a tile floor, you can expect it to serve you well for decades.
There are many tile options like ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, quarry, and many more. How do you choose suitable types of tiles when so many options are available? If you are confused, this article will walk you through the pros and cons of most options along with tile overall.
Most Durable Tiles for Flooring
Which are the most durable tiles? The quality of a specific tile, cost of maintenance, reinstallation or even repair will vary depending on the tile you choose. Here are the toughest tiles for your house:
1. Ceramic Tiles
One of the essential things that undoubtedly comes to mind when someone says "ceramic tile" is its durability. There are ceramic tiles that date back thousands of years and are still in excellent shape today! This tile option is ideal for many homes because it is relatively affordable and easy to maintain. However, if heavy objects fall on them, the tiles may break. It is best to exercise caution when placing or carrying hard, heavy objects near your tile floor.
2. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are yet another excellent alternative for individuals looking for durability in tile flooring because they are heavier and less porous. As a result, these tiles can be great for areas with heavy foot traffic and where they may be exposed to moisture and dirt.
3. Natural Stone Tiles
Tiles made of natural stone, such as marble, granite, and limestone, are incredibly robust. You have additional decorative possibilities because natural stone comes in many shapes and colors. Stone tiles are ideal for adding individuality and character to your bathroom and living area! However, natural stone is porous and may stain easily, so it’s important to seal them to maintain their natural beauty.
4. Quarry Tiles
If you want to give the flooring in your house some color, quarry tiles are a great option. Although it can be found in warm colors like brown and tan, this tile is frequently red. Quarry tiles are constructed from the same materials as bricks but do not have a surface finish. Quarry tiles are common in commercial kitchens!
How Durable is Ceramic Tile Flooring?
Ceramic tiles are a sturdy option that wears much better than hardwood, vinyl, and laminate due to their resistance to scratches and dents. This is particularly important for people with children or pets. Ceramic tiles are a close second when compared with the durability of porcelain tiles.
Benefits of Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Let's look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of installing high-quality tile in your home.
Highly Durable and Excellent for Heavy Traffic Areas
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are great even against the jagged nails of pets. This flooring is highly durable and resistant to breaking, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Tile floor are the perfect choice for property owners or business owners who enjoy hosting events.
Of the two, porcelain is the more durable. The durability of porcelain tile is one of its most significant advantages. Unlike most other tile flooring options, porcelain tile is manufactured from highly processed clay fired at higher temperatures. Porcelain tile is something you should give serious thought to using because of its durability and ease of maintenance. The flooring is difficult to damage and can be replaced one by one if necessary.
Low Maintenance
Depending on your choices of flooring, such as porcelain or ceramic tiles, maintenance can range from quick and simple to highly intensive. Porcelain tiles are beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain. Unlike other tiles, they don't need additional sealing to keep water out.
Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain since water simply wipes right off of them. Since moisture problems are common in bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and mudrooms, porcelain tile is frequently used in these spaces. They have a low absorption rate and are very durable, making them simple to maintain and clean. Out of all the many flooring options available, porcelain tiles are among the simplest to maintain. Read more about maintaining tiles in our “How to Clean Tile” article.
Water Resistance
Tile floors are less susceptible to water problems than most other types of flooring. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are perfect for damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Be aware that unglazed ceramic tile floors must be sealed if you wish to protect them from spills and stains.
Drawbacks of Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
There are many reasons why people like tile floors, but it is important to understand the drawbacks as well.
Installation Challenges
Installing porcelain tile is challenging and not DIY-friendly. Only the most skilled flooring professionals can attempt to install tiles because of the complexity.
More Expensive
The need for professional installation also means the cost of a tile floor is much higher than just the tiles. That said, tile floors will tend to last longer than the alternatives, so it might be a better bargain in the long run.
Hard Surface
Tile flooring is hard, so standing on it for long periods of time can become uncomfortable. Unlike carpet and resilient floors, this material cannot be softened with padded underlayments. However, rugs can be used to counteract the hardness of ceramic in areas where people frequently stand for extended periods of time, like in front of the kitchen sink.
Tiles are Cold
Tile flooring does not retain heat very well. This can be an advantage in warmer climates or in the summer, as the tile remains cool, reducing the overall temperature of the space. However, in cold climates walking on tile can be unpleasant.
Final Word
There is a wide variety of tiles that may be used for flooring, each of which contributes to the overall style of your home. Having said that, picking just one is difficult. Because of the structure of porcelain and ceramic tiles, as well as their ability to resist water and their heavy weight, these tiles are highly durable. Because of this, they are excellent for installation in high foot traffic areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, corridors, and even outdoor spaces. Browse our selection of tile flooring in Baltimore, MD and surrounding areas.