Ceramic floor tiles are a popular choice for damage-prone spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. This is because these tiles are durable and easy to maintain. Coupled with the unique design advantage, these elements make ceramic tile suitable for the living room and family spaces as well. If, for instance, you want an exotic hardwood look on your living room floor but fancy a ceramic texture and feel, you can find porcelain mosaics designed with that exact combination in mind.
What it will cost you
Costs are a summation of the price of the tiles themselves and the installation charges. Plain-colored ceramic tiles can cost as little as $1 per square foot while porcelain tiles that have been crafted after wood or fine marbles would set you back a maximum of $20 per square foot.
Installation mainly depends on who you hire for the task, the size of the room being tiled, and sometimes the location of your home. That said, a recent study found that installation costs range between $5 and $8 depending on the factors as mentioned earlier. It should be noted that some materials such as porcelain have more complicated installation requirements which may command higher fees. Also, you’re likely to have to meet a specific minimum charge regardless of the size of the job.
What to consider when choosing ceramic tiles
Size – Ceramic tiles are available in 6" × 6", 12" × 12", 18" × 18" and 24" × 24" squares, though styles meant to resemble hardwood or natural stone can be offered in rectangular planks. For the best look, consider using larger squares in large rooms and smaller squares in tiny rooms.
Patterns – With ceramic tiles, you can adorn your living floor with whichever print you want.
Specific colors and print patterns may need to go with particular tile shapes for the best veneer.
Mosaics – Modern mosaics are basically tiles made up of micro squares of ceramic tile. They are a style from the past that you can lay on your floor to achieve a vivid and unique sense of style in your living room.
Accent tiles – These are used as adornments on normal ceramic tiles to create a desired visual interest. You can choose to have a picture or conspicuous patterns run across the floor of your living room.
Ceramic Tile vs. Natural Stone
Natural stone is a popular choice for flooring material and can be harder and more durable than ceramic. It all depends on quality and origin of the natural stone, though, with some quality falling in the typical price range of ceramics.
People prefer ceramic for its natural look and feel, but that is not too big of a factor anymore as manufacturers can now seamlessly imitate natural stone using ceramic. As regards maintenance, ceramic tiles have the edge on natural stone as they are waterproof.
Ceramic Tile vs. Hardwood
Ceramic can be designed and shaped to look just like wood, which is revered more for its look than durability. Wood is not only more expensive and harder to maintain but also more susceptible to staining and water damage.