TILE FLOORING - Classic, Popular, Long-Lasting

When considering flooring options, many people overlook tile flooring. That shouldn't be the case, since tile has been around longer than most types of flooring. It is popular, easy to maintain, and can be used in most any room of your home or business.

Tile Flooring Comes in Many Varieties

Tile flooring has been used around the world for centuries. Evidence of this can be found in the remains of Ancient Greece and Rome, where mosaic tile flooring can be seen. To make these mosaic tiles, small pieces of clay, glass, shell, or other materials were placed into unique, colorful patterns.

Throughout Europe, tile flooring has been used for years. Many styles of tile flooring have been used. One of the most notable types is the stone flooring used in castles and other buildings. To make stone flooring, stones of various types (such as slate, granite, and sandstone) and sizes are arranged and grouted together to make a floor. Careful planning must be used to ensure such floors are relatively flat and don't have abrupt edges people can trip over. However, you can now purchase specially shaped and sanded stones to avoid such problems.

Travertine is a natural stone tile that has increased in popularity. Travertine is a sedimentary rock that began as sandstone and has been used for years. In fact, the exterior of the Colosseum in Rome is built out of travertine. This type of tile comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so it can fit with any decor or design style.

More recently, ceramic and porcelain tiles have been manufactured and used. Such tiles are often used in kitchens and bathrooms and can be used on walls as well as floors. Such tiles are specially designed and glazed to look good and last a long time. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are also easy to clean. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to meet any need.

Tile flooring comes in many designs and patterns. These range from simple 6 inch by 6 inch squares of a single color to marble tile with natural mixtures of colors to ceramic tiles with ornate designs painted on. Whatever your taste and design style, you are sure to find something that fits your needs. In general, bigger tiles look small spaces look larger, while smaller tiles work better on walls or in larger spaces.

Installation Considerations

If you are thinking about installing tile flooring by yourself, there are several things to consider. First, make sure you have an accurate measurement of your room, so you can purchase adequate tile. A good rule of thumb is to buy about 20% more than you think you'll need. This will provide extra for breakage as well as tiles that have to be cut to fit the space.

You next need to consider how you will cut the tiles for corners, edges, or other special situations. Many hardware stores have tile cutters that you can use or rent for a day. Make sure you have proper training for safety purposes.

Another consideration is the type of tiles you want to use. Read about the pluses and minuses of each type of material, and bring home samples to see if you like how they look and feel. Think about the size, pattern, and color of the tile(s) you will use. Make sure the tile is easy to maintain and clean and will fit well is the chosen space. With so many options, the hardest part may be narrowing your choices!

Finally, find a suitable grout to glue your tiles to the floor and fill in the spaces between tiles. You want to find something that is sturdy and that won't crumble or allow your tiles to slide or pop off the floor. Also consider the color of the grout, choosing something that will match the tiles and other items in your room, while looking good and not becoming too dirty or fading over the years.

With a little planning and shopping around, you are likely to find the perfect tile floor. The fact that tile has been used for centuries is a testament to the durability, beauty, and versatility of tile flooring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Cahill. 

The author is interested in home improvement projects, including flooring installation. Her website http://www.laminateflooringsolutions.com has many great resources for those looking to learn more about laminate and other flooring types, including buying and installation.