If you’re thinking of updating the floors in your home, you may be considering tile.  There are many types of tile, including ceramic, porcelain, slate, travertine and marble.  Some work well in certain rooms, but aren’t recommended for others.  This article offers tips so that you can choose the right tile for your home and your budget.

Consider location

Some types of tile are more slippery than others; if you are looking to tile your foyer or any area that gets a good amount of traffic, you may want to avoid marble or other types of tile that are highly polished.  In these areas, consider ceramic or stone tiles that tend to be less slippery.

Check the rating of the type of tile you are considering

Many homeowners are not aware that ceramic and porcelain tiles come with a PEI, or Porcelain Enamel Institute, rating.  These ratings vary from 1 to 5 and help determine how much traffic the surface can handle.  The higher the number, the more durable the surface and the more traffic it can handle without becoming dull or scuffed.

Consider both cost and your budget

Some types of tile are extremely costly, while others are affordable for most budgets.  Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the least expensive.  Natural stone tiles are usually the most expensive, so you may want to consider using them only in smaller areas if your budget is tight.

Ceramic tile comes in many different sizes and shapes, as well as a multitude of colors.  This style is the biggest seller when it comes to tile.  Keep in mind that grout can be tinted nearly any color you like, which adds to the unique look.

What you need to know about stone tiles

While natural stone tiles are exquisite in their beauty, granite, slate and marble must be sealed by a professional every 4 or 5 years to prevent staining.  Additionally, a professional should do the installation, as the varying shapes and sizes of natural stone make it a project that generally too difficult to be accomplished by the average homeowner.

Porcelain – the perfect surface for moist or humid areas

Porcelain tiles are more durable than many other types of tile, making them the perfect choice for kitchens and bathrooms.  They are also the most water-resistant, making them an ideal choice for these rooms.

Saltillo and terra cotta tiles are two of the worst choices for tiling in a bathroom or kitchen, as they absorb more water than other options such as ceramic.  These are not recommended for areas where excess moisture or humidity is a factor.

When deciding to tile the floors in your home, just remember that cost is key.  The prices you find on different brands of tile can vary tremendously; even among ceramic and porcelain, which are usually the least costly.  This can bring their cost up to a point where they are comparable to marble or travertine – so check prices and shop around before you buy.

Hopefully, these tips will help you choose tile that adds greatly to the beauty of your home, and will last for years to come.

One of the most popular features that new buyers look for in a home is hardwood flooring. Keep in mind, however, that despite its popularity, there are some definite advantages and disadvantages to this type of flooring.

These days you can choose from more than different makes of wood for your hardwood floor, as flooring is also available in different patterns and installations. If you don’t want to choose a pre-made color, you can even get unfinished planks that allow you to pick out the exact stain you want. Nonetheless, there are many pros and cons that come with hardwood flooring that you need to consider before installing it in your home.

Pros of Hardwood Floors
One of the greatest benefits of hardwood flooring is the look. Most people agree that hardwood flooring is beautiful and much more attractive than carpet or tile. Flooring comes in a variety of different woods, from oak and cherry to bamboo.

It’s so much easier to match furniture to a hardwood floor. Unlike carpet, wood is a neutral that goes with any type or style of furniture whether its Arts and Crafts furniture or contemporary wood dining room furniture. Another benefit is that if you do decide to redecorate, you can easily create any new style and the floor will still match. This isn’t always true with some carpets and tiles that only match certain themes and styles.

Hardwood flooring is also very low-maintenance when it comes to cleaning. A simple vacuuming or sweeping with a duster every few days is all you really need to do to keep them clean. Then about once a month, use a wood cleaner on the floor to help keep its shine. Hardwood floors are also a benefit if you have someone with allergies in your home, as they are much cleaner than carpet.

Finally, with the popularity of hardwood floors these days, it may be easier to sell your home than if you have carpet. Most home builders and contractors consider hardwood floors and upgrade. Thus you may find that you can increase the price of your home if you have this type of flooring.

Cons of Hardwood Floors
For people considering putting hardwood in their homes, the price is often the biggest deterrent. If you go with real hardwood flooring, not the laminate stuff, it can get pretty expensive. If you’re unable to do the installation yourself, you will also end up paying a contractor, which can cost you a great deal more.

The presence of a pet in the home might also influence your decision about hardware flooring. If you decide on this type of flooring, you need to be aware that it can be easily scratched by a cat’s or dog’s claws. There’s nothing worse than a newly installed beautiful hardwood floor with scratches all over it from your pet. It’s also important to consider that high-heeled shoes can likewise leave dents and scratches.

In most circumstances, hardwood floors are significantly colder than carpet. This is particularly true for those ground-floor hardwoods in homes that are built on a slab. This can be a major con for people who live where it gets cold in the winter. You can get rid of some of the chill with area rugs, but then you don’t get to see the beauty of the wood as much.

Finally, for those of you with small children, hardwood flooring doesn’t always make the best play area. This type of flooring is substantially harder than carpet. Not only can it be tough on crawling babies, but it creates a rather hard landing for those who are attempting to walk and falling in the process.

Installing hardwood floors in your home has both its pros and cons. You’ll need to consider your own personal circumstance to determine what’s the best option for you.