Types of Tile Flooring
Flooring is a key design element that sets the style of a room or space. Whilst there is a wide range of flooring options, not every material will work for your budget, lifestyle or intended usage. The more popular flooring options are usually ceramic or natural stone.
Natural stone gives an air of enduring beauty. Maybe because you are adorning your home with a piece of nature, with every tile being unique in its pattern and shade. Common types of stone include: marble, granite, travertine, and lava stone.
Travertine is a stone formed from calcium carbonate, characteristically known for its dotted surface and unique, uneven qualities. It is available in several different colours from greys to browns, to golds, reds and beiges. Travertine is an elegant flooring option for both modern as well as classical spaces. Due to the holes in its surface, travertine is a very porous material. This issue is solved by filling in the holes with a cement and marble dust mixture, that blend with the surface, making the material not only impermeable but also very durable. It makes for an ideal flooring option for any space.
Lavastone is made from volcanic rock which makes it a highly resistant and durable stone. In fact, it is non porous, will not harbour bacteria, is not easily scratched or stained and is heat, shock and UV resistant. This surprisingly smooth surface can be a gorgeous addition to any home or commercial project. In addition, lavastone is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material. Another benefit is that it is relatively maintenance free and does not require sealing nor cleaning with specialized cleansers.
Reminiscent of local houses of character, townhouses and palazzos, patterned tiles are often regarded as a perfect surfacing option for traditional homes. However, in recent years patterned tiles are increasingly featuring in modern and contemporary homes and the end results are simply stunning. Cement patterned tiles are individually handmade using a mixture of sand, marble powder, cement and colored metal oxides which is poured into different moulds. The moulds are then put in a pressing machine and left to dry…. A tradition has been passed on from generation to generation.
Wood flooring is a beautiful statement in any room and is becoming more and more popular as it matches most home décor styles. In love with the veining and warm colours of wood but afraid of committing to the maintenance of real wood? Nowadays, one can find ceramic tiles that perfectly mimic the warmth and charm of real wood, whilst boasting of several advantages. Such tiles are highly resistant to wear and tear as well as to water and sunlight.
Ceramic and porcelain tile are some of the most versatile flooring options available to homeowners today. Ceramic flooring is available in a wide range of colours, finishes and sizes, allowing you to find the one that perfectly fits your space. Ceramic flooring is amazingly easy to care for. Glazed tiles are impervious to water and thus stains do not penetrate the surface. Nowadays, one can find ceramic tiles that are specially manufactured to mimic the natural colours and patterns of wood and natural stone, giving a luxurious finish that is maintenance free.
