Tile Flooring

Tile Stores in Austin

There’s no choice as classic for home flooring as tile. Ceramic tiles have been used in a form similar to their modern counterpart since at least the 9th century. Used for both flooring and decor throughout history, tiles are a functional, beautiful and durable choice for any space. They’re even older than hardwood flooring, which got its start in Colonial America. At Austin’s Floor Store, we carry a variety of tiles in ceramic and porcelain styles. If you’re looking for a flooring option that offers incredible style potential and stands up to wear, it’s time to learn more about tile.

Why Choose Tile for Your Austin Home?

Many homes and historic buildings in Austin feature tiles. They’re a great match for the climate in the area and the architectural styles that are prevalent here. In fact, ceramic tiles are found throughout buildings in the Southwest, Mexico and other areas influenced by the Spaniards. It’s a classic flooring choice that fits the area and can be adapted to many design styles.

Of course, the benefits of tile go far beyond its compatibility with Southwest aesthetics. It’s a versatile option that can be used in a wide variety of spaces. It can pull double duty as both flooring and a wall covering, which makes it easy to blend different styles of tile across one room. The other benefits of tile include

• Durability
• Stain resistance,
• Scratch resistance,
• Simple cleaning and maintenance
• Water resistance and
• Fire resistance

Tile is also an environmentally friendly building material. It is manufactured using traditional, natural techniques. It won’t harbor mold, mildew or bacteria. Because it doesn’t burn, it won’t emit toxic chemicals into the air either.

Understanding Tile Basics

Tile is made from clay that is mined from the earth and then mixed with other minerals and water. Clay is fired in a kiln at very high temperatures so that it becomes hard. Porcelain tiles differ slightly from ceramic tiles because they’re made from a mixture that includes 50 percent feldspar. They’re also fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles.

Both types of tile are sold in either glazed or unglazed versions. Glazed tiles appear to have two layers when held from the side. They feature a hard, strong coating that is fired onto the top of the tile. The glazing prevents the tiles from absorbing any water. Glazed tiles are also more stain resistant than unglazed tiles. They’re preferable for use in kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas.

Unglazed tiles feature solid color throughout and are referred to as through-body tiles. They’re thicker and more durable than porcelain tiles. They allow very little water penetration, but some is possible over time. Unglazed tiles can be used in both interior and exterior spaces while glazed tiles are generally recommended for interiors. Their durability makes unglazed tiles a great choice for homes with active kids.

Understanding tile class while shopping is also important. While all tiles are made using the same general process, different classes of tile are suitable to different applications.

• Class one tiles are for areas with no foot traffic such as bathroom countertops.
• Class two tiles are for areas with light foot traffic such as ensuite bathrooms.
• Class three tiles are for areas with light-to-moderate use, such as dining rooms, kitchens and residential living rooms.
• Class four tiles are great for moderate-to-heavy traffic areas such as home entryways and hotel lobbies.
• Class five tiles are designed for very heavy foot traffic in large public spaces.

Should You Choose Ceramic or Porcelain Tile?

Before you start browsing tile styles, you should decide if you’d prefer to use ceramic or porcelain tiles. For long-term satisfaction, you’ll need to choose the option that best fits your needs and your lifestyle. Don’t be tempted to make a last-minute switch because you find a tile design in another style that you love.

If you’re shopping for tiles for a low-traffic area and want to use a stunning design like you’d find in a spa bathroom, you’re probably looking for porcelain tile. Glazed porcelain tiles offer the best in design possibilities. They’re not durable enough for moderate or heavy traffic, but they’re a great choice if you want to add a wow factor to your master bath.

If you’re shopping for tiles for a moderate- or heavy-traffic area, you’re probably in the market for ceramic tiles. These tiles offer the durability needed to withstand foot traffic without sacrificing on style. Ceramic tiles are available in a wide variety of styles. A professional tile layer can work with you to create a gorgeous tile pattern for your floors that incorporates ceramic tiles in different sizes, shapes and colors.

How Do You Maintain Tile?

Straightforward maintenance is another reason that many homeowners choose tile. In order to keep your tile floors looking beautiful, you’ll need to

• sweep them regularly,
• use a damp mop on a regular basis,
• follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning grout, and
• avoid using cleaners with bleach or ammonia.

If your tiles are textured, you may need to scrub them with a soft brush from time to time. You should never use steel wool or any gritty, abrasive cleaner on your tile.

Extreme pressure and drastic changes in temperature can cause tiles to crack. While your tiles shouldn’t break on a regular basis, it’s easy to fix the problem if one does break. Individual tiles can be removed and replaced with new, unbroken tiles. Keep the leftover tiles from your installation for repairs. You may want to buy a handful of extra tiles as well.

Picking the right tile flooring for your home can be overwhelming. If you’re thinking of tile but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help you. At Austin’s Floor Store, we’re proud to help customers throughout the greater Austin area find flooring that they love. Visit one of our three locations or call us today to start exploring your tile options.

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