How to Choose Tile Flooring for Your Arlington, TX, Home

Selecting Tile and Stone

Benefits of Choosing Tile and Stone Flooring

Tile is both elegant and practical, making it the perfect choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Its beauty makes it a common choice for other rooms as well, especially with so many options available today. With a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and textures available, the options are nearly endless. 

Tile floors are usually composed of stone, metal or clay. They resist the growth of mildew, mold, and fungus. Choosing the right type of tile depends on your personal preferences, the way the tile will be used, and your design aesthetic. If you are not sure which type of tile you should choose for your Dallas/Fort Worth home or business, one of the experts at Hiltons Flooring will be happy to help you explore your options. 

Types of Stone and Tile

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are composed of clay that has been fired in a kiln. Unglazed ceramic tile comes in the color of the natural clay, but your color options aren’t limited there. You can also purchase ceramic tile that has been glazed and fired again to create a finish that is matte, semi-gloss, or high gloss. This type of tile comes in a much larger variety of color options. Glazed tile tends to be more slippery than unglazed tile, but it is also more resistant to moisture and stains. If you opt for unglazed tile, it must be sealed to prevent staining. High-gloss tiles are more vulnerable to scratching than other finishes. 

Suitable for: Kitchens and bathrooms.

Glass

Glass tile is best known for its shimmer, which provides a sleek, radiant look. Glass tiles are resistant to most forms of damage and buildup, including mildew, mold, chemicals, moisture, and staining. These tiles do not fade over time and can withstand wear. Glass tiles made for flooring are designed to be slip resistant. 

Suitable for: Almost any location, but especially pools, kitchens, bathrooms .

Granite

Granite flooring is the hardest and most durable option. Granite is formed from magma, which means it is almost as strong as diamond. Granite is also versatile and available in many different colors. This type of flooring is highly resistant to scratches and moisture. 

Suitable for: Kitchens and bathrooms.

Marble

Marble is created naturally within the earth when limestone is crystallized by high pressure and heat. This type of flooring is considered one of the most elegant and sophisticated options. However, it is important to remember that marble will be more vulnerable to moisture and scratching than other flooring options because of its porous nature. To keep it looking its best, sealants and surface finishing treatments are recommended. Regular maintenance will also be required. 

Suitable for: Any room, but maintenance will be necessary.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a specific type of ceramic tile made from a sand material and fired at a higher temperature. This creates a scratch-resistant, durable surface that can be used in almost any location. Porcelain tiles can easily withstand extreme temperatures without damage. 

Suitable for: Any location, indoors or outdoors.

Mosaics

Mosaic tiles are small, usually sized no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches. They are available in a variety of different shapes, including tear drops, ovals, circles, and squares. Mosaic tiles are also available in different colors and patterns. Most people use mosaics on walls and countertops, but they can be used as flooring as well. Mosaic tiles may be made of almost any material, including porcelain, ceramic, glass, metal, and stone. In some cases, they may even be made of a combination of materials. 

Suitable for: Depends on the material used.

To view all of the tile and stone flooring options that we have available, visit the Hiltons Flooring showroom in Arlington, TX. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you choose the best option for your DFW home or business.