Ceramic Tile Flooring

Benefits of ceramic tile flooring

Ceramic tile continues to grow in popularity as a floor covering, and with good reason. Tile has a natural, handcrafted look that is durable and easy to maintain. It's especially well-suited for high foot traffic, particularly in entryways where water and dirt enter the house. Design patterns for ceramic tile flooring are limitless when using all of the possible combinations of size, texture and colour. When installed and maintained properly, a ceramic tile floor will last for the life of your home. Although ceramic tile is somewhat more difficult to install than other flooring, it is an investment that pays off, increasing the value of your home.

Factors to consider before choosing ceramic tile flooring

There are some things to consider before choosing a ceramic tile floor:

  • Ceramic tile floors can be difficult to install, so professional installation is highly recommended. Depending on the size and shape of your room as well as the design pattern, installation can be expensive.
  • Because of the hardness of ceramic tile, it is susceptible to chipping or cracking from impact.
  • Ceramic tile is not easy on breakable objects or muscles and joints. Plates and glasses may break if dropped on ceramic tile, and knees and elbows may bruise from falls. Standing on a very hard floor can cause muscle fatigue. This can be reduced by adding anti-fatigue area mats in front of sinks and workspaces.
  • Some people feel that ceramic feels cooler to the touch than other floor types, particularly in low-temperature environments. Again, area rugs can reduce the effect of a cold ceramic tile floor.

We recommend that you retain a few extra tiles after your floor has been installed. If an accident does happen, a professional installer can often replace a single chipped or damaged tile. Suppliers change their products regularly, and tiles are manufactured in different dye-lots, which can create a problem if you need to replace a few tiles at a later date. Retaining a few extra tiles will ensure that you can complete any potential repairs in the future.

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Ceramic tile floor maintenance

Ceramic tile floor care is relatively easy. To clean ceramic tile floors, wash tiles regularly with a mild, diluted detergent (avoid ammonia-based cleaners as they may cause discolouration). Thoroughly rinse with warm water. Sweep or vacuum your tile regularly.

Grout is not waterproof, so typically it is recommended that you wait a minimum of 48 hours until the grout has fully cured and then apply a silicone grout sealer according to directions on the label. An old toothbrush works well to apply it. Non-epoxy grout joints should be treated with a silicone grout sealer twice a year to help preserve the grout colour and to prevent discolouration from spilled liquids. Your manufacturer may recommend a particular brand of grout sealer, so be sure to check the manufacturer's website for additional information.

Always be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure that your warranty is valid and that your floors will maintain their beauty for years to come.

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