Types of Tile Available
Porcelain and Ceramic: These are excellent tile options due to their durability and stain protection qualities. Direct contact with heavy falling objects can chip porcelain and ceramics, however. They are available in a wide range of colors, styles, and sizes. Vinyl Tile: This type of tile is an extremely economical option perfect for high traffic areas. Broken or damaged tiles are also easily replaced. They typically come in 8″ x 8″ and 12″ x 12″ squares. Travertine: This is a type of limestone that has been sufficiently hardened by natural processes to be used as tile. It is, however, not nearly as durable as other types of tile flooring. It is primarily used for it’s natural beauty and one-of-a-kind look and feel. Tiles can be cut to match any specification. Natural Stone: Stones such as granite and slate can be made into extremely durable and attractive tile perfect for any room in the house. They are particularly adept in outdoor locations, holding up well to rain and snowy conditions. Linoleum: While most think of linoleum as a sheet flooring product, it is also available in various size tiles, most commonly found in 12″ x 12″ squares. Their low cost and ease of installation/replacement are what attracts most buyers of this product.
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Additional Tile Considerations
There are several properties of tile that should be taken into consideration when selecting tile flooring. They include:
- Porcelain and ceramic tile is available glazed or unglazed. Glazed tiles are more durable and stain-resistant, but are more prone to slips and falls due to the layer of liquid glass applied during the glazing process.
- Most natural stone tiles must be sealed properly several times a year depending on the traffic they receive to sustain their durability. Consult a professional do determine the exact maintenance schedule for your specific stone.
- Vinyl tile must be waxed properly to ensure sealing against water damage through seams.
Tile Flooring Costs
The following prices are based on national averages; actual costs may vary slightly depending on exact location.
- Ceramic tiles typically cost $5-$15 per square foot including installation, but can cost as high as $30 per square foot for high-end materials. Porcelain tiles are a bit more expensive, averaging $8-$20 per square foot installed.
- Natural stone tile, including travertine, costs anywhere from $15-$75 per square foot installed. The large price discrepancy is due to the variations in stone quality and thickness (high-quality stone with above average thickness will be on the higher end of the spectrum). That being said, expect a modest project balancing quality and budget to cost $20-$40 per square foot.
- Expect linoleum tiles to cost $3-$4 per square foot with installation included.
- Vinyl tiles will cost $4-$7 per square foot, including installation.