One of the most basic questions to consider when choosing a tile is asking yourself where the tile is going to be being installed. The shower pan and walls? The kitchen countertop? The entryway floor? The backsplash? When choosing a type of tile, you need to know where it is going to be installed. It’s also important to consider that all tiles are not suitable for the same use. However, after its properly installed, whatever type of tile you choose will bring out its proper function and beauty! Some common tiles to choose from are:
Ceramic tiles are made out of clay, which are hardened and coated with a glaze that determines the color and design. Ceramic is best known for its long lasting quality and is a suitable choice for both kitchens and bathrooms due to its low maintenance and lack of harboring germs. When choosing ceramic, it’s good to know that it is best used for areas such as the floors, walls, backsplashes and countertops. The pros to ceramic are the durability, low maintenance, low cost and multipurpose. Ceramic varies quite a bit in size and color. When choosing ceramic you may find it costs $2-$7 per square foot.
Our next common tile to consider is none other than Marble. Like most stone tiles, marble has high maintenance requirements. It needs to be sealed and cleaned on a regular basis, and only a certain kind of cleaning product can be used for marble. Take caution not to place your drink down on a marble surface and be sure to clean any spills quickly or it will stain the marble--as marble has a porous surface. Another downside to marble is that it scratches easily. Marble is best used for floors and is appealing to the eye. Yes, marble is quite expensive and can range anywhere from $5-$15 per square foot.
An all-purpose tile used in commercial as well as residential is Porcelain. Porcelain is a very popular tile on the market now and is best known for its variety of design and sturdy quality. On the flip side, porcelain requires a special compound for being set properly. The price range for porcelain costs $3-$6 per square foot.
When considering a reliable and beautiful tile for floors, Slate is on the top of the list. Did I mention that slate is also used for roofs? Its longevity and beauty is a couple of qualities that make up for its tendency to split. Slate is softer than granite and has edges that need to be smoothed out to eliminate chipping. It is limited in color choices. The price range for slate is $5-$12 per square foot.
Granite, a natural stone, consists primarily of feldspar and quartz. Due to granite tile being sturdy, it is not prone to scratches. Another plus in considering granite is its high resistance to heat and pressure and low rate of water absorption. Granite tile and granite slabs are used for different features in different rooms. Granite tiles are often used as flooring and wall panels to produce an elegant appearance in areas such as the bathroom; whereas granite slabs are used in kitchen countertops or shower stalls. Price range for granite tiles is $7-$15 per square foot.
Travertine is considered a beautiful and natural looking stone. It’s similar to marble, a kind of limestone, which is uniquely formed as natural heat and pressure unite. Travertine is earthy in tone and comes in shades such as beige, gold, cream, and ivory. Travertine tiles are aesthetically pleasing; however, travertine is porous like marble. Acidic liquids such as lemon and lime juice can discolor and stain the beautiful travertine -but the good news is that travertine when sealed properly, protects it from stains and scratches. The price range for travertine is $3-$12 per square foot.
A tile design requires a plan which will define the pattern and colors we will use in the installation. This will determine the amount of tile we would need to order. Part of the design is choosing the décor or the accent tile in the pattern. Many times this is where we include the glass tiles. These always bring color and a sense of style to the design.
Click here for a pattern sheet.
If you are in the Los Angeles area please contact us for additional information and a free estimate.
Thank you,
Neptune Construction
