When you think of tile flooring, you tend to think first of the bathroom. That’s where tile is supposed to go, right? Actually, tile goes well in just about any room of the house. And whether it’s ceramic, slate, marble, or something else, it’s a great option for a number of reasons. Here are some of the benefits of tile flooring in your home.
1. It’s Easy to Maintain
The main piece of maintenance your tile floor needs is a layer of sealant, applied about every four years. This will keep it water resistant and stain resistant. Then, just a quick sweep every now and then for dust, and a quick mop for spills, and your floor will stay looking as good as new!
2. It’s Durable and Easy to Repair
Tile is one of the sturdiest types of flooring you can get. Ceramic, marble, and most other types of tile, are heavy and strong. They’re designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, heavy furniture, and a generally active lifestyle.
Of course, nothing is completely unbreakable, and sometimes a tile will get cracked or chipped. However, if that happens, it’s easy to repair. Just remove the broken tile and replace it with a brand new one! Just try doing that with your hardwood…
3. It’s Cost Effective
When you look at the initial costs of purchase and installation, ceramic tile isn’t the lowest on the list. However, in the long run, it will save you a lot. The special seal greatly reduces maintenance and upkeep costs.
Additionally, the durability and ease of repair allow tile floors to last a long, long time, particularly compared with other, “cheaper” floor materials. While other floors are approaching the time when they need to be replaced, your tile floor will still have a good many years left in it.
And not only will it save you money, tile flooring can actually increase the value of your home. If you decide to sell it down the road, many buyers will pay more for a house with high quality, well-maintained tile floors installed.
4. It’s Versatile
No matter what your interior design looks like, there’s a tile flooring option to go with it. You can get tile in all different colors and patterns, to complement your style choices, or provide a bold accent for them.
You can choose bright colors or soft ones, fancy patterns or a textured finish. You can have a simple checkered pattern, or a more complex tessellated design. You can choose small, six inch tiles, giant 24 inch tiles, or anything in between. The decorative versatility of tile allows it to thrive in any room of the house, or even outdoors. It literally goes with anything.
5. It’s Easy to Install
A lot of floors, such as hardwood and carpet, require professional installation to do it right. But tile is relatively easy in comparison, and if you want, you can save on hiring an installer by turning it into a DIY project.
Most of the installation process just involves simply laying the tiles down, one next to another, and gauging how much space you have. Aside from that, there’s a bit of prep work for the subfloor, and some grouting once you’re done. There are tutorials online to help you, or talk to a professional who can give you installation tips. Either way, installing your own tile is a fairly simple process that, depending on the size of the room and your own speed, can usually be done over the course of a day.
A Tile for All Seasons
No matter what your needs are and what your home décor is like, tile flooring is a great investment. It goes well in any room, and will serve you well for many years to come. How will you use tile to improve your home décor?