New Tiling for New Flooring
This entry was posted on 10/5/2007 9:24 AM and is filed under Flooring.
While picking a new floor can be exiting it is to be done cautiously because of the vast varieties available today. Generally a buyer narrows down to one particular type based on his or her budget without checking other points. This guide is focused to help buyer to get most out of the money spent. Further this guide helps on other things that a buyer must know before laying the tiles.
* Advantages & disadvantages of Ceramic Tile
The ceramic tile is very durable. It is easy to clean. But it holds the Cold; also certain types of ceramic are slippery. As it holds the cold it is better to avoid using ceramic tiles in a basement area. Also as certain types of ceramic tiles are slippery when wet so while choosing a tile for an entryway, one should go with a more slip-resistant variety.
* Selection of the Size, Style, surface and Texture
Ceramic tiles are available in many of shapes & size. It can be as small as one inch in size to as big as two feet. The most common size is one to one and a half feet. The choice of size largely depends on the size of room. The buyer should choose small size tiles for smaller room & bigger size tiles for bigger rooms. The perfect size tile will improve the appearance of rooms.
The choice between rough or smooth surface buyer depends on the place where the tiles are going to be installed. The smoother surface can be slippery especially, when wet, so should be avoided in kid’s room of room of elderly people. Further the buyer can narrow down the selection based on look by deciding between natural looking tile and tile with a look of a polished marble.
The selection the texture depends on theme of the room. This mainly depends on choice of the buyer. There can be different texture for children’s room, master bedroom or living room or there can be same texture based on combined choice all over the house.
* Choice of Installation Materials and Methods
The important material used is bonding material, grout, sealer. It is advisable to get all material available before starting the laying of the tile work. This ensures the work at steady pace. As success of installation depends on material used there should not be compromise on the quality of material used. The Grout is an important installation material. It is a cement mix added with matching color of tile. It is used to fill the space between tiles.
The buyer should ensure that the color of grout matches the tiles well.
Next step is laying tile. The most important point is to take care of the cuts to be correct and there is even space around each tile. The viewpoint of installing tiles by one’s own should be considered only if the installer is much confident otherwise it is good idea to contract the job to a tiling professional.
* Maintenance of tiles
Ceramic tile is very easy to clean. To clean one should first remove all dirt & dust with vacuum or broom. Then apply mixture of water & cleaner using a mop or sponge. A proper care will maintain the tiles for years & their shiny & new appearance will remain intact.
Finally, the user should need to be careful to avoid falling of heavy objects as they can split of crack. As it is not possible to replace just one tile, any split of crack will either force user to re-do entire flooring or he has no choice to live with cracks & splits.
For more information about flooring, visit: http://www.tipsonflooring.com and information if you are still unsure of the right flooring for you. 
