Many varieties of floor tiles

When it comes to floor coverings, floor tiles could be the most versatile of all the products on the market today. Floor tiles come in a wide assortment of shapes, materials and sizes. They can be used in any room in your house; you just need to take the proper steps to make sure you choose the right tile floor for the job.

When selecting floor tiles, look at the area they will be used in. Is it a very high traffic area such as an entry way or kitchen. Then you need to select a tile that is rated for high traffic. The Porcelain Enamel Institute rates tile on its wear resistance. Class 1 tile is not suggested for any foot traffic, it is more suitable for a wall application. Class 2 is for very light traffic areas, such as a bathroom. Class 3 is recommended for light to medium traffic, such as a residential floor or counter top. Class 4 and Class 4+ are suitable for all residential floor tiles as well as commercial applications.

You must also consider floor tiles porosity, or the percentage of water the tile will absorb. A porous tile is not appropriate for an area with a lot of moisture such as a bathroom or kitchen. Porous tiles are also inappropriate for an area where temperatures can cause a freeze-thaw cycle. Ceramic tile is made from clay, shaped and fired in a kiln. It will come in glazed or unglazed finishes, choose your tile depending on its intended use. Glazed tile has a slick surface, and is used more for wall or counter top applications. Unglazed or quarry tiles don’t have the slick surface, and are an excellent choice for floor tiles, however they need to be treated with a sealer to ensure stain resistance.

For a more exotic look consider using mosaic floor tiles. They are usually 2 inches square or smaller, and come pre-mounted on a mesh sheet. They are an excellent choice for small areas that would be overwhelmed by large floor tiles. What ever your choice, know that tile floor will give your home a beautiful and durable look for years to come.