installing a tile floor

Before you dive right into installing a tile floor, you should know where to find a team of experienced designers and contractors that can help make your tile floor a reality. Between which tile to select and how much you’re going to need, Malek Construction specializes in the design and execution of an installation project. Our team can provide you with the direction, vision, and execution you need when you decide it’s time to install a tile floor.

Importance of Working With a Licensed Contractor

While it may be tempting to try and install a tile floor by yourself, we recommend working with a licensed contractor to ensure that the work is done right the first time and done on time with no mistakes or blemishes.

A team of experts is able to design and plot out exactly what you need because we’ve been there 100 times. The risk of injuring yourself, constructing something incorrectly, or simply not having the required knowledge to complete a project are all risks you don’t need to be taking. Especially during uncertain times like these, relying on a licensed contractor can be beneficial every step of the way. Once we’re finished, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your brand new tiles floors.

If you’re having trouble deciding between tile or carpet, we’ve compiled a list of five key benefits of installing a tile floor. Among these five you’ll find durability, maintenance, cost, value, and even air quality. We hope this list helps give you the push in the direction you need in your home renovation.

1.Durability

Durability is a HUGE benefit to having tile installed in your home. It is an enduring choice, especially for high-traffic of your home since it is extremely resistant to both staining and wear. This makes tile an excellent flooring option for busy homes.

2. Low Maintenance

Due to tiles’ extreme durability, it has minimal maintenance. If you own a mop, vacuum, or a Swiffer product, you already have all you need to keep this surface of your home clean and looking brand new 24/7. As contractors, we do recommend applying a sealant on your tile floors every couple of years in order to protect the tile and give it a long life-span.

3. Adding Value to Your Home

If you’re looking to get two birds with one stone, installing a tile floor will give you a most low-maintenance area while also adding value to your home. If you plan to sell your home in the future, the installation of tile floors has proven to be attractive to home-buyers and will even increase the value of your home. If you’re interested in other home improvements that add the most value to your home, check out our blog that talks about the top four.

4. Air Quality

Because tiles are easy-to-clean, don’t require the need for harsh cleaning toxins and don’t trap dust, they can definitely improve the air quality in your home by a considerable amount. Tiles are a great option, especially when fighting those Spring-time allergies.

5. Cost-Effective

While the price of tiles can get steep, choosing an option like ceramic is one of the most cost-effective flooring surfaces available on the market. You might feel overwhelmed when looking at all the different tile options, but if you keep reading, we’ll break-down all you need to know about tile materials.

Different Kinds of Tiles and Tile Alternatives

Once you’ve committed to a tile floor in your home, the fun part can start! Your choice depends on a few things: cost, color, style – just to name a few. Here are a few options to look at.

Ceramic/Porcelain

It can be difficult to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles. This is because they feel alike, but don’t be deceived, they have some stark differences. The major difference between the two comes in how they are made.

Both are made from a clay mixture however, porcelain is made from more refined clay and then fired at a higher temperature. This is what makes the tile denser and more durable than ceramic. This is the reason porcelain is more expensive and considered to be of higher quality. Due to its density, they are liquid-resistant which makes them a great option for bathrooms and basements. Since ceramic tiles are created a bit differently, they are more prone to water infiltration over time.

Something else to consider is that porcelain tiles are capable of being manufactured to resemble different materials, ceramic tiles are not and typically are one solid color. This makes ceramic tile great for a solid backsplash, or wall accent.

Marble

This upscale, luxurious tile option has been around for centuries and has been prized for its beauty and elegance. Compared to ceramic or porcelain tiles, it requires additional maintenance and is much more susceptible to damage due to the softness of the material. Marble is also more porous, which means standing water can penetrate and discolor it. There are also chemical reactions to consider when the material comes into contact with acidic substances.

Design-wise, a marble floor immediately elevates the appearance of a room. With a difficult-to-imitate look and feel, marble tile is extremely unique and one-of-a-kind as no tile looks the same.

If you can dedicate yourself to the upkeep and protection of marble and want that gorgeous luxe look, it’s a fantastic option for your new floors.

Cement-based Concrete

Cement-based concrete tiles are commonly used for commercial purposes because they’re extremely durable and are able to withstand wear and tear better than many other floorings, but you can also use them in your house, too. Concrete tiles are easy to maintain and can be easily cleaned like other tile floors.

They are also extremely customizable from a design standpoint. They are versatile in that they can be used on the floors and walls.

A downside to concrete tiles is that they get very cold during the winter months. If you still love and want this look, you can always install a radiant flooring heating system before installation, which will keep your toes toasty all through the winter months.

Wood

Wood tiles have become a popular alternative to your standard tiling options because of their warmth and comfort. Wooden tiles let you achieve any wood-type look you desire, while some wood tiles also look like real tile flooring, without the big chill.

Before You Dive Into Your Renovation…

Make sure you find a contractor you can trust. Our team can provide you with the direction, vision, and execution you need when you decide it’s time to install a tile floor. We can also help you with any additional projects that you might be considering.

Let our team be the ones to give your home the right look and feel. At Malek Construction, our team works hard to make you feel right at home. Contact us today, and we’ll help you build the home of your dreams.