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Ceramic Tile Flooring Review

Ceramic Tile Flooring – All the Good and Bad

by Dylan Johnson

If you wonder whether ceramic tile flooring is the right one for your house, no need to worry. You can never go wrong with it.

Among the many different types of flooring, ceramic flooring is one of the most flexible and versatile.

There are so many different perks to enjoy from the floor. And even when the floor has its own downsides, they are pretty limited and minor there is nothing big or extravagant about it.

The best thing that you can do when you want to install the proper flooring at home is to perform a complete and thorough research.

And you should do the same thing with this ceramic flooring.

About Ceramic Tile

You can never go wrong with tiles flooring. One of the greatest things about the ceramic tile flooring is their flexibility you can install them in any room or any spot.

You can install them in bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. Feel free to install it in the living room and even the patio.

Basically, you are free to install it in any room that you want without having to worry that it will fail or disappoint you.

Another thing to like about the floor is the solid and hard surface. It won’t attract pollen, dust, or dirt which can be different from carpet.

When there are small particles landing on the floor, they will stay stand out. They will stay against the surface so it will be easy for you to wipe or remove them.

The floor is perfect to keep away the irritating materials, which make it perfect for people with allergies and asthma.

Read Also: DuraCeramic Tile Flooring Pros and Cons – General Value of the Floor

The Pros and Cons

The ceramic tile flooring has its own benefits and perks. They are:

  • The floor is super sturdy and durable
  • It is resistant against stains, dents, and water
  • It is non-allergenic
  • It has many styles and design options

Besides all of these perks, expect to be prepared with the downsides. The flaws include:

  • Weight. The tiles can be quite heavy, so you need to consider the proper installation on your property
  • Cold. Tiles can be cold and there is no way for you to warm it up
  • Hard. The tiles are hard, which can make it difficult and uncomfortable for prolonged standing
  • Installation. The installation can be time-consuming and it is also difficult, especially for clueless homeowners with no experience or background

The Cost

The price range for ceramic tile can go as low as $5 a square foot which makes it suitable for homeowners with limited budgets.

However, the difficult installation cost can pose another expense on your part.

If you have zero experience and you are absolutely clueless about the whole thing, then hiring a skilled installer would be the best option especially if you want smooth installation process with gorgeous finish.

According to National Industry statistics, a professional installation for ceramic tile can go from $15 a square foot to as high as $60 for a square foot, depending on the difficulty level (of the installation) and the tile’s quality.

Maintenance and Repair

Caring for ceramic tile flooring is pretty easy.

If you choose the glazed tiles, it is even easier because they have protective layer on the top that makes them resistant to most stains and water.

You can either sweep or mop the floor, and the floor will maintain its pristine condition in many decades to come.

Routine cleaning is necessary where you can use steam mop or tile vacuum to maintain the surface.

If your vacuum has an attachment with soft brush, then you can use it to remove any stubborn debris and dirt.

If you choose the unglazed type, you need to seal the floor so the surface won’t be stained or damaged from liquid.

Whether you choose the glazed or unglazed type, the grout is the common issue between those types.

You need to regularly seal the grout because it is the area that is prone to stain and moisture.

The key is on the proper installation. If you have high-quality installation, then you can combine it with careful and regular cleaning. Then you can expect the floor to last even to decades.

What if a tile is chipped or cracked?

No need to worry. You only need to replace that particular damaged tile with a new one.

Does it mean that you don’t have to replace the entire floor?

Yes, such thing won’t be necessary.

The Design Ceramic Tile Flooring

The modern manufacturers use techniques where materials can be easily embossed or printed and they can do it in various ways.

Solid tiles can be accented with various motifs and designs or matched in various patterns.

Not to mention that ceramic tiles can be reproduced to imitate the look of natural stones and hardwoods.

Not to mention that tiles can be shaped, cut, and formed into planks, rectangles, triangles, and other different shapes.

The floor is perfect for any different home styles, although the floor is the standard one for the Southwest or Mediterranean style home.

The Installation

The biggest issue about the ceramic flooring is the tricky installation. It is labor-intensive and it can be a great challenge for those with zero knowledge and experience.

If you think that all flooring can be turned into a DIY project, then you haven’t known the nature of this flooring.

For ceramic tile flooring, it is different from vinyl or laminate flooring that is more DIY-project-friendly.

The complicated installation requires you to start everything with tile backer or cement board layer over the subfloor.

If the subfloor is wood, then tile backer is needed, but if it is concrete then you don’t need it.

Prepping the subfloor can be challenging because you will have to spend extra labor, time, and also cost to the whole project.

After the tile backer is laid, then you need to glue down the tiles to the backer board with a special adhesive.

And then you can finish off the installation by using grouts to fill out the joints between the tiles.

If you are adamant about installing your own ceramic floor, make sure to choose tiles that are easy and simple to install.

Don’t go with polished stone tile, Saltillo tile, natural clay, or big rectified tile. They are best installed by professionals.

If you are determined to install them on your own, then the risks are yours!

Keep in mind that tiles are coming in different dimensions and weight. Some of them are heavy.

When you choose the heavy ones, you need to be absolutely sure that the floor framing is strong and stiff it will prevent cracking.

So, if your floor isn’t in a perfect condition, you need to consider the weight. It is also possible that you won’t be able to use the heavy tiles for upper-story project.

Basically, you need to make a very careful planning if you want to install the ceramic floor.

Read Also: How to Remove Ceramic Tile Properly without Drama

Convenience and Comfort Ceramic Tile Flooring

Because of the nature of ceramic, you can expect better durability. After all, the floor is solid and sturdy.

Because of it, it is super easy to maintain and clean. But on the negative side, the floor isn’t exactly comfortable for prolonged stand on.

When you have to spend a long time standing, it can be difficult not to mention that it is also tiring for your feet.

Unlike other floors, you can’t soften the hard surface by installing padded underlayment.

You can install the ceramic tile flooring in places and areas that don’t require anyone to stand for a long time. You can install it in living room, home office, or bedroom.

However, you will have to consider the nature of each room.

For instance, if you install it in the kitchen, do you think it will be suitable?

Do you spend long hours standing on the surface?

What about dropping the dishes?

The floor is resistant against water and spill, but are you willing to sacrifice your comfort or the possibility of dropping dishes?

You can install the floor in bedrooms.

But you also need to consider the nature of the floor. Ceramic floor is cold and it can be chilly.

If you don’t mind having a bit of coldness in the bedroom, then ceramic tile won’t be a problem. Or you may think about installing the floor for the kids’ bedroom or the grandma’s bedroom.

But such hard flooring can be quite dangerous and risky for them because of their possibility to fall. If they fall on the hard surface, they may be hurt.

Again, you need to think carefully about each room and its usage, and make a careful decision about it.

Of course, there are always several solutions to overcome the issues with the ceramic tile flooring.

For a starter, you can always use area rugs or throw rugs in kitchen working areas. Situate the rug in places where you will stand for a long time and you should be good to go.

If you decide to install the floor in your bedrooms or kids’ room, you can consider installing carpet or thin rugs for the extra cover and protection.

Or if you have the budgets, you can consider having radiant heating inside (or under) the subfloor.

You can also install electric mats underneath the tiles. It would give you an extra sense of comfort. In overall, the ceramic tile flooring is quite logical and comfy.