Tile Flooring — Everyone Wants It

This isn't your grandma's tile flooring!Tile flooring options have come a long way in recent years, and tile is now regularly featured in luxury homes on HGTV renovation projects as well as in high-end new constructions across the country. It looks sophisticated and clean, and it's incredibly durable and virtually maintenance-free.Prefer hardwoods? Tile can look so much like real hardwood that it's almost impossible to tell the difference.Many homeowners are surprised that putting tile flooring in a house drastically increases its resale value. Tile lasts forever, and buyers know it. Plus, the aesthetics give it a timeless appeal, particularly if you go with neutral or earth tones.Choose a design and color that will go with anything — you'll thank yourself whether you decide to sell or not. Flooring takes up a lot of real estate, so you want it to be classic.Your Home is Radiant!If you're going to get radiant heating, it's much easier to install under tile flooring. This form of heating puts piping in the floors (or sometimes in the walls) to radiate heat instead of forcing it through vents.Radiant heat keeps your home warmer, doesn't dry out the indoor environment and can significantly lower your utility bills. It's also great in the winter when your bare toes touch those nice, warm floors.Tile comes in many types, and glazed is one of the most popular. Its glowing beauty will last for decades with almost no maintenance. You'll still need to vacuum and/or dust, of course, but otherwise, cleaning is minimal.Make sure the tile and grout is sealed, and you'll enjoy floors that are nearly waterproof. Even if your sink or washer overflows, your floors will be easy to mop up.Au Naturel, NaturallyContrary to what some people think, tile floors are completely nontoxic (just make sure you use nontoxic grout too).If you have allergies or are sensitive to chemicals, tile is a great choice. It's also the top choice for pet owners, since Fluffy or Fido's accidents can be cleaned up quickly and easily.Tile resists marks from pet toenails and other scratchy materials and can stand up to chemical cleaners. It easily handles acid from juice, coffee and fruits with zero damage.Tile comes in ceramic, quarry, marble, porcelain and many more options so you can get the look you want. However, note that tile isn't insulated naturally and doesn't provide any soundproofing. You might want to put down rugs and runners if that's a worry.Also bear in mind that glazed tiles can be slippery when wet (as can many hard surfaces). However, that problem has been solved in recent years with the advancement of anti-slip surfaces. If you have older tile, you might consider this upgrade, especially if you plan to enjoy your golden years in this home.If you think that tile floors might be for you, visit your local flooring installer and see what they have to offer. It's fun to browse through all the selections, but it can be hard to narrow them down to just one! Use the opportunity to get information and advice from the professionals about choosing and installing tile flooring.

 

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