Timber Floor Care Tips and Techniques

Favourite Types of Floor Tiles

To find the right type of floor tiles for your home, it's good to understand some details about the differences in your various options for tile materials and style. This can then help you decide which flooring tile will be right for your home and will ensure you know what to expect by way of installation and maintenance. Note a few details about some favourite types of floor tiles here.

Terracotta

Terracotta is a type of clay that is fired to become hardened and durable; it is then often shaped into a type of keyhole design that gives the tiles a distinct Mediterranean look. Because the clay used to create these tiles is often made in small batches, each tile will have a distinct reddish hue and shade. Terracotta doesn't get as cold as other types of clay tiles, so it can be good for cooler climates, or for those who hate a cold tile floor underfoot after a morning shower.

Limestone

Since limestone is a natural rock, it will also have some variations in its appearance. While limestone is strong and durable, and very water resistant, it is softer than many other types of stone tile. In turn, it may be easier to cut and shape each tile, and even create rounded edges, when working with limestone. If your bathroom or other flooring surfaces has lots of obstacles, and especially rounded pieces like columns, you might choose limestone for an easier installation.

Cork

Cork tiles provide natural traction, so they're especially good for homes with elderly persons or children, who may be at greater risk of falling in the bathroom. Cork is also naturally resistant to bacteria, making it especially hygienic, but it can get damaged and chipped more easily than many other types of tile.

Mosaic

Mosaic tiles are typically ceramic or another dense but soft material and are cut to be very small, usually just a few inches or centimetres in diameter. These tiles are then adhered to a net or nylon backing, making them easier to install than individual tiles. Mosaic tiles are also often rounded or in a hexagon shape, and will usually have a pattern on their surface; for example, a mosaic may be made of six white tiles, then one black tile, then six white, and so on. Rows and columns of black tiles may also form a square in the centre of white tiles. This mosaic design can break up the look of a large floor or add visual interest to a small space, and bring some colour to a room as well.


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