The Essential Guide to Buying Tile Flooring: Factors to Consider Before You Install

Tile flooring offers an unparalleled blend of durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for homeowners throughout Central Florida. From the timeless elegance of ceramic to the robust nature of porcelain and the unique beauty of natural stone, tile can transform any space.

However, with so many options available, understanding the key factors to consider before you install is crucial to making the right choice for your home and lifestyle. At Great Lakes Carpet & Flooring, Central Florida’s top flooring retailer with locations in Lady Lake, Wildwood, Leesburg, Clermont, and The Villages, we’ve been helping families find their perfect tile for over two decades. We’re here to guide you through the essential considerations for buying tile flooring.

Tile Flooring Room Application and Traffic Levels

The first and most critical factor is where the tile flooring will be installed and how much foot traffic that area receives. Different tile materials and finishes are suited for varying demands:

High-Traffic Areas (Kitchens, Entryways, Hallways):

These spaces require highly durable and wear-resistant tiles. Porcelain tile is an excellent choice due to its density and hardness.

Moisture-Prone Areas (Bathrooms, Laundry Rooms):

Water resistance is paramount. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are largely impervious to water, making them ideal. Natural stone can be used but requires proper sealing.

Low-Traffic Areas (Bedrooms, Formal Dining Rooms):

While durability is still a factor, you have more flexibility here for aesthetic choices, including more delicate tile types or finishes.

Tile Material: Understanding Your Options

The material of the tile dictates its properties, appearance, and maintenance requirements.

Ceramic Tile:

A popular and cost-effective choice, ceramic is made from clay and other natural materials fired at high temperatures. It’s versatile, comes in a vast array of colors and patterns, and is relatively easy to cut and install. However, it’s generally less dense and slightly more porous than porcelain, making it best for light to moderate traffic areas.

Porcelain Tile:

Considered a type of ceramic tile, porcelain is made from finer, denser clay and fired at much higher temperatures. This results in a harder, more durable, and less porous tile, making it highly resistant to moisture, stains, and heavy traffic. Porcelain is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor applications. It can convincingly mimic the look of natural wood or stone.

Natural Stone Tile (Marble, Travertine, Slate, Granite):

Offers unparalleled natural beauty, unique variations, and a luxurious feel. Each stone type has distinct characteristics:

• Marble: Elegant with distinctive veining, but softer and more porous than other stones, requiring frequent sealing and careful maintenance.
• Travertine: An earthy, porous limestone that offers a rustic look; needs sealing.
• Slate: Durable with a naturally slip-resistant, textured surface; comes in rich, earthy tones.
• Granite: Extremely hard and durable, highly resistant to scratches and stains; often chosen for its speckled appearance.
• Note: Natural stone generally requires more maintenance, including regular sealing, to protect against stains and moisture.

Quarry Tile:

Unglazed ceramic tiles known for their natural, earthy look and exceptional durability. Often used in high-traffic commercial spaces but also popular in rustic residential settings. They are very dense and slip-resistant.

Glass Tile:

Primarily used for backsplashes and accent areas, glass tile adds a shimmering, reflective quality. While beautiful, it’s generally not recommended for flooring due to its slipperiness when wet and susceptibility to cracking under heavy impact.

Tile Flooring’s PEI Rating: Your Guide to Durability

When selecting ceramic or porcelain tile, pay attention to its PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating, which indicates its resistance to abrasion and wear from foot traffic.

• PEI 0: Walls only, no foot traffic.
• PEI 1: Very light traffic (e.g., bathroom walls, light residential use).
• PEI 2: Light traffic (e.g., residential bathrooms).
• PEI 3: Light to moderate traffic (e.g., most residential floors, countertops).
• PEI 4: Moderate to heavy traffic (e.g., all residential applications, light commercial).
• PEI 5: Heavy to extra-heavy traffic (e.g., heavy commercial and institutional applications).

Choosing a tile with an appropriate PEI rating for your intended use ensures its longevity.

Tile Size, Shape, and Patterns: Influencing the Look

The size and shape of your tiles, along with how they’re laid, dramatically impact the visual perception of your room:

Tile Size: Larger tiles can make a small room appear more expansive by reducing grout lines, while smaller tiles can create a more intricate or detailed look.

Shape: Square and rectangular tiles are most common, but hexagons, octagons, and other unique shapes can add character.

Pattern: Classic grid patterns, dynamic diagonal layouts, timeless herringbone, or complex mosaics each offer a distinct aesthetic. Consider how the pattern will integrate with the overall design of your space.

Tile Color and Finish Options: Setting the Mood

The color and finish of your tile profoundly affect the room’s ambiance and practicality:

Color:

Lighter tiles can make a room feel brighter and more open, while darker tiles can create a cozy, intimate, or dramatic atmosphere. Consider how the tile color harmonizes with your wall color, cabinetry, and existing décor.

Finish:

• Glazed: Offers a protective, often glossy, layer that enhances stain and water resistance. Can be slippery when wet.
• Unglazed: More natural, matte appearance. Can be more porous and may require sealing, but often provides better slip resistance.
• Textured: Mimics natural stone or wood grains, providing better grip and hiding dirt.

Tile Grout Selection: The Finishing Touch

Grout is more than just filler; it’s a design element. The color of your grout can either blend seamlessly with your tiles for a cohesive look or provide a contrasting outline to highlight each tile.

Epoxy grout offers superior stain resistance and durability, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas.

Call or Visit Great Lakes Carpet & Flooring for Beautiful Tile Floors in Central Flooring

Choosing the right tile flooring involves a careful balance of aesthetics, durability, and practicality for each specific area of your home. By considering the room’s function, traffic levels, tile material, PEI rating, size, color, finish, and grout selection, you can make an informed decision that will bring lasting beauty and functionality to your living spaces.

Call or visit Great Lakes Carpet & Flooring with locations in Lady Lake, Wildwood,Leesburg, Clermont, and The Villages. As Central Florida’s top flooring retailer, our family-owned business has been operating in the area for over two decades, ready to help you select the perfect tile flooring for your home.