Timeless Flooring

Floors in North America have come a long way from the oiled-wood and linseed oil-based floor coverings of a hundred years ago. Modern linoleum replaced theses earlier methods and was even glued down on hardwood floors, which were difficult to are for in the early days.

Tile and stone were considered outside materials or commercial flooring until 40 years ago. Small tiles were used in bathrooms but tile was thought too hard and too cold to be put in main living areas. However, with the advances of in-floor radiant heating tile and stone not only become warmer, the very nature of the material makes them the perfect thermal mass for heat storage. This means that long after the heat source has been turned off the floor will radiate heat.

Modern flooring designers and contractors are jumping on the craze for infloor radiant heat with a myriad of designs and materials. The standard clay and porcelain have always been a mainstay but now granite, marble, travertine and other stone are taking the limelight and showing off homes all over the country.

Tile is popular for other many other reasons, as well. The biggest of these tis the wide variety of options available. A home owner can pick just about any color, texture or pattern and, properly grouted, is almost impervious to water. Glazing will make tile waterproof and resist stains, as well as making the surface look brighter and more vibrant. Much of the tile we see is manufactured by machine but there are many types of custom tile which are hand-crafted and polished. The most familiar sizes for tile are 4, 6, 12, and 18 inches. Some decorative tiles and mosaics are pre-arranged and glued onto on a mesh backing.

Two Main Types of Clay Tile

Ceramic: This is the most common type and is made by baking the clay tile in a large kiln. Ceramic tile is available with a glaze or unglazed. Quarry or terra cotta, which have a natural look, are examples of unglazed tile. This glaze carries the pattern.

Porcelain: This type of tile is made from fine granules of clay baked at very high temperatures. This makes it very hard and gives it the patina of stone. Porcelain tiles are usually the same material all the way through and wear better than ceramic. They are also available glazed or unglazed.

Tiles may be given any of several ratings, and it pays to check these specifications when making a selection for specialized use. If your floor will be subject to impact or abrasion, check the tile's hardness rating. Choose heat-resistant tiles for a fireplace hearth.

Types of Stone Tile

Granite: This is very popular for countertops but how does it stack up as flooring? Like the counters granite granite tile is more than a perfect choice for flooring areas for durability and low maintenance. At around $4.00 a tile is is one of the most expensive.

Marble: For a timeless look that has graced the palaces of royalty for centuries marble not only wears but increases the value of the home while showing off the impeccable taste of the homeowner. In addition, it can bring color and life to a boring spot, like a narrow hallway. For this extravagance marble comes in at around $1 less than granite tile. However, there about 4 classifications from almost �faultless� to �many faults,� the latter of which means the tile has to be reinforced because of the heavy veining. Like granite and travertine, �tumbling� gives the tile a rustic finish but makes the edges course and brittle so care must be taken when laying them down.

Travertine: When pictures of homes of the ruined city of Pompei are shown the wonder and beauty of the travertine floors can be seen. More than 2,000 years under volcanic ash this jewel of the Roman Empire boasts the same, untouched flooring of mineral crystals and limestone. In essence, travertine is marble that is millions of years newer. This time-honored flooring tile comes in at a little over $2 a tile.

Limestone: Unlike the others limestone comes in a matt finish which makes it safer to walk on if any moisture is present on the flooring. It comes in a rich array of colors and you can find a shade and pattern to match almost any d�cor. However, limestone is far from inert and can react with a wide variety of acids. So to avoid etching or permanent staining the limestone tiles should be sealed right away. They are around $2, as well.

Slate: With traces of metal and earth slate is available in many colors. At $2 a tile you can have a rustic, but classic, look without breaking the bank.

Onyx: This stone is very expensive but, if you can afford it, will give your home an elegance that nothing can match. It is $7 a tile.

Properly grouted and sealed you can make a great floor out of any o f these materials. For more information on getting a tile or stone for your home contact: