Ceramic flooring: The many shapes, sizes, colors
and textures of ceramic tile make it easy to create customized and exquisite
patterns; and their cost varies widely. Ceramic tile is made from a mixture of
clay and shale that is baked and hardened in a kiln. Dry pigments added to the
mixture gives the tiles earthy tones that range from ocher to deep red. Be sure
to purchase only tile that is rated for use on floors. Some ceramic floor tiles
come with an anti-slip finish that provides excellent traction even when wet.
Ceramic flooring tile comes as one of four basic types:
·
Glazed
ceramic has a glasslike coating that gives the tile an unlimited variety of
colors and textures and makes the material virtually maintenance-free.
·
Quarry
tile is an unglazed ceramic tile that comes from pigments added to the clay
mixture. Quarry tile has a slightly rough texture that provides better
slip-resistance than glazed tile.
·
Porcelain
tile is hard and durable; it is resistant to staining and is a good choice for
exterior applications.
·
Terracotta
is an unglazed tile with earthy colors and rustic appearance. It is not as
durable as other tiles and must be sealed periodically to prevent staining.
·
Vinyl
tiles are flexible and slightly soft underfoot; they come in an array of colors
and patterns at relatively modest cost. Vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its
upper surface that helps resist stains and scratches and you can expect
good-quality vinyl to last 20 years.
Stone flooring: If you are looking for a little touch of
luxury, stone floor tile provides quality, at a premium price. The ability of
stone to resist moisture and staining depends on its hardness. Softer stones
such as sandstone and limestone must be finished every few years with a stone
sealer. Harder stones, such as granite and marble, should be sealed every four
to five years. Honed and polished stone tile can be slippery when wet, so
choose stone that has a textured, skid-resistant surface for kitchens and
master bath applications.
Cork flooring: Cork has a warm, natural appearance and
is comfortable underfoot. It has unusual grain patterns featuring whirls and
speckles. It comes in tiles or planks with a laminate construction; it is
either glued down or installed as a floating floor. Cork comes from the bark of
a tree. The bark is harvested every eight to 10 years and is a sustainable
material, meaning the tree is not destroyed but is allowed to regenerate new
bark that can be harvested repeatedly.
Laminate flooring: come as planks or tiles. Most
are floating floor systems, meaning they can be installed directly over old
existing flooring without glue or nails; no tear-out is necessary. Laminate is
a popular ‘do it yourself’ flooring, but it’s wise not to overestimate your
skills because installing around corners and between door jambs takes patience
and ingenuity. Laminate flooring offers an enormous variety of styles, colors
and patterns, the top layer is a plastic coating applied over real wood.
At Rosemary’s we delight in transforming
your home and office into a haven even with a limited budget. We also offer
consultancy and advisory services on all aspects of interior decoration.
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