our full breakdown on tile
The big, bad, and beautiful tile! What seems like a daunting task quickly turns into a wonderful addition to your home. From flooring to backsplash to accent pieces, tile easily levels up your space. We’re breaking down the technical pros & cons!
Photo of an art piece made completely of tile in Portugal. https://www.portugalhomes.com/news/article/439/tiles-portuguese-buildings
Tiles have been used by humans for centuries. They’ve always served the dual purpose of function, sealing walkways & walls, and artistic design. Some of the grandest, most intricate architectural designs have been made of tiles, like chapels in Portugal, the dome in the United States Capitol Building, and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Sean Kelleher has been working with tile for over 25 years. He confirmed that in addition to aesthetic, tile also holds benefits in the practical aspects of flooring and wall accents.
PROS:
Durability
Tile is an incredibly durable material, depending on what is chosen. Glass might be more prone to cracking, but porcelain, stone, and ceramic are recommended for flooring. These tiles are porous and dense, leaving you with peace of mind!
Cleaning
Compared to vinyl or wood flooring, tile is extremely easy to clean! The smooth surface doesn’t stain easily, and an all-purpose cleaner will generally do the trick.
Life Span
Breakdown of various flooring materials and their life span. https://www.floridatile.com/why-choose-tile/
FloridaTile has a fantastic breakdown of the lifespan to cost ratio associated with common flooring techniques. Tile, historically, will have a longer lifespan, with cheaper upkeep to maintain, if installed properly!
Variety
We produce billions of tiles a year! While it might be overwhelming, you’re almost guaranteed to find the right tile for your space. From a variety of materials to initially select from, each one has boundless design options! Mix and match to create a custom design, make your own, or choose a classic combo, the choices are endless.
Cost Effective
Don’t get me wrong, a large tile project can get expensive. But in certain cases, like reflooring a whole room or home, tile can be cheaper than materials of a similar quality. For example, real hardwood floors might run $3-5 more per square foot than tile. While more labor intensive, the lifespan balances the scale of cost and benefit.
CONS:
Variety & Cost
While incredibly beneficial, the wide assortment of tiles to choose from can be overwhelming! Reach out to a retailer or contractor in your area for their recommendation. The cost can also be more than other options like vinyl or laminate plank flooring, but again its important to weigh all factors that are important to you.
Fragility
Some tiles are best suited for wall design and accent projects rather than flooring. If the space will not be traveled frequently, glass or concrete tiles are perfectly suitable and offer more artistic creativity! They are not recommended for flooring or countertops, though, due to their fragility.
Intensive Install
If you’re looking to install tile yourself, it is worth noting that the install process is technically challenging. It is doable! But if you don’t have experience, or adequate time to dedicate to learning the proper technique, it would be best to reach out to a local professional to assist. If you’re in the SWFL area, reach out to Kelleher Renovations! While the install is intensive, Sean says these make, “statement pieces that last.”
Overall, tile can be a wonderful addition in your home renovation if it suits your needs. Ask your contractor if which material is right for you! Kelleher Renovations is experienced in tile work, and always ready to help!