Decorating is truly one of the greatest pleasures in owning a home. Though there is such a choice of colors, materials, shapes, and styles available to you, almost every home has tiling within it. When one thinks of tiles, kitchens and washrooms immediately come to mind; however, tiling to create a design has certainly become an increasingly popular for being used in designs in other rooms of the home. If you have any problems deciding just what type of tile - ceramic or porcelain - will match your home best, you can enlist the help of a ceramic tile installer. Better yet, they can also install the tiles for you quickly and without any effort on your part (except maybe your wallet).
Given all of the different materials out there that you can use to design your home, it may be rather difficult to choose what you want. Below are some benefits to both ceramic and porcelain tile to help you decide whether tiles are right for you:
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles are durable, strong, easy to clean, and require little to no maintenance.
- Tiles are an energy saver. Ever wonder why ancient cultures often used tiles for their floors? They keep the ground cool when it's hot, and retain heat when it's cold outside.
- Options for diversified patterns. Tiles can be extremely eye catching, especially if laid in a particularly unique pattern. A beautifully tiled floor can easily be the centerpiece to one's home!
Now that you have heard of the benefits of tiling, you may be wondering how it can be installed.
Tiling is, obviously, quite a bit more difficult than putting a picture on the wall, or even laying down a hardwood floor. Though it may look simple and elegant, not only is there quite a bit of work involved, but there is special equipment needed, and a lot of planning beforehand.
When installing both ceramic and porcelain tiles, it is absolutely necessary that proper measurements be made, that the ground is leveled, and that the surface which the tile is going to be set upon has been properly prepared. A special saw is then used to cut the tile to size (which is not only rather messy but is also hazardous to those who do not know how to use it). Tile contracts have their own special saws that reduce the dust and debris, as well as cut the tiles accurately and quickly. The every-day handyman would not have access to this saw.
Lastly, actually laying porcelain and ceramic tiles can actually take an artistic eye, precision, and strength. Tiles are quite heavy and can be rather cumbersome. Not only that, but once they are in place, they can be extremely difficult to move. That is why it is best to leave the job to an experienced tile setter: otherwise, you may find yourself breaking your back trying to fix a mistake that an expert would not make.
