In business for over two decades, Perfect Floors has
perfected the art of installing beautiful
tile flooring
for Rochester Hills and South Lyon, MI homeowners. Whether you’re interested in
porcelain or ceramic tile flooring, we feature a large selection in our
showroom at affordable prices. We make it easy to shop by brand, color tone,
category, surface type, shade range, and material on our website or in person. Below,
we’ve assembled the answers to the questions we frequently receive from
residential and commercial customers. Please
contact us today
with any additional concerns you may have about how to install or remove tile
flooring. Someone from our friendly staff will be in touch as soon as possible.
What’s the Difference
Between Ceramic & Glazed Porcelain Tile?
Although you’ve likely heard the terms ceramic and glazed
porcelain tile used interchangeably, there are several differences between the
two flooring materials. One major difference between the two is the rate of
water they absorb. Because porcelain is made of a denser clay, it’s less porous
than ceramic and considered slightly more durable because it absorbs
significantly less water. Ceramic tile is ideal for interior areas with low
foot traffic, while you’re likely to find porcelain tile used in various interior
and exterior commercial applications with heavy amounts of traffic. Because
porcelain tile is nearly waterproof, it’s recommended in rooms featuring a lot
of moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Porcelain tiles will look uniform
in color throughout the material, while ceramic tiles may have a different
color underneath their surface. Porcelain is also typically smoother than
ceramic.
What’s the Difference
Between Floor Tile and Wall Tile?
Floor tiles are created harder and thicker than wall tiles
to withstand foot traffic and heavy furniture. Often, floor tiles will also feature
an added texture to make them more slip-resistant. Wall tiles are typically
thinner, smoother, and lighter in weight than floor tiles. Different clays and
glazes are used to produce floor and wall tiles. Wall tiles may have uneven
surfaces due to the wider range of materials (glass, metal, and stacked stone) frequently
used to create them.
Can Floor Tiles Be
Used on Walls?
Yes, you can
decorate
your walls with floor tiles! Floor tiles come in many eye-catching
patterns, textures, and colors, making them ideal for stylish, functional
kitchens and bathrooms. Create a calm, relaxing feel with linear white tiles or
a bold, ultra-chic feel with bright colors and accessories. Mosaics will make
any room feel larger and more visually appealing. However, you should always consult
a professional before attempting to tile a wall to ensure the weight of the
tile with its adhesive and grout won’t exceed the maximum weight threshold of
the surface you’re tiling. Check out our
Tile 101 section
for additional tips on selecting the best tile pattern for your space!
What Types of
Finishes Exist for Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles may be polished or textured to
mimic the appearance of natural stone if desired. Glossy finishes are often
added to create variations in the coloring and the glaze thicknesses. Flat matte
finishes won’t reflect any light for a modern look and feel. Homeowners seeking
a unique 3D texture or a metallic finish should consider multi-fired tiles,
which are fired through a kiln multiple times to give them more interesting
variations. You may also add an anti-slip surface to your tiles. Perfect Floors
would be happy to help you select the
perfect tile
flooring for your lifestyle and budget!
How Do I Determine
How Many Tiles I Will Need?
As a general rule of thumb, you may multiply the tile length
by its width to determine how many square inches one tile will cover. Then you
can divide that number by 144 to convert it into a square footage. Once you
have this figure, divide it by the area you wish to tile to determine how many
tiles are needed.
Is Ceramic Tile a
Durable Flooring Material?
Ceramic tile is durable, although porcelain tile is the more
durable option out of the two flooring types. Ceramic tile may not be ideal for
all flooring applications. Consult our professionals today to see if ceramic
tile is right for your needs.
What Are the
Advantages of Glazed Tiles?
Glazed tiles are easy to clean and come in a wide variety of
patterns and colors. Due to their superior surface strength, glazed tiles are
suitable as floor or wall tiles. However, polished tiles are more resistant to
wear-and-tear and are less likely to crack when subjected to extreme
temperature changes.
Is Tile Flooring
Waterproof?
Porcelain tile is considered waterproof, while ceramic tile
is considered water-resistant. While ceramic tile isn’t easily damaged by water,
it does absorb more water than porcelain. We would recommend either porcelain
or ceramic tile inside your kitchen or bathroom, but only porcelain tiles
should be installed outdoors.
How Do You Grout Tile
Flooring?
Grouting tile flooring helps keep dirt and other debris from
getting stuck in-between and underneath your beautiful new tile flooring. Grout
may be made of a powdered mix of cement, sand, epoxy, and color pigments to
create a contrasting look. You should apply grout in small sections using a
trowel or rubber grout float and rubber gloves. Your goal is to get the grout
into all the joints between the tiles at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to wipe
away any excess grout as you work. You’ll need to clean as you go but try not
to use too much water.
How Do You Install
Tile Flooring?
First, you’ll want to level the surface by cleaning away all
dust and debris. Next, you’ll want to find the center of the floor. Many
homeowners find it helpful to lay out the tiles and spacers before beginning
the application to determine where to start and the best width for their grout
lines. Once the mortar has been mixed, you’ll install the tiles one at a time,
working in small sections to keep the mortar from drying before the tiles have
been placed. Placing the spacers between the tiles ensures a more uniform look.
You’ll have to wait until the tiles are completely dry before applying the grout.
You could also rely on Perfect Floors for a perfect tile flooring installation
in Rochester Hills, South Lyon, and surrounding areas of Michigan. We’d even be
happy to show you how to combine tile and wood flooring.
How Do You Remove
Tile Flooring?
Tile flooring may be removed using a hammer and a chisel to
break up the tile and pry it out. Once you’ve removed the tile, you must remove
the underlayment. Once the underlayment is gone, you’ll need to remove any
adhesive and clean the subfloor thoroughly using a broom or shop vac. You want
your subfloor to be as smooth as possible before installing a new floor.
How Do You Clean
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile?
Ceramic tile floors are easy to keep clean using a mop, warm
water, and mild dish soap for stubborn stains. Porcelain tile floors may
require a soft bristle brush, warm water, and white vinegar to achieve the best
results. However, you should use the vinegar sparingly because of its acidic
nature. You’ll want to avoid any cleaners with harsh chemicals to avoid
damaging your flooring.
How Much Does Tile
Flooring Cost on Average?
The cost of tile flooring will vary by supplier. The installation
labor costs will depend on the amount of prep work involved. Contact Perfect
Floors to
request an estimate
from our flooring professionals in Michigan. We can help you find the perfect
flooring for your budget!