CeramicCeramic tiles are made from clay and minerals. We glaze the tiles for insets and accent pieces. The material is durable, easy to maintain and clean, and comes in a wide assortment of textures and styles.
PorcelainPorcelain tiles are actually ceramic tiles. The main difference is that they have been fired at a higher temperature, producing a denser tile resistant to moisture. This is the best tile for bathroom floors, as bathrooms are often humid.
StoneStone tiles are a rustic, natural approach that come in many different textures, colors, and styles. They're primarily used in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways due to their durability. These areas see a lot of traffic and wear and tear, making them perfect for stone tile placement.
While both porcelain and ceramic tiles undergo glazing to protect them, there are differences in performance. For starters, ceramic tile is usually more affordable. It's also softer than porcelain. On the tradeoff, porcelain is significantly more resistant to water than ceramic. So, if you're looking at tiling your bathroom where it will be humid and have water on the floor, it's a better idea to go with porcelain tiles.
Wall Tile vs. Floor Tile
The main difference between wall tiles and floor tiles are the ratings for hardness and slipperiness. Because we walk on floor tiles, they need to be more resistant to weight and slipperiness for safety and durability. When you're shopping for both types of tile, be sure to pay attention to Coefficient of Friction and Porcelain Enamel Institute ratings. Both of these ratings will help you determine the type of tile that's right for your home.
How to Clean Tile Floors
It's important to keep your tile floors clean with routine maintenance and cleanings.
The first thing you should do is sweep or vacuum your floor to collect crumbs, dust, and light dirt. Then, for best results, wash your tiles with a cleaning cloth or a flat mop. Avoid sponge mops as they can just push dirty water into your grout lines, causing more harm than good.
If you spot stains, always use the appropriate cleaner for the type of stain and tile you have. If you notice a haze on your tiles after cleaning, you probably have soap residue. You may remove the film with a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner.
Always dry your tiles after cleaning them. Never let your glazed tile floors air dry. The sitting water can form water spots. Plan on cleaning kitchen tile floors once every two weeks and bathroom floors once a week to avoid germ buildup.