Pros and Cons of Ceramic Floor Coverings
Ceramic tile may be the only flooring material that truly works in any room of the house. It’s most often used in kitchens and bathrooms as well as foyers, mudrooms, and other high-traffic areas. But many homes, especially in warm climates, use tile to great effect in living areas and bedrooms, too. In other words, you really can’t go wrong with tile. If there are any drawbacks to this durable, elegant flooring, it is that it can be hard and cold, and is somewhat tricky for DIYers to install.
If you’re thinking about installing a new kitchen floor, tile might be the first option that comes to mind. As much as you wanted to save a penny for the installation, it would still be a great idea to get a professional to do the job. You can visit this website www.buckeyeflooringcompany.com, and they will surely guarantee you the world-class flooring services that they can offer.
The reason why getting a contractor is a solution is that ceramic tiles have a hard, solid surface that does not attract or hold onto dirt, dust, pollen, or other allergens. When these small particles do land on a ceramic floor, they stand out against the surface, making it easy to wipe them away with a mop or sponge. This helps to keep the air free of irritating materials that can be harmful to asthma and allergy sufferers.
Pros of Ceramic Kitchen Floors
- Durability
Ceramic tiles stand up well to the wear and tear you’ll find in almost every kitchen, from muddy footprints to spills and splashes. Ceramic is also super easy to clean. Dry-dusting with a broom or vacuum will do the trick most days, followed by a damp mop with hot water and a mild cleaning solution.
- Affordable
The huge variety of low-priced options makes ceramic tile one of the most affordable kitchen flooring choices. You’re sure to find a ceramic tile design that fits your budget.
- Style
Have you seen the trending styles of ceramic tile? Wide tile is trending for kitchens with good reason—it makes your kitchen look even bigger! Ceramic tile is available in a wide variety of colors to match any decorating scheme. Plus, modern printing technology can generate ceramic tile surfaces which mimic natural stone (marble and travertine), concrete and wood, and clean monotone styles.
If style and durability are your top criteria, then a ceramic tile is the way to go.
Cons of Ceramic Tile in the Kitchen
While ceramic tile can be an excellent choice for your kitchen floor, it does come with a few drawbacks.
- Usability
Ceramic tile can crack as floors settle, and a dish or glass dropped on it is virtually guaranteed to shatter. It can also be cold and hard underfoot, so use a rug or cushioned mat to cancel out the discomfort. Moisture makes ceramic tile slippery; a textured surface can provide slightly more traction.
Ceramic tile can also be sensitive to extreme temperatures. While this may not make ceramic the best choice for outdoor tile setups or a non-climate-controlled space, the kitchen is usually a safe bet.
- Maintenance
A floor with ceramic tile inevitably means there will be grout holding that tile together. Tile grout needs to be sealed periodically, and it often requires specialty cleaning in order to prevent stains from forming between tiles. Ceramic is extremely hard, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Unfortunately, this can also make it difficult and uncomfortable to stand on. Unlike resilient floors, hard ceramics cannot be softened using padded underlayment. This means that these materials may not be suited to environments where people will be forced to stand for long periods.
