Once confined to moisture-prone areas of the home like the bathroom and the kitchen, today, tiles are one of the most versatile flooring choices homeowners could invest in when designing the home of their dreams. Made from a wide range of materials, tiles can find their place in any part of the house, and their benefits go way beyond being water-resistant. While sometimes they may be a pricier option, here are 6 reasons that are going to convince you that tiles are an investment that is worth it.
Durability that will stand the test of time
One of the biggest advantages of implementing tiles in your interior design is that if you pick the material well, you might very well be choosing them for life. Tiles are notable for their durability, so it’s worth going for the higher-quality option and enjoying their new-like appearance for decades. Thanks to this quality of theirs, tiles are a great choice for areas that get a lot of foot traffic. With high-quality tiles, you won’t have to worry that the heavy use will cause visible wear and tear. That said, you need to pick the appropriate material for each space. Generally, porcelain tiles are extremely hard and regarded as the most durable option out there. A little more affordable than porcelain, ceramic tiles also stand their ground against scratches. As for stone tiles, each stone has its unique properties. For instance, granite boasts extreme hardness, while travertine is more sensitive and may not be the best choice if you have pets.
Ease of maintenance
The second practical reason that makes homeowners so fond of tiles is their water resistance. A spill that might result in permanent damage in the case of carpeted floors is no concern when you have tiles. Besides being great for moist areas like the bathroom, the water-resistance of tiles also makes them easy to clean and maintain. If you opt for porcelain tiles, you can use virtually any cleaning agent on them without having to worry, though, other materials should be done some research on. Just look up how to clean bathroom tiles and you’ll be good to go. Additionally, most tiles don’t require much in terms of maintenance. Porous materials may need sealing to preserve their beauty.
A safe choice
Every homeowner wants their property to be as safe as possible. Going for tiles can also be a step towards a safer property. Ceramics are naturally fire-resistant: ceramic tiles have been fired at high temperatures, which not only makes them durable but also resistant to heat. Clear air may also be a concern for health-conscious homeowners. You don’t have to worry about tiles, as firing also removes any VOCs that may be present in the material at the beginning of the process. If you go for quality tiles, no VOCs will be present in sealants either. Finally, another property that makes tiles a safe choice for a family home is their hypoallergenic nature. Tiles are cleaned easily and no germs and allergens can get trapped in them like in carpets.
Aesthetic appeal
Besides their practical nature, tiles have other virtues that make them a fantastic choice for any home design. Their aesthetic appeal, which goes back to historic times, should not be disregarded. From ancient mosaics to alluring oriental designs, tiles were often more than just a utilitarian product; rather, much like an art form. It would be impossible to determine just how many styles are available on the market at the moment, each with a different charm. This means that you can implement tiles in your design and enjoy their beauty regardless of what interior design style you are going for. You can go for minimalistic metro tiles for a simple look, pick patterned tiles for a fun result, or create an antique effect with stylish mosaic tiles. The world is your oyster.
Versatility like no other
The countless styles tiles come in make them extremely versatile, which is yet another advantage this flooring material boasts. They can fit into virtually any space thanks to not only their aesthetics but also the wide range of materials they are produced in. You can even combine different materials within the same room for added interest. As said, any room can have a tiled floor: a large living room can benefit from natural stone tiles, bathrooms will be a safe space if you pick anti-skid tiles, while foyers should use tiles that are easy to clean. Even outdoor spaces can be tiled: natural stones are weather-resistant and bring in a unique flair. Playing around with the size, color, and layout of your tiles can also be a smart way to manipulate how the room is perceived. For instance, large tiles will make a room look smaller. Besides flooring, tiles may also be used as wall covering, and even as decorative accents.
Ideal for underfloor heating
Finally, if your area is prone to cold winters, then you will be delighted to hear that tiles may be a comfortable choice for your home. While tiles are often regarded as cold and uncomfortable to walk on, what is often disregarded is that they are the perfect material for underfloor heating. Porcelain, stone, and ceramic tiles can all convey the heat perfectly and will turn your home toasty warm during the colder months. Tiles will thus allow you to add a touch of luxury to your space, should you decide to warm up your bathroom or even implement this system in other areas of your house, too.
Tiles are a very versatile flooring option that has more benefits than meets the eye. Not only practical but even attractive, tiles can be used in any part of the home, and their durability will not disappoint.