All Ceramic Floor Tile Is Not Created Equal

You've agonized over what type of flooring to install in your addition and finally You've decided to go with ceramic tile. So now all that's left is to zip out to the store and pick up some tile and grout, right? Not so fast, you might still have some decisions to make concerning your tile flooring.

Tile comes in many colors and styles and has a lot of advantages over other types of flooring. For one, it's readily available and doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg although you can buy upgraded tile if you want. For another it's easy to clean and very durable. On the downside, ceramic tile is not good for all spaces. Glazed tiles can be very slippery so is not the best choice to be used in entryways, baths or any place where the tiles might get too wet. Tile also holds the cold so you wouldn't want to use it in a basement addition or remodel.

Ceramic tiles come in different shapes and sizes and can range from one inch to two feet. Have you thought about what size would look best in your room? Common sense prevails on this decision. If you have a large room then small tiles will make the room look too busy, and in a small room the large tiles will lose their effect. Take a long hard look at your space and figure out what size tile will bet the most effective.

Not only is size a factor, but you want to choose a tile with a texture that suits your rooms decor. If you have a formal looking space then a polished marble tile might look great. If you have decor with a southwestern, Mexican or Italian flair then a rustic natural looking tile is best. Don't forget that a smooth polished tile will be slippery so take this into consideration when choosing the tile type.

Finally, you have selected the size, color and texture if tile that is perfect for your space so you're good to go, right? Nope. Now you need to pick a grout. Grout comes in many colors and you want to pick one that goes well with your tile. If you want the grout to stand out, pick a color that contrasts with the tile but if you want the grout to blend with the design of the tile, pick a color that is close to that of the tile. For ease of cleaning, I might suggest you go with a dark grout. I can tell you from experience that a white grout will get dirty very easily and will be a bear to keep looking crisp and white.