Slate Tile Flooring

It is one of the natural stone floor tile that is created from cut portions of slate, which forms itself in layers naturally. This layering generates some very rare looks to each tile, with bands of colors appearing within each one. The color comes from the different mineral deposits that appear where the stone is found naturally and lends an air of mysterious beauty when cut, polished and sealed.

When laid out in an area as flooring, the whole look is unique, with complex patterns and shades brought out as a whole as each tile is added to the mix.

Durable Tiling

For most areas in your home, you can’t get a better material for its durability than slate. Considering the qualities within the stone, it can take much damage before showing any signs of overuse, and it may take years before you would have to replace a single one. Therefore, this tile, like travertine tile, is highly suggested for high traffic areas inside the home.

Naturally Stain Resistant

The composition of slate gives itself to having an extra advantage when used as tile flooring in the home. The mixture that combines to create this stone is made up of crystals, fossils, minerals, and sand, tends to resist allowing any liquids to penetrate its surface. The bonding of all those elements of nature makes for one tough floor and there is not a lot that can damage it immediately.

Inherently Slip-Resistant

Another reason this natural stone tile has become so popular recently is that nothing ever has to be added to it to make it slip resistant. The layering within the stone makes it good for traction purposes, and nothing needs to be added to it to make it so. When these tiles are placed, the only thing ever done beyond grouting them into place is the application of a sealer to preserve their natural beauty.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

The last advantage for having a slate tile floor installed in your home is that it is just so very easy to clean and maintain. Once a week, regular brushing and dusting will remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated. Following this, a simple mopping with hot water and vinegar will help to maintain its natural shine and other properties. Using detergent is not advisable because it could leave a dull residue behind and by using vinegar will help to remove any stubborn stains that may have adhered to the surface of the tile.

1. Color of the kitchen – you want your tiles to match the colors of your kitchen. What are the prominent colors of your cabinets, counters, wall color and appliances? You do not have to choose the same color as the rest of fixtures and appliances in your kitchen but you want to strike a balance so that all the colors will blend harmoniously. If you can, borrow samples from the store so that you will get an idea of how the colors will blend with your tiles.
2. Style of the kitchen – some colors work well with just about any kitchen design. However, that is not true to all colors. The color of your tiles should match the overall design of your kitchen, if you have a Mediterranean or modern kitchen, you can go with tiles that have darker colors.
3. Size of the kitchen –it is important to consider the size of your kitchen because the color of the tiles can make your kitchen appear smaller or bigger. For instance, a small kitchen could look even smaller if you choose dark colored tiles, so it may be a better idea to choose lighter colors to give your kitchen an airy feel. A large kitchen with dark tiles can appear too dark because there is so much flooring. Picture out how the color will make your kitchen look and feel when you bring in samples.
4. Maintenance – some colors require more maintenance than others. Dirt tends to be more visible in very bright, very dark, and solid colors. You may want to choose colors in the middle shade spectrum and some kind of pattern if you can not clean the floors everyday.
5. Personal preference – after making careful considerations of the factors mentioned, lay down the final choices and see which one really draws your attention. Do you want to see this color every time you walk into your kitchen? Choose a color that will make you feel good. Bottom line is you want to cook in a kitchen where you will not be distracted or overwhelmed by an ugly floor.

Vinyl tiles vary in thickness and durability. Consider how often you cook and the foot traffic in your kitchen. If you do not expect much wear and tear on your floor, you may not need expensive tiles as long as they are structured to your interior design. However, frequently used floors require vinyl tiles that will hold up to abuse and withstand heels and sturdy shoes, broken glass and spills.

Check on the thickness of the tiles by holding individual squares against each other and comparing the flexibility and thickness. Durable tiles are usually thicker and are padded while rigid tiles are sturdiest as they are designed to simulate other flooring.

Some vinyl tiles are easier to clean than other vinyl tires. If your kitchen is used frequently, you want to get vinyl tiles that are easy to clean or hide dirt. Dark colors are perfect for hiding scuff marks and stains that are difficult to get rid of. You also have to remember that vinyl tiles require regular sweeping and mopping to maintain its appearance and to keep them clean and free from stains.

• Ceramic tiles are made from clay forms and a kind of photograph sealed onto the surface. If the ceramic tile chips, you will see the clay base. Porcelain on the other hand is more expensive compared to ceramic tiles. They are made of porcelain material so they maintain the same color all throughout its lifetime. If the porcelain tile is chipped, you will still see the same color and pattern.
• The most important factor that you need to consider in choosing tiles is the color and the pattern. The best way to go is to choose colors that are neutral and versatile so that you can change decorating themes without worrying about matching the floor and backsplash.
• The basic categories are white, brown and gray. Creamy white colors are best for country or contemporary style of kitchen. Modern and Mediterranean style kitchen looks best with gray tiles. For ethnic and farmhouse style kitchens, use dark browns.
• You need to consider the size of the kitchen and the appliances that you have. Since appliances and cabinets and countertops are big in size, you want to choose tiles that match their size so that you retain a balance in the kitchen. 12×12 works well on the floors and you can use 1×1 or 2×2 tiles for the backsplash.
• If you are not very familiar with installing tiles, it is best to hire a professional to do it for you. It may be expensive but it will save you the time and body pains that you will have to endure in installing these tiles.
• If you want to install the tiles yourself, remember to buy kneepads and the right adhesive. Do not use the cheap adhesive as it will break your tiles and they will come loose a year or so.
• Lay out grids using chalk lines. Tile from the center out so that all your cuts are uniform and follow the pattern along the border of the room.
• Use spacers to keep grout lines uniform in size. The spacers will also keep the tiles from sliding about on the mastic while it dries. Remember to apply a seal directly to the grout three days after installation and seal them once every year.

• Choose what type of tiles you are going to use. There are many options available from ceramic tiles, stone tiles to glass tiles. Choose colors, textures, and sizes. For bathroom walls, it is recommended to use porous tiles with a glossy finish.
• You do not need to install tiles from top to bottom. Instead, you can opt for trims and boarders. Accent tiles between plain ceramic tiles add a burst of color and personality to your bathroom.
• Earth tones and classic white are always in style and will give an elegant appearance and it reflects natural light. If you want to achieve a cozy feel in your bathroom, choose tiles are in shades of peach and yellow. Shades of the ocean such as blue, green and violet gives the room a cool feel while red and black tiles can be used to accentuate the walls of your bathroom and give it bold details.
• Another way to add personality to your bathroom is to choose a grout color that is in contrast with the color of the tiles. You can also choose to place some tiles vertically and diagonally.
• In the past, people use small tiles for small bathrooms. However, the color of the grout, the design and the color of the tiles can become overwhelming. If you are using tiles of the same color for the walls and the floor, you can use larger tiles in the floor and use the smaller tiles for the walls and vice versa. If you want your bathroom to appear bigger, you can use large tiles on the floor. Since you are using less grout, it will make your bathroom look a lot less busy.
• Make sure to use backing on the tile that will hold up water and moisture. If you are not familiar with this process, have a professional do this part of the remodeling. You want to make sure that you do not get any water damage anytime soon.

There are many types of tiles available and you might find yourself overwhelmed with all the options. It is important to have a basic knowledge about tiles in order to make an educated decision. Here are factors you need to consider in choosing the right tiles.

1. Color – If you already have a color in mind, explore the options that are available in that particular color. You will have to choose between ceramic and porcelain tiles. You also have the option to choose natural products such as marble, granite, and quartz. When selecting a color start by determining if you want a solid color with no variation or a color that has variations across the surface of the tile.
2. Size – If you are installing tiles in large areas such as a living room, bedroom, or a kitchen, you need to get a large tile. A 12 by 12 inches tile would be a good choice. For bathrooms and entryways, tiles that are 8 by 8 in size are more considerable. These sizes give a better overall appearance to the room.
3. Tile grade – One important factor that you need to consider in choosing a tile is the area where it will be installed. Tiles are rated based on their durability with 1 being the least durable. This tile grade is only advisable for use in areas with very light foot traffic or bathroom walls and backsplash or you will end up replacing broken tiles earlier than you have to. The highest tile grade is 5, it is the most durable and recommended for heavy commercial use. If you can not get the tiles that are rated 5, at least get the tiles that are rated no less than 3 or 4. Higher rated tiles last longer and look better for the years to come.
4. Price – tile prices vary greatly. Although this is an important factor to consider, you have to factor in the cost of other installation materials. In doing so, you will find that the price of the tile should not be your only deciding factor.

At the store, ask the clerk for any recommendations based on your preference for the things mentioned above. He would be able to show you the tiles that suit your specifications.