Choosing the best ceramic tile flooring

 
If you haven’t looked at tile recently, you'll be amazed at what you see: an almost unlimited number of colors, patterns, designs, shapes, and sizes. Keep in mind that every ceramic is different, each with its characteristics, making some better for specific installations than others. Simply put, you wouldn't use a floor tile meant only for low traffic floors in a busy room like the kitchen. Our experts at our tile shop in Macon, GA, explain what to look for when choosing a ceramic for your wall, backsplash, or tile flooring.
 

The best floors for residential heavily trafficked rooms

 
Porcelain is a type of ceramic with a composition that includes nonporous clay, sand, and glass and fired at higher temperatures. The result is a heavier, waterproof type of ceramic that can be used indoors or out and is ideal for kitchens, baths, decks, and patios. Available in various colors and patterns, it can be made to look like wood, stone, fabric, and leather.

Terra cotta bricks are also durable, and you can use them indoors or out. Other tiles for floors include the 4 X 4 squares or mosaics best for indoor, moderate foot trafficked floors. Subway tiles should be used for indoor, low-traffic floors, such as in bedrooms and closets.
 
 
 
 

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Categories for ceramic tiles

 
Ceramic tiles are rated according to their strength levels, as noted on box labels. You should also explain in detail just how you plan to use it in your renovation. The best for residential floors are Class 3 or Class 4; they can be used on moderate-to-heavy foot traffic, as well as on counters and tub/shower surrounds.
 

Wall tiles: indoor use only

 
Wall tiles are thinner and more slippery than ones meant for floors, where the priority is to withstand the weight of foot traffic. Floor tiles come in countless patterns and colors and can also be used on walls, or tub/shower surrounds. Alternatively, wall tiles shouldn't be used on floors, ever.
 
 
 
Tile from Warner Robins, Macon, & Perry, GA from Custom Floors of Georgia
 
 

Grip or traction

 
Some ceramics can be slippery when wet. Look on the Coefficient of Friction (or COF) label with a number of .50 for residential use and .60 for commercial. You can increase the grip even more by selecting a tile with texture or one with many grout lines, such as the tiny, highly decorative mosaics that are so popular for bathroom floors right now.

Our staff design consultants will help you choose the right one for your project. Visit Custom Floors of Georgia in Macon, GA for information and inspiration. We work with homeowners and businesses in or near Warner Robins, GA, Byron, GA, Elberta, GA, Centerville, GA, Bonaire, GA, Macon, GA, and Perry, GA. Ask about your free ceramic tile flooring quote when you are here.