Which Tile Is Right for Your Home Renovation?

Tiling is a wonderful way to rejuvenate a kitchen, bathroom, or mud room and add style and structure. However, not all tiles are made equal, and each type has strengths and weaknesses worth considering. If you’re thinking of renovating your Vancouver home, look for home renovation contractors in Vancouver that can help you not only decide which of these tiles is right for you but also install it professionally.

Classic Ceramic

Ceramic tile is the tried-and-true tile for many home renovators because of its long history of affordability, variety, and ease of use. It’s made with either red, brown, or white clay and is relatively durable for spaces such as walls and floors. It is more porous than alternatives such as porcelain and can be prone to more water absorption which translates to cracking if exposed to cold weather. It is best to use ceramic tile in indoor spaces. Ceramics can also be the most economical. They are available in a range of prices, sizes, and glazes to accommodate your vision. Ceramic tile is much easier to work with. It can be cut and shaped to fit your design with relative ease. If you’re looking for home renovation contractors in Vancouver, be sure to ask them how ceramic tile can refresh the look of your home.

Posh Porcelain

Held in high esteem for its beauty and functionality, porcelain can be considerably pricier than ceramic, but it is also a good investment for both look and longevity.  Porcelain tiles are made of white clay, sand, and feldspar and fired in the kiln at a higher temperature than ceramics. This makes them harder, denser, and more water-resistant. Porcelain tiles are suitable for spaces with a higher moisture content such as bathrooms and outdoor spaces. We get a great deal of rain in Vancouver, so considering the amount of water that might reach your tile is important. Although porcelain does come in a variety of designs and colours, it can be harder to work with and shape. It can also be more brittle. If you have always dreamed of shiny porcelain floors, talk to some home renovation contractors in Vancouver about which spaces in your home would work well for this kind of tile.

Solid Stone

Natural stone can add earthiness to your home renovation. Stone comes in a wide range of natural hues. The materials available range from Limestone to Travertine, Marble to Slate. Each kind of natural stone has different pros and cons. Unlike porcelain, natural stone tends to be porous and prone to absorbing the moisture we get here in the Lower Mainland. To prevent this, your stone tiles need to be sealed properly. If your stone tiles have been properly sealed and maintained, they are also one of the most durable choices in tile. Durability would depend, however, on the hardness rating of the stone you’ve chosen. Slate, for example, is harder than limestone and would be a better choice for an outdoor patio. Natural stone also tends to be quite expensive because of its considerable weight for freighting, and its method of production (harvesting a natural resource).

Choosing the right tile is essential to the success of your renovation. If you are considering tiling a space in your Vancouver home, be sure to consult some home renovation contractors in Vancouver and ask to see their tiling portfolios. Let them show you how ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile could beautify your space and how to properly maintain your new tile for years of enjoyment.