Tile Flooring frequently asked questions

What is tile flooring?

Tile flooring has been used for centuries and is a hard surface cut into shapes frequently made of stone, ceramic, or porcelain. Ceramic and porcelain tile are two of the most popular types of tile flooring.

What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?

Porcelain tile flooring is denser than ceramic tiles, offering an extremely durable surface that is impervious to water and has color embedded within the actual tile. Made from similar material as ceramic tile, porcelain tile is fired in a furnace at much higher temperatures. As a result, porcelain requires very little maintenance and can be used almost anywhere indoors or outside.

What is grout?

Grout lines are the spaces between tiles that are filled with a mixture of water, sand, and cement-like material or epoxy. It’s important to clean visible grout lines or a tile floor will not appear as clean as it should. Cleaning the grout regularly will also prevent the growth of mold or mildew.

Is tile waterproof?

Porcelain and ceramic tile are longstanding waterproof options that can be used for floors, walls, counters, backsplashes, showers, and mosaics in moisture-prone areas. Different tile flooring styles will offer varying levels of slip resistance, so look for this quality when shopping for tile for bathrooms. For greater defense against water, keep grout lines smaller when installing tile floors.

Does tile come in only one size?

No, you can find tile in just about every shape you can think of! From squares and rectangles to hexagons, diamonds, circles, and ovals, tile comes in different shapes and all sizes from tiny to large format tile. You can create mixed-size patterned designs to create truly one-of-a-kind visuals. Custom layouts will take extra planning but will add impressive, upscale appeal.

Does tile rating matter?

Tile is rated for both strength and porosity. The tile rating for strength indicates how the tile can be used and the tile rating for porosity will indicate the level of absorbency. The greater the strength rating, the more applications that tile can be used for. The greater the porosity rating, the better suited the tile is for direct water exposure. Higher-rated tile will be more expensive to purchase.

Is tile flooring easy to take care of?

Tile flooring can be cleaned quickly and efficiently. First, remove loose and dust from the tile surface with regular sweeping. Mop your tile floor with a mild cleaning solution, either a simple water and vinegar solution or an approved tile cleaner. Loosen stains with a soft bristle brush, scrub, and rinse off the cleaning solution by mopping again. Wipe the tile dry with a clean towel or microfiber cloth.

How do I clean grout lines?

To clean the grout lines between tiles, use a half-and-half mixture of baking soda and water or a commercially available grout cleaner. Test your cleanser first in a less noticeable location. Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia, bleach, oil, or any acid. Do not allow any cleaning solution to dry without rinsing it off and avoid using stiff bristle brushes or steel wool when cleaning grout lines.

Can I install tile flooring myself?

Unless you have the proper tools such as a tile cutter and caulking guns, and sufficient tile installation skills, we recommend hiring licensed professionals to install your tile. Installing tile requires removing old tiles, repairing any cracked, damaged, or uneven surface, and prepping the area. Professional installers will know how to properly use grout, tile adhesive, filler, tile spacers, sanitary sealant, and tile trim. Hiring professionals is better than DIY tile installation for the time saved and superior finished results.

What’s the average cost of tile?

The average cost to purchase tile flooring typically ranges between $20 and $30 per square foot for materials and installation, with specialty products or installation costing more.

How long does tile flooring last?

With proper installation and maintenance, your tile flooring can last from 20 years up to 50 years in normal household conditions. The longevity of tile flooring can vary among tile types, but tile is known for impressive durability as much as it is for timeless style.

At Kelly's Carpet Omaha in Omaha, NE, we’ve got all of the answers to your tile flooring questions! For more information on our tile offerings, we invite you to browse our selection today.