Tile guide
A tradition that’s definitely worth upholding in modern life, tile has a very rich history of adorning our homes and gathering spots. Today, tile continues its legacy of beauty and practicality. Here at Floors Direct Carpet One Floor & Home in Gilroy, CA we’re passionate about tile products, and can help advise you on the best tile options for your upcoming renovation project. Of course, before your shopping experience begins, we strongly recommend learning a bit about the different tile products available, and their respective abilities and benefits. We’ve made it easy for you with this quick overview:
Since the tile industry continues to steadily grow, it’s literally impossible to profile every unique product available. That being said, some things have stayed constant and by far, the most prolific tile types are those made out of ceramic, porcelain, and stone. Porcelain and ceramic tiles have a very similar origin, with both crafted out of clay and finished by kiln. Both ceramic and porcelain are extremely durable, making them well-suited for kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain is the denser option, since it is fired at a higher heat: for this reason, porcelain also does well outdoors. Stone tile, made from minerals like granite, slate, and marble, is offered up in both rough and polished forms. Stone works great for outdoor patios, but works great for indoor hearths and entryways too.
Today, there are truly tile offerings for nearly any type of setting. Regardless of your style, needs, or budgets, there are low-maintenance and moisture-resistant tile to fit your vision. Waterproof tile is also available: a great candidate for large, outdoor projects. Whichever tile you choose you can express your unique style by creating a one-of-a-kind installation using your favorite colors, patterns, materials, and textures.
Eclectic, enduring tile gives us so many options that truthfully, narrowing down your choices can prove overwhelming. We advise paying careful attention to your tile’s PEI rating. A helpful tool created by the Porcelain Enamel Institute, the PEI rating clarifies each tile’s functional abilities. For instance, the most sturdy tile options would score a 4 or 5. A tile with a 2 or 1 score, on the other hand, is best reserved for decorative uses.
We carry a vast inventory of both contemporary and traditional tile products at Floors Direct Carpet One Floor & Home. To learn more about tile, come and browse our product displays inside our store, which is located at 8585 Monterey Road in Gilroy, CA.