When you go shopping at your Bloomington, MN floor store, you will find that tile has become so popular that there are dozens of new patterns, sizes, and colors. Years ago you only saw tile on bathroom floors; little one inch tiles surrounded by larger ones. They then moved up the walls when showers got popular.
When you check out the flooring in Bloomington, MN, you will discover that there are now narrow, long, one inch strips for accent, finishing, and striping, to square tiles that can be 3″, 5″, 12″, 24″, and more.
Larger tiles are good for the floor in large rooms, such as kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Otherwise you end up with too much grout and too little tile…a busy look. Smaller tiles are good for use as kitchen backsplashes, kitchen and bathroom counters, and small floors or shower walls in bathrooms.
So if you are considering ceramic tile, Bloomington, MN is a good starting point. But you need to consider cost, pattern style, color, and installation. Ceramic tile is made the way pottery is made. It is formed from clay, glazed, and fired in very hot ovens under extreme temperatures. It is not difficult to install, but it needs to be learned, and is rather time consuming.
At your Bloomington, MN floor store, you will learn everything you need to know to make a wise decision regarding who does the installing, whether it is you or a professional. One way or the other, you will be glad you decided to get tile. It is durable, adds a wonderful touch to most styles of décor, and is very easy to clean.
When you buy your flooring in Bloomington, MN, the salesman will also tell you about the cons to having this type of tile. If something breakable, like a glass or dish, is dropped on a ceramic floor, it will usually shatter. When ceramic tile is wet it can be very slippery, so it is wise to have non slip throw rugs in front of sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
Another thing to consider is whether or not to get glazed tile. Glazed will have a harder finish and be stain resistant. Dull, unglazed tile (such as some of the Mexican tiles) is beautiful, but will suffer in areas where stains occur (such as counters).
You will be amazed at the many choices of color and pattern (almost endless) that you will find at your Bloomington, MN floor store. Racing stripes on floors, walls, or counters, to monograms, intricate patterns, checkerboards, or individual inlaid tiles like herbs and flowers are all available in tile.
Ceramic tile on your walls can be likened to matting and picture framing a work of art. But it is important to know all of the disadvantages to using this type of flooring which Bloomington, MN dealers will advise you. Ceramic floors do not retain warmth, and will be cold to the touch in winter, unless you have radiant heat.
Tile is also water resistant. It lasts well in high traffic areas, but can be hard on your feet if you stand on it for long periods of time. And while it takes just a damp mop to wash the tile, the grout can stain, chip, and even crumble. Installation is labor intensive, but the tile can last for decades.
Should you decide to install your own ceramic tile, Bloomington, MN dealers will be happy to give you detailed instruction before you begin.