For building owners who rent luxury apartments, selecting the right flooring is a very important decision. Hands down, the first choice should be tile. Tile flooring has been around for a long time but, unlike the first generation of tile, the latest products are elegant, durable, available in many styles, are easy to maintain, and relatively cheap compared to other flooring materials.
Today, we have three types of tiles that include ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. All are versatile and available in varying sizes, colors, and textures. Over the past few years, marble tiles have been used for bathroom flooring, while others, like slate, are installed in areas of high traffic.
No matter which type of tile floors for luxury apartments you select, you will not be disappointed. Before you select luxury floors for studio apartment spaces, here are a few things you should consider:
- Thickness: Due to the high foot traffic that is normally endured in apartment buildings in general, you should always consider the thickness of the tile. The thicker tiles tend to be more durable and can withstand significant foot traffic. Thick tiles are ideal in the entrance, foyer, kitchen, and bathroom.
- Size: When it comes to tile floors for luxury apartments, the size of the tile is very important. To make the studio apartment look wider and bigger, larger tiles should be selected. If you want a more intimate feel, however, smaller size tiles should be selected. At the same time, tiles come in many shapes, including square, rectangular, and hexagon.
- Color: When considering luxury floors for studio apartment spaces, in general, there is usually a lot of foot traffic, and, with time, the tiles may show evidence of wear and tear. To hide minor blemishes, choosing the right color is important because it can help hide stains and dirt. In general, darker tones not only create a sense of warmth but also hide minor skiff marks and stains. On the other hand, if you want the studio apartment to always look clean, pristine, and meticulous, go for the lighter colors because they will make the space brighter and lighter. Tan or white tiles do impart elegance but then you also have to wipe away any marks and blemishes more frequently.
- Plain or Pattern: Unlike in the past when most tiles were plain, today’s tiles come with all types of patterns. Plain tiles are ideal for the kitchen and bathroom areas as they reflect cleanliness and brightness. On the other hand, if you want to add character to the studio apartment, consider patterned tiles. There are many designs of porcelain tiles that can be installed at the entrance or foyer, which can enhance the aesthetics of that particular space.
- Ratings: Many people are not aware that tiles have ratings for durability and quality. For a luxury studio, you want to select a tile with a high rating; the higher the rating, the more durable the flooring. In addition, tiles are also sold by their grades. Grade 1 tiles have no imperfections whereas Grade 3 tiles are thin and may have some imperfections.
- Types: While ceramic and porcelain tiles are most common in the industry, you can also select natural stone tiles that include granite, marble, travertine, and slate. In general, stone tiles are more expensive than ceramic or porcelain tiles.
- Buy extras: When dealing with luxury tile floors for studio apartment spaces, always buy a few extra tiles of the same design and pattern. The reason is that if a tile breaks or needs replacement, you may not always be able to get the same design that you have already installed. If you have extras that you bought at the time of the installation, this can help solve a major headache.
- Maintenance: Finally, tile floors for luxury apartments are recommended because they are very easy to clean and maintain. The tenant will only need to sweep or use a vacuum to remove the dirt and debris. If there are any stains, a wet mop will usually do the trick. There is no need to purchase any exotic cleaning solution to clean tiles.
Porcelain Vs Ceramic
For most luxury floors for studio apartment spaces, you have to decide whether you want porcelain or ceramic tile flooring.
Porcelain Tile Pros:
- More durable compared to ceramic
- Patterns can mimic wood, natural stone, or brick
- Good for areas of heavy traffic, like the bathroom, kitchen, entrance, and foyer
- Moisture-resistant
- To avoid slips, the surface can be coated with an anti-slip coating
- Easy to maintain
- Affordable
- It will not quickly accumulate dirt and is ideal for people with allergies
Ceramic Tile Pros:
- Can be installed in almost any room
- Durable but slightly less so than porcelain
- The glazed coating can help make it scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and fire-proof
- Can be installed in heavy traffic areas, like the bathroom, kitchen, entrance, and foyer
- Relatively cheap
- Easy to maintain
- Can mimic hardwood flooring
- Many styles and patterns are available
Best Tile for a Luxury Studio
When choosing luxury floors for studio apartment spaces, a wise decision would be to select durable tile flooring. Tiles are very versatile and no matter what type of luxury floors for studio apartment spaces you are trying to cover, you will find luxurious tile floors that meet your needs. Consult with an East Coast Flooring & Interiors expert to know more about tiles, their cost, and installation. Call 1-954-621-1375 today or stop by their showroom.