Commercial Building Tile Flooring Options
When deciding on commercial flooring for a building, one must take into consideration the function of the space and building. Is it a condo? Will there be a lot of foot traffic? Are there many hallways or wide-open spaces? All aspects of the space including the flooring work together contributing to form an image to influence entrants’ impression of the premises.
There are various tile flooring options, which, due to technological advances, can be adjusted, customized, and tailored to meet your functional needs and fulfill design aspirations. These options have their own unique features that make them perfect for various settings.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles, while similar, do differ in several ways. Ceramic tile, the cheaper of the two is composed of natural clay and baked at a high temperature. Because ceramic is the more absorbent material of the two, using it as outside flooring is discouraged. Spilled water or rain temporarily discolors the tile until it dries out again. This does not undermine the value and functionality of this material, however, it is best suited for areas where water is not likely to come in contact with the floor for aesthetic purposes.
Porcelain tile is constructed from denser clay and finely ground sand and baked at an even higher temperature than ceramic tile. It is also fired for a longer period of time drawing moisture out of the material and making extremely durable. Porcelain, a water-resistant material, can be used outside without concern for discoloration. Porcelain is also a better choice for high traffic areas. Any possible chipping of the material is barely noticeable since the coloring is the same through and through. Both materials are easy to clean, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and temperature tolerant.
Tile has always been a popular option for flooring because of its durability, its simplicity, its practicality, and its versatility; however, over time, other options of flooring have been coming to the fore giving tile the impetus to evolve with more to offer. Tile has made leaps and bounds in the way of developing to meet the needs of interior designers. There are now forms of tile that mimic the texture and pattern of stone and expensive marbles. This means affordable elegance and luxury for those on a budget.
There is the additional option of glazed or unglazed tile. Unglazed tile is more textured, while glazed tile undergoes an additional firing process wherein liquid glass is applied to the surface of the tile and cooled, leaving a shiny finish. The process of glazing also allows for more customization of tile in terms of color and tint. Glazed tile is protected from staining and discoloration however, it is more slippery than unglazed tiles and shows wear more easily. In deciding between these options, it is important to consider both safety and aesthetics. If the area where the tile is to be laid is likely to get wet, consider the slippery nature of the glazed tiles and the safety of passersby.
Given the uniform nature of tiles, flooring installation is simple and tiles of varying sizes can be laid in interesting designs. When choosing grout, it is wise to select a color that is a shade or two darker than your desired color. This helps in camouflaging inevitable staining from foot traffic.
Whatever your needs and desires, we recommend that you consult qualified flooring professionals when deciding on your flooring for your building. East Coast Flooring experts can guide you through the process, letting you know of your options and answering any questions you may have.
Contact East Coast Flooring & Interiors today at 954.626.8053 and let our professional flooring experts help you choose the best commercial building tile flooring options that will best fit your building!