What Types of Tile Are Available for Denton Tile Installation?
Whether you’re planning a remodeling project or are organizing the floors of a brand-new home, choosing the right type of tile for Denton tile installation might be complicated at first, unless you know the type you want because its functions best suit your needs. But how many types are there to choose from?
Ceramic
Not only is ceramic the oldest, but also the most popular type used for tile installations. Denton TX homeowners who are looking for cost-effective and easy-to-install flooring systems may opt for ceramic tile floors. Made of sand, clay, and water, ceramic is low-maintenance, safe, and durable, resisting stains, moisture, and bacteria. Compared to many modern flooring installations, ceramic can easily handle wet mops and chemical cleaners (although mild soap is recommended).
Porcelain
When you look at porcelain figurines, you might think that they’re fragile, and you’ll automatically believe that porcelain tiles aren’t as durable as ceramic. On the contrary, porcelain undergoes an additional heat treatment, during which moisture is removed to make it denser. While ceramic is highly porous due to its existing moisture content, porcelain is deemed more durable with less than 1% of water absorption.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain
Overall, both types are as effective as the other in terms of efficient Denton tile installation. The performance depends on the quality of installation that includes laying tile sheets and sealing the surface properly. Once that is achieved, either ceramic or porcelain will greatly resist moisture and heat. This means that it will ultimately come down to how well you maintain it.
Ceramic tile’s sealant may wear off more easily, making the grout susceptible to water penetration, whereas porcelain can hold off for longer. Choosing glazed ceramic is an option that helps minimize maintenance costs. The glazing process involves applying a liquid glass coating that provides a slicker appearance. That said, it depends on the level of moisture.
For better water resistance, opting for porcelain will be your best bet. As porcelain is more durable, it also handles high foot traffic better than ceramic. But either porcelain or ceramic can last you up to 100 years as long as the necessary maintenance is applied. Although ceramic material is cheaper to buy and install, the extra money you spend on regrouting and resealing might be better invested in a porcelain tile installation. Denton, TX service technicians are happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Glass
Glass materials provide any home with elegance and enhanced aesthetics. There are different categories of glass tile based on the tiles are made. One common way is fusing dyed glass sheets onto ceramic molds with high heat. That’s how you get a transparent surface that’s extremely stain resistant and completely non-porous. The installation process, including cutting, is fairly easy, but you should use a corresponding grout that’s also non-porous and durable. Your Denton handyman recommends epoxy grout.
Cement or Concrete
People often get cement confused with concrete, but concrete tiles are made with sand, cement, and construction aggregates (such as gravel), whereas cement uses marble powder instead of gravel. Due to the way it’s manufactured, concrete tiles weigh a lot more than cement, and therefore, are more suited for outdoor areas like patios. On the other hand, cement tile flooring and walls are superior for bathroom settings and versatile in terms of styles, patterns, and colors. The only disadvantages are that cement is difficult to lay and requires monthly sealing.
Marble
Having marble tiles will add a timeless appeal to your bathroom but like their counterparts, they have a porous surface and require routine sealing to remain waterproof. They can be sensitive to certain types of cleaners and have a chalky residue on the surface areas from hard water. That’s a clear indication that resealing is required. Though beautiful and easy to clean, marble is cold to walk on unless you have floor heaters underneath.
Where Do You Need Denton Tile Installation?
Denton, TX service technicians at Mr. Handyman beg to differ if someone says that tile installation only occurs in the bathroom. While it’s certainly common, some may be surprised to know that we’ve had clients who wanted their entire home equipped with tile flooring. Their reason for that was to keep maintenance and cleaning as easy as possible, which makes sense. The functionality and durability of tile often surpass all other types of flooring, and luckily, most tile types are versatile and customizable.
Flooring
While there are a lot of materials available for flooring, one requires more maintenance than the other or is more susceptible to water damage. Speaking of which, Denton tile installation is designed for areas with high-moisture content. All that steam that you create during your hot shower rises and settles on the surface areas unless you have a highly functional ventilation system that rapidly draws out the humid air. The same applies to the kitchen where steam appears when you boil your potatoes. You rely heavily on your range hood to properly vent out that moist air, so it doesn’t spread onto your materials’ surfaces and floors. Other reasons why tile floor installation is preferred in kitchens and bathrooms are because you’re most likely to spill water in these areas. Tile flooring installation is also common in entryways and mudrooms where you have heavy foot volume and people stepping in with wet shoes.
Walls and Backsplashes
Shower walls are probably the most popular areas to have tile installations. Denton, TX homeowners who are doing a shower or bathroom remodel often decide to replace their old outdated tile system. During a remodel or general improvement project, it’s typical for your Denton tile installation technician to check underneath the surface for damage
, especially behind existing shower walls. Not only are those walls exposed to water regularly, but they conceal your water supply line. Even if they are made of durable copper pipes, we’ll check for leaks to ensure they’re in good condition, and we can install a cement board over it, followed by a ceramic or porcelain wall, depending on your preferences.
Backsplashes are typically installed in sink and cooking areas where you’re likely to spill water, oil, grease and sauces. Having a functional Denton tile installation, you won’t have to worry about stains or water impacting your walls. But since these areas are constantly exposed to moisture, it’s important to keep an eye on your grout lines. If they ever appear to have darkened, they are harboring dirt and bacteria and should be scrubbed and cleaned. But if they appear to be crumbling, you’re dealing with excess moisture due to a worn sealant on the tile surface.
There will also be caulk lines that seal the top and bottom of your tile backsplash. Though it’s a waterproof seal, it can dry out over time and begin to crack.
Countertops
Some people choose to have professional tile installation for both countertops and backsplashes but with different designs or even materials. Countertops need to be efficient and practical for food preparation and for holding a number of food storage containers, cookware, and utensils. They may experience more moisture than backsplashes because you probably wipe it down regularly to disinfect that workspace. Popular materials used for countertops include porcelain and natural stone. The smooth surface of natural stone may look indestructible, but its surface is actually quite porous and requires a Denton tile installation professional to reseal it at least once every two years. This will prevent bacteria from breaking through the surface and causing natural stone tiles to stain.
Benefits of Denton Tile Installation
There are people who opt against tile installation. Denton, TX property owners may only like them for backsplashes but not for floors. That’s because the world of flooring offers a wide variety of materials that are either more cost-effective or have greater ROI. Though that’s a misconception because high-quality floor tiles can also be of superior design and boost your home’s value.
- Low-Maintenance: As long as you’ve hired expert Denton tile installation services, you’ll get the peace of mind knowing that everything is properly installed and sealed. Once you have chosen your desired tile material, our team will use a high-quality grout and sealant that will protect your new system, so that you won’t have to worry about early future repairs. Simply wipe your surfaces clean with a wet cloth or mop.
- Cost-Effective: Though it depends on the type of tile, it can still be more affordable than many other materials, such as hardwood floors. Plus, one added benefit of installing tile is that materials like hardwood are more likely to be water absorbent. Both hardwood and tile can meet a shelf life of 75 to 100 years, except that tile requires a lot less maintenance and thus, it helps you save more money on maintenance costs.
- Versatile: Denton tile installation is suitable for any setting. Most materials are customizable and come in various shapes and sizes. You can create a functional system that’s beautiful and durable at the same time. With the right protective coating, you’ll be able to get the most out of it. Bored with the traditional subway and terracotta style? How about the hexagon, terrazzo, or heritage style to add some beat?
- Glazing: Tile glazing often occurs on ceramic or porcelain, and you can choose between enamel coating or liquid glass. It will practically make your Denton tile installation entirely waterproof. That surface is also scratch- and stain-resistant and immune to chemicals.
What You Need To Know About Grout
The art of laying tiles lies in grouting. While there is a lot of leveling, marking, and cutting involved, you also have to choose the corresponding grout to ensure you create a high-quality tile system. Grout is designed to fill gaps and spaces between tiles and reinforce them.
Types of Grout:
- Unsanded
- Finely sanded
- Epoxy grout
Opting for the correct grout for your needs can be tricky and not always DIY friendly. Your local Denton tile installation technician is familiar with these types and knows which will work best for your choice of tile.
It may help to know that cement grout (unsanded and finely sanded) will wear out over time, depending on the quality of the sealant and whether you use chemical cleaners to wipe the surfaces. Cracking or crumbling grout lines indicate moisture damage and can quickly affect the material underneath. Don’t ignore dirt and stains and frequently check the state of the sealant. If it looks worn, you might need to regrout and start with removing the first layer. Epoxy grout works best for repairs; however, you can also use it for your initial tile installation. Denton, TX handyman experts who use it work fast because epoxy dries quicker than standard cement. Using epoxy for your entire installation will lower your maintenance needs because epoxy is extremely durable and doesn't require sealing or grout cleaning.
Ready for Tile Installation in Denton TX?
Having your floors or shower walls redone shouldn’t be a headache. However, it can be time-consuming and complex. Our local team of Denton handymen have installed and repaired numerous tile systems for clients in Denton and surrounding areas, including Highland Village, Argyle, and Ponder.
Learn more about Denton tile installation or other popular handyman services that you can take advantage of during your next kitchen remodel or bathroom remodeling project. Call our expert customer service team today and let Mr. Handyman of Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Denton make a difference!