You can buy ceramic wood that imitates the look of almost any kind of species of tree. Keep in mind that real wood floors have a softer, warmer feel than ceramic wood, which can feel hard and cold. However, ceramic wood floors are easier to clean than real wood floors.
Porcelain does usually cost a little bit more than ceramic does, but it also usually lasts a little bit longer. Porcelain tiles come in lots of different patterns and colors, so you will have lots of options!
Cork is less expensive than most other types of tile, and it’s environmentally friendly. You can get cork in its natural color, or choose another color option if you prefer. Cork is softer than other kinds of floors, so it is a great option for kids. Dropped dishes and toys will be less likely to break if they fall on a cork floor.
Bamboo only takes 3 to 5 years to mature, whereas trees can take 20 years or more to mature, meaning that bamboo is more renewable and better for the environment. Opt for bamboo if you are going for a minimalist look in your home.
Mosaic is more expensive than most other tile options, and it can be really hard to install yourself. Most likely, you’ll have to hire someone to put it in for you. Also, keep in mind that mosaic can be difficult to repair if a tile breaks or grout needs to be replaced, so it is best for low-traffic areas of your home.
Slate will cost more than most other tiles will, but it will also outlast materials like ceramic and porcelain.
Marble generally costs about $5 more per square foot than other types of tile. Marble can be very slippery because of how smooth it is, so it may increase the risk of people falling in your home. This is not a good option for homes with children or elderly, and you may still need to cover it with a rug to reduce the risk of slipping on it.
Terracotta is a budget-friendly option, costing just $3 to $7 per square foot. This is a great option if your live in a hot or humid climate since terracotta will keep heat in during cooler times of the year.
Terrazzo is also really expensive, sometimes costing as much as $40 per square foot.
Ultimately, you want your tiles to be a color you won’t mind looking at every day. Bring home samples of different colors and styles to see what looks best in your living room before making a final decision.
Light furniture and bright curtains would look great with a dark floor. Keep in mind that dark colors hide stains and dirt easier, but chips will be more noticeable.
Think of your floor as a canvas. You can design it however you’d like! Combine dark and light tiles for contrast, or go with a pattern that you like.
Larger tiles also mean less grout that you’ll inevitably have to clean. Larger tiles also look more modern than small tiles. However, keep in mind that small tiles are more slip-resistant than large tiles.
Browse magazine and websites for some decoration inspiration. There are lots of fun ways to arrange tiles apart from the classic methods you see most often.
A plain floor gives you a lot of creative space to decorate with art and furniture in the living room.
An off-white or gray grout will tie light tiles together, drawing less attention down to the ground. Choose grout that matches the tile color for a seamless look. You can make 8th-inch grout lines. [16] X Expert Source Art FrickeHome Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2020. Tiles are not exactly uniform in size. For example, if there is a difference of 64th of an inch in their width or height, an 8th-inch grout line can camouflage it. But with 16th-inch grout lines, the difference is noticeable. [17] X Expert Source Art FrickeHome Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.
A dark grout with light tiles will give your tiles more contrast and create more of a pattern. Likewise, dark tile with light grout will achieve the same contrast.
Measuring your living room correctly will help you make decisions about brands and companies based on the cost per square foot.
If you have fabric or paint swatches from when you painted or bought new furniture, take them along with you, too. Make sure to bring the pictures of the room along with you when you go shopping for tile.
Keep in mind that colors often look different online or in the store than they do in person or in your living room. Check the tiles at different times of day to see how they look with different levels of light.
Before buying tile from any location, you could write down the name and details for the tile and then search it online to see if you find it anywhere else for a less expensive price. Watch for closeouts and discontinued tile, which you may be able to get for a very low price.
If you can, double-check the tile for any damage or cracks right when it’s delivered. If there are any broken tiles, call the company and arrange for replacements right away. That way there will be no discrepancy about when the damage actually occurred.
