SAHBA Home Hints
April 19, 2009
Beauty and Benefits of Tile Gain Popularity
Homeowners considering updating their floors can turn to tile for durability and easy maintenance. Tile is most common in kitchens and bathrooms but can be installed in any room to fit the desired look.
“Through the years, tile has become more and more popular and with good reason,” said Scott Michels of Andrew Lauren Interiors.
Tile is easy to maintain. While tile has to be swept and mopped, it comes as close as it can to being service free. Besides an occasional sealant (needed about every four years), it requires minimal regular cleaning. Tile isn't susceptible to staining; anything spilled can easily be wiped up.
Tile also is adaptable. It can be applied to nearly any surface whether indoors or out, it even is used on countertops in some homes.
Tile has an unlimited variety.
“Tile is available in multiple colors, sizes, and textures leaving homeowners with many options to create a design that will fit with their décor,” Michels, a SAHBA member, said. “Homeowners also are able to mix and match different tiles to create a more unique feel to their home.”
Tile is durable and easy to repair. Tile is great for high-traffic areas because of its strength and resiliency to wear and tear, and staining. While it is not as impact resilient, it is fairly easy to repair.
When a tile is broken, the homeowner can simply remove that tile and reinstall a replacement and grout the area. Tile repairs generally take less time than repairing a wood floor or a composite flooring surface.
Tile also is easy to install. While installing a tile floor may take a few days, it can be done by a first-timer. The basic installation involves cleaning the area, gauging the space, installing the tile, and grouting between the tiles.
Tile is a way to add value to a home. With a well-designed and installed tile floor, homeowners can increase the marketability of their home.
“Most importantly, homeowners should shop around to make sure they find exactly what they want. It's out there,” Michels said.
Details: Michels at scottm@andrewlauren.com.
SAHBA represents about 700 member businesses serving the residential construction industry in Pima and Cochise counties.
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