Tile Flooring for the Winter

When decorating your home, you are mainly focused on how everything looks and compliments each other. This same outlook applies to the flooring in your home. However, when it comes to deciding which flooring is best for your home, you should definitely consider the overall aesthetic look, but you should also consider the climate that you live in.

If you live in a climate that is subject to long and cold winters, you will need to get flooring that won’t warp, expand or break – especially if your climate is prone to drastic temperature changes. One of the optimal choices for this is tile flooring.

Here we look specifically at tile flooring that would be suitable for the winter climates.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is a versatile flooring option that can deal with the harsh elements that winter brings. Here are some of the advantages that come with installing vinyl flooring:

Durable: vinyl tiles have a topping of a hard, durable wear layer. This allows the surface to be resistant to the scratches and scuffs that can come with shoes (especially shoes with salt in its soles). This resistant surface can withstand heavy traffic, which makes it perfect for those who trudge in with winter boots day in and day out.

Waterproof: this feature of vinyl makes it a popular option for bathrooms and kitchens. However, this is also well suited for the rest of the home because any melted ice and snow will simply stay on the surface, rather than seeping through.

Creative Designs: vinyl is highly customizable and comes in a variety of designs suited for the requirements of the buyer. You can get warmer tones, and even mimic natural stone and wood at the fraction of the price.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is a good option because it is warm to touch – which is great in the winter time when you do not want to wear thick socks inside your home. Here are some of the advantages that come with installing laminate flooring:

Efficient: It can mimic hardwood with less costs and maintenance!

Stable: this type of flooring does not expand or contract in high temperature or dry air – which makes it great for the colder climates.

Heating: another benefit is that laminate flooring works well with radiant heat systems, making it a popular option for those who live in wintery climates.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile flooring is a great and durable option for the winter time because it is easier to maintain with the foot traffic that brings in slush and snow. The ceramic will resist any etching that comes with any harsh chemicals that get tracked in such as salt, snow and more. A simple sealant will also solve any problems such as grout, leaving your tile hassle free all winter.

Ceramic tile is a durable option, and is considered a practical flooring type because it can use radiant heat during the winter time. Take the time to install in-floor radiant heat to keep your feet warm all winter long.

Ceramic tiles can come in a multitude of designs which can make it easy to match the overall elements of the room it will get installed in.

These type of tile flooring options are advantageous for the winter climates, and they are stylish too. Keep your home well insulated and your feet warm with any of these warm to the touch flooring options.

Your Guide to Buying Tile Flooring

Whether you’re building a new home or doing renovations, your flooring choices will make a very big difference in the outcome of your design.  There are, of course, many options out there, but if you’re looking for something durable, beautiful and long-lasting, you can’t go wrong with tile. 

When choosing tiles, there are a number of considerations; not every tile is created equal, so it’s important to know what to look for.  Did you know that tiles have ratings for several different categories?  These categories include the tile’s water absorption, friction coefficient, a grade, PEI rating, frost safety and tone.   These ratings can be found on the box, and it’s a good idea to go shopping armed with the knowledge to make an informed choice.

Tile Grade

A tile’s grade can fall anywhere between number 1 to number 3, with 1 being a top quality tile that will demand top prices.  Grade 2 is also a great choice for flooring; but it’s less expensive than a tile with a grade of 1.  If you see a box with a grade 3, this is a tile that’s best used for walls (backsplashes and such) and will not stand up to regular floor traffic.  Although a grade 1 or 2 tile can certainly be used on your walls, a grade 3 tile should never be installed as flooring.

PEI rating

PEI stands for the Porcelain and Enamel Institute’s wear rating.  You’ll only find this type of rating on a glazed tile, as this rating concerns itself with the glazed tile’s resistance to scuffs and marks.  If the box of tile you’re looking at doesn’t show a PEI rating, it’s because the tile is   unglazed.

Just as tile grades show different numbers for the different uses for tile, so too does the PEI rating.  If your tile is rated a number 3, it’s a good tile for normal wear and tear around your home.  Number 4 is even more durable, while a number 5 generally means the tile is more appropriate for commercial use.  A number 1 or 2 indicate a tile that’s good for use on walls, but shouldn’t be used on floors.

Tile slip resistance

Also known as a tile’s COF (coefficient of friction is a fancy way of saying slip resistance), this rating lets you know how slippery your floor will be.  A low COF means a more slippery floor, while a higher number means that the floor will allow for more traction.  This is an important consideration especially when it comes to small or elderly family members.

Water absorption rate

There are 4 different categories in the water absorption rate; the nonvitreous tile (not for use in bathrooms or other high moisture areas of the home, semivitreous (like nonvitreous, this tile isn’t good for high moisture areas), vitreous (can be used outdoors or in high moisture locations), and impervious (great for use in very high moisture areas).

Tile frost rating

If you’re using the tiles for inside your home, this rating won’t apply anyway, as your tile isn’t exposed to freeze and thaw cycles.

Tone rating

Toned tile will come into play when a tile is made to look like natural stone; there is a specific controlled variation from tile to tile.

How to Maintain Tile & Carpet Flooring

Your carpet and tile will look great for years to come, if you take care of it. To keep your flooring looking fantastic, follow these industry tips and tricks!

Tile Maintenance

Tile is easy to clean and water-resistant, which is what makes it a top choice for busy families and houses with a lot of foot traffic. Keeping your tile floors clean all depends on the type of tile you have.

All Types Tile:

●     Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove daily dirt build-up.

●     Always vacuum or sweep before moving on to other cleaning products.

●     Mop at least once a week to avoid wear and damage from abrasive debris.

●     Always allow floors to dry completely before walking on them.

Glazed Tile:

●     Use a non-oil, all-purpose cleanser that is formulated to clean grout joints.

●     For bathrooms: Choose a sprayable cleaner made to remove mildew, soap scum, and hard water deposits.

●     Use a sponge, soft cloth, or other non-abrasive tool to scrub. Never use metal brushes, as they will damage the glaze and grout.

●     Do not use acids or ammonia. They can weaken grout and damage tile glaze.

Unglazed Tile:

●     Use a balanced pH concentrated tile cleaner that is formulated for your type of flooring and foot traffic.

●     Avoid abrasive cleansers and tools. When in doubt, test a small area first to make sure it won’t damage the tile.

●     Don’t allow cleaners to sit on the tile, clean it away with water.

●     Glass tile can be cleaned with solutions made for either glass or tile, so long as it’s not abrasive.

Carpet Maintenance

Carpet is a plush and soft relief for those of us who spend all day on our feet. It may seem like a trap for dirt and stains, but with the right know-how you can easily keep your carpet looking fresh and spotless.

●     Vacuum regularly, at least once a week, to keep dirt from embedding itself too deep.

●     Use the right vacuum for your carpet type: Plush carpets need equipment with spinning brushes and bars while rougher indoor and outdoor types only need suction.

●     Hire a professional cleaner at least once a year, more often if you have a lot of traffic.

●     Never pull or tug debris out of the fibres, it only does more damage. It’s better to simply cut it out.

Dealing with Damage

Depending on the type of damage, some parts can be cleaned or cut away, while others might need to be patched or replaced. Here are some tips for dealing with common carpet catastrophes.

●     Stains - Treat spills immediately, as the longer they sit the deeper the stain will become. Do not rub but blot the fluid out. Use detergent or retail spot remover sparingly to avoid bleaching.

●     Burns - Cut the tops off the burned fibres if the burn is small. If a large area is affected, cut out the entire area and patch or replace it.

●     Water Damage - Consult a professional to deep clean both the top and bottom mat.

Common Flooring Options

When it comes to flooring options for your home there are so many options it can be difficult to know which is best.  You may even opt for a few different kinds of flooring depending on the specific use of the room.  It also helps to know how much prep or what types of prep or underlay your flooring may require.  Here are some of the most common flooring types available and a few key details about each.

Ceramic Tile

Less expensive than stone, waterproof and with fewer associated issues, ceramic tile is a very popular and low maintenance option for homeowners.  Colour options are endless which means that you will be able to find something that flows with the other decor and colour choices already in your home.  Ceramic tile comes in different sizes, is relatively simple to install, and can be heated for toasty toes during the colder months of the year.   A smooth surface makes it easy to keep clean with a simple sweep and mop, and most ceramic tiles are durable and can stand the rigours of family life with kids and critters.

Laminate

Another very popular choice, laminate won’t break the bank and can also be found in a variety of colours, widths and even textures.  Many laminates are very durable and will resist water damage.  It installs quickly whether you opt for the snap together variety or the glued type, and it can withstand all types of traffic and household uses, from your kitchen to your bathrooms to entry ways.

Hardwood

Beautiful, classic and often environmentally friendly, hardwood is another great choice that allows homeowners the ability to have it refinished when they tire of their floor colour. Although it is a fairly durable floor and small scratches or dings can be buffed out, hardwood isn’t the best choice for bathrooms as it is not moisture resistant.

Engineered Wood

If you just can’t live without the look of hardwood, an option you should consider is engineered wood flooring.  The plywood base gives the flooring some moisture protection, and the top layer is actually hardwood so you don’t have to sacrifice the style you’re after.  Engineered wood can also be very environmentally friendly, just look for products that have been harvested from well managed forests.

Vinyl

If you’re looking for something easy on the pocketbook, durable, and with a wide range of colour, designs and styles that can be installed in virtually any room in your home, don’t discount vinyl flooring.  This flooring type is far less expensive than most other flooring choices and is simple to maintain.

Carpet

Carpet is often the warmest and most comfortable option, although it would be odd to see it installed in a bathroom or kitchen.  Often the best choice for bedrooms and family rooms, carpet can hold up well to regular traffic and be a welcoming flooring option to come home to at the end of the day.  It comes in a wide variety of colours and styles to match your decor and taste.

5 Great Home Interior Styles

Are you looking to completely redo the interior of your home and are yearning for a great new style to work with? There are countless options out there when looking for interior styles, so it can be a little overwhelming when browsing for your home’s new look. Do you stick with a more modern style, or do you go vintage? Do you want to add as much of your own personal touch as possible, or do you want to keep things simple? Here are 5 trendy home interior styles that just might do it for you!

Eclectic

The eclectic interior style is for those of us with a creative flair. This style borrows from a number of different periods, styles, and trends. It’s meant to be twisted and moulded in different and unique ways, allowing for maximum expression! While it can be tempting to let loose and add all sorts of patterns, colours, and textures, it’s still important to keep a sense of balance between these things, while also blending old with new.

Minimalist

Minimalism is a trend that is fairly new, starting in the early twentieth century. This style was originally influenced by Japanese design and its simplicity, and it involves interiors being stripped down to their basic elements to create as little clutter as possible. The idea behind the minimalist style is that less is more, therefore any empty space is a design statement and is meant to be empty. Minimalist style should always be done with colour being used sparingly, since too many colours will just be a distraction from the simplicity.

Scandi

The scandi style is becoming more and more popular around the globe. This style is inspired by the snowy landscapes of the Nordic countries and is characterized by heavy use of the colour white. Too really feel like you’re warm and cozy in the Nordics, consider adding white wools, fabrics, and furs to wooden frameworks. The scandi style is all about sharp lines and lots of texture; it’s perfect if you’re looking for a clean and vibrant style.

Vintage

The Vintage style is most likely to create that home-sweet-home feeling we all know and love. While not old-fashioned, Vintage style seeks to evoke feelings of comfort while treating the eye to versatile design choices that can be either Charming or edgy, pretty or retro. A concept of open shelves leaves plenty of room for knick-knacks and more as you customize your vintage space.

Contemporary

The beauty of the contemporary interior style is that it is constantly evolving. This style is modern and current at heart, but there are constantly new additions to its essence, and what is considered a contemporary interior now will likely change as time goes on. As it stands today, contemporary interior styles include clean spaces, furniture with exposed legs that create a feeling of space, a lack of intricate details, and lots of metal and glass.

These are just 5 of the many beautiful and unique styles dominating the world of interior design today. A whole world of style and beauty is waiting for you, so get decorating!