Picking floor tile is the fun part. Making it look right for 30 years comes down to a few choices most people never think about. Here are quick answers to the floor tile questions we get most in Springfield and the surrounding area.
Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for floors?
Porcelain is denser and absorbs less water, so it is tougher and the better choice for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and basements. Ceramic is softer and usually cheaper, and it works well on walls and in low-traffic rooms. For most floors we recommend porcelain.
What is lippage and how do you prevent it?
Lippage is when the edge of one tile sits higher than the tile next to it. You can feel it with bare feet and see it when light hits the floor. We use tile leveling clips on every floor so neighboring tiles cure perfectly flush.
Can large tiles go on any floor?
Large tile, like 24 by 24 or long plank tile, needs a very flat floor. A dip that small tile would hide can make a big tile rock or crack. We check flatness during the free measure and level the floor where it needs it.
How wide should grout lines be?
Rectified tile (factory-cut with sharp, exact edges) can use thin joints around 1/16 to 1/8 inch. Tile with softer, less exact edges needs wider joints, often 3/16 inch or more. The tile manufacturer lists the minimum joint for each tile, and we never go below it.
Which layout makes a small room look bigger?
A diagonal layout or larger tile with fewer grout lines both make a small room feel more open. For long plank tile, a 1/3 offset looks natural and avoids the lippage that a 1/2 offset can cause, which is why many manufacturers recommend it. See every option in our tile layout guide.
Can you put tile over a wood subfloor?
Yes, if the floor is stiff enough. Tile and grout crack when a floor bounces, so we check the subfloor and usually add an uncoupling membrane or backer board before setting tile over wood.
Is wood-look tile a good alternative to hardwood?
For kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements, yes. Wood-look porcelain gives the warm plank look but will not swell, scratch or stain like real wood, and it is safe for wet areas.
How soon can I walk on a new tile floor?
Usually after about 24 hours for light foot traffic, and a few days before moving heavy furniture back. Want a price for your floor? Try the instant estimate or book a free measure.