Here’s a riddle: You walk all over it all the time without giving it a thought, yet it is an integral part of making your house a home. What is it?

Answer: Your floor.

The floor is not something you pay close attention to. But it plays a large role in creating the atmosphere or “feel” of your home. And if the floor is dirty or damaged, you probably will take note. Some of us seem to be hardwired to notice negative things more easily.

That’s why it’s important to choose a floor that not only looks fabulous but is easy to keep looking fabulous too. Tile flooring is a great way to do that. Plus, it’s such a versatile material there is a lot you can do with it.

Let’s look at three tile flooring ideas to help you get started.

Tile That Looks Like Wood

Tile that is made to look like wood is not necessarily a new tile, but it is big right now. Why? Because wood floors look so sophisticated and beautiful.

But they also tend to require a lot of upkeep. Not only that, but it is easy to scratch them when moving furniture around. Even wearing high-heeled shoes indoors can leave unsightly marks.

Tile, on the other hand, is an incredibly easy option to maintain. It is durable, lasts for years, and you don’t have to worry about scratching it when you slide out a chair to sit down.

Take that durability and pair it with the timeless beauty of a hardwood floor. That’s the beauty of tile that looks like wood.

Tile That Looks Like Fabric

Yes, you read that right. You may not have heard of this unique trend in tile flooring designs yet, but it’s getting big. There are now tiles that are textured and made to look like fabric.

Residential carpet tile gives you the best of both worlds: All the easy maintenance and clean up that you love from modern flooring tile, with the soft look of a comfy fabric.

Keep in mind that, as far as trends go, this may be one that won’t stick around for long. It has more appeal as something that nobody else is doing. Once it catches on and more people are aware of it, its popularity may fizzle since it will have lost its novelty.

Tile That Looks Like Metal

Metal tends to be popular among homeowners who like an ultra-modern, sleek look.

A metal floor in the bathroom is an interesting idea that will definitely make your home unique. But, metal as a flooring material is a bit impractical. It won’t stay shiny and nice without a lot of polishing, and it would be easy to scratch.

Instead, go for tile that looks like metal. Then you’ll get an ultra-modern feel without the upkeep that real metal would require.

Tile Flooring Ideas Galore

There are plenty of popular tile flooring ideas out there. In fact, you can practically create any look you want with the right tile. Plus, tile flooring can take a beating and still look amazing, which makes it a smart investment for your home.

If you’re ready to get started planning your new floors, reach out to us today for ideas, inspiration, and options!

A kitchen is one of the most heavily used rooms in every home. Important family gatherings come together in the kitchen, so why not design it into a space you love? Before you start, however, remember that designing the perfect kitchen can be a daunting task. There seems to be no end to the choices, especially when it comes to kitchen tiles.

The best way to make your dream kitchen come true is to browse the latest design trends. Once you gather your inspiration, you’ll be able to narrow down your options easily.

Check out these kitchen tile trends to find the right style for you!

Colored Tiles

A color palette conveys the mood of your kitchen. In 2018, homeowners are becoming more adventurous with the range of color palettes they choose.

Using a wider array of colors can help transform your kitchen into an engaging environment. Pastel palettes create a cool, calm space, while greyscale conveys something more serious and moody. You can even branch out to metallic tiles for a really unconventional look.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain is not only great for its durability, but it can be molded into many different styles.

One popular look is to use concrete styled porcelain tiles. They can open up a kitchen and make it look much more modern. You can also use these tiles to customize your benchtop.

Wood Tiles

While hardwood looks amazing, wood tiles are less susceptible to damage. They also look pretty great.

Due to their popularity, you can find wood tiles in a variety of styles. You can sift through natural, light tones, or choose something richer. You can even find wood tiles in gray.

Subway Tiles

These New York subway-inspired tiles have been a huge hit. They’re small and rectangular, and can lend a modern feel without the severity of concrete.

They’re especially easy to clean, won’t be affected by heat, and can be purchased at lower price points than other kinds of tiles. Of course, you can also find expensive, handmade, and beautiful subway tiles as well.

3-D Tiles

This trend is especially fresh, so fresh in fact that many people don’t even realize it’s an option. These tiles can create the most interesting splash backs or wall features. They add texture and can make your space futuristic.

In fact, you can also find 3-D tile flooring designs. These won’t literally be 3-D, like the ones used for wall designs, but they generate the same effect.

Geometric Tiles

Don’t limit yourself to the classic but predictable, rectangular tiles. You can branch out into so many more shapes.

Hexagonal tiles are popular now, and they can make your flooring look much more chic and intriguing. With parallelogram shaped tiles, you can even get a chevron effect going. Patterning can really make an interesting design statement.

Find the Perfect Kitchen Tiles

Once you’ve decided on the color and style of the kitchen tiles you want, it’s time to make a purchase.

At My Affordable Flooring LLC., we provide top-quality flooring for homeowners throughout southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Racine. Contact us to get started on your dream kitchen project!

You’ve been planning to renovate your bathroom for some time now. And you’re finally making it happen. From a new sink to a new shower head, it all seems simple enough. Until you get to the flooring.

How are you supposed to know which bathroom tiles are best for your home? Not to worry: You’ve found the answers. Read on to figure out if porcelain or ceramic tiles are best for you.

Porcelain Bathroom Tiles

Porcelain is a type of floor tile that is a subcategory of ceramic tiles. To be labeled as porcelain the tile has to:

• have an absorption rate of 0.5% or less
• be made up of clay
• be heated to high temperatures

When shopping for tile in Racine (or anywhere else really!), you’ll want to look out for fake porcelain. Since porcelain needs to be certified a specific way, there can be many fakes on the market.

Advantages

• Porcelain is more heat resistant than ceramic. This can be a good thing in the case of fires within a household. It makes it harder for the fire to reach the bathroom.
• Porcelain is also known to have a long lifespan, so you will most likely not need to replace it. It can last up to 50 years or longer if it is installed the right way.
• These bathroom tiles are easier to maintain, as they are less absorbent than ceramic.
• They are stain resistant, so cleaning will mean an easy wipe down.
• They are also resistant to cracking and need to be certified to be called porcelain.

Disadvantages

• Weight is one of the biggest disadvantages of porcelain tiles. They can be very heavy. As a result, this can make the installation process difficult.
• These tiles need to be installed correctly in order for them to last.
• Another factor that should play into your decision is how you feel about grout. Grout is the filling between porcelain tiles and can be hard to clean.

Ceramic Bathroom Tiles

Ceramic is a broader category that porcelain is found under. It is also made up of clay, and it can be used for many functions, from roofs to tabletops.

Advantages

• The great thing about ceramic bathroom tiles is that there are so many different kinds. There can be ceramic tiles that even resemble wood floors.
• There are also many designs that one can make with them. This is probably because ceramic tiles are less dense, which allows them to be easily cut.
• These tiles are also easy to take care of. Since they have a protective layer, it helps keep them water resistant.
• Ceramic tiles are often cheaper than porcelain tiles.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of ceramics often revolve around being of lesser quality than porcelain. For instance, ceramics:

• are less durable than porcelain
• have a shorter lifespan
• are heavy

As a result, they will need to be replaced a lot sooner. Also, they are not recommended for upper floor renovations. Using these on upper levels can cause damage to the floor.

Check out our Blog

The best bathroom tile type for your home depends on what you are looking for. Ceramics are better for more aesthetic bathrooms, while porcelain is more functional. Either way, if you live in the Racine area and want new tile for your bathroom, we can help you figure out which is best for your needs.

For more tips on flooring, visit our blog to learn more.

There are a number of benefits that you and your family can enjoy when you make stylish upgrades to your home. You will be able to enjoy the new aesthetics of your space, and it may also boost the value of your home if you ever decide to resell it.

Not all updates are equal though. Some, like complete kitchen revamps or full bathroom renovations, require significant time commitments and large budgets that may not be possible for everyone.

For a change that is just as impactful but more budget-friendly, consider upgrading the floors throughout your home. Something as simple as installing colored floor tiles can give any room in your house a completely new look.

Below, we’re sharing ideas for ways that you can incorporate this kind of pop of color into any room of your space. Read on to learn more, and get ready to enjoy your brand-new look!

Use Colored Floor Tiles in the Kitchen

Some home design trends come and go, but a white kitchen is consistently popular. People tend to like a natural look in this space, especially when it comes to their cabinets, countertops, and appliances.

There is plenty of opportunity to add color somewhere unexpected when the rest of the room is a blank slate. Using colored tiles on your kitchen floor goes a long way in giving the entire room a dose of new personality. It can make the room stand out in a way that feels special because it is different from other, plain white kitchens.

In the Master Suite

Your master bed and bath should be designed to match your personal taste, and using colored floor tiles can help you make the space feel more like your own.

You have some flexibility to be more creative in your design because your master suite is probably the most private area of your home. Consider creating a patterned floor with more than one color or selecting a shade that might seem too bold or bright for other rooms.

In the Mudroom

A dark colored tile floor is a great option for an indoor-outdoor space like a mudroom because this type of flooring doesn’t show as much dirt and debris as hardwood or carpet.

You and your family will be able to leave your dirty or wet shoes in the space, confident in the knowledge that the floor can handle the wear. Another benefit is that cleaning is simple when the time does come to tidy up.

Ready to Add Colored Floor Tiles to Your Home?

Tile flooring is a great option for any room of your house because it has aesthetic appeal and is built to stand the test of time. With a colored tiled floor, you can achieve the kind of personal look that can really make the space feel uniquely yours. No matter what your style, there is a way to create a look you’ll love.

For more information about why tile flooring is right for you—and how we can help you install it in your home—please contact us at any time.

Not all flooring is created equal. When it comes to natural stone and tile, each option is great in its own way. They are both great options for your home’s resale value.

But natural stone and tile have their own characteristics that make them unique. Choosing the best flooring option comes down to a matter of your taste and specific needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding between natural stone and tile for your floor.

Natural Stone And Tile: Which Is Better?

The real estate market is constantly shifting, making it difficult to predict which trends will come and go. No matter which you go with, there will be benefits and drawbacks to each. Let’s take a look at what you get with natural stone and tile to help you figure which is the best option for your renovation project.

Stone Floors

Some flooring trends will never change, however. Stone floors will always be the Cadillac gold standard of home renovation. Yet, they’re not without their downsides.

Begin by deciding on the color and texture of the stone flooring you’ll want. A few common options for stone flooring include:

• Slate
• Marble
• Travertine
• Granite

Slate is a metamorphic stone. It starts out as a sedimentary rock and is compressed via high temperatures and compression over vast amounts of time. This makes slate smoother than the other most common stone flooring on the market.

Marble, limestone, and travertine are all sedimentary stones. Sedimentary stone is comprised of natural fossil remains, compressed over time. This gives a rougher, more textured appearance and consistency.

Granite is an igneous stone. Igneous stones are created by the heating and cooling of volcanic rock. It is the most durable and most resistant to cracks.

You can learn more about natural stone and tile flooring by reading Better Home & Garden’s Guide To Stone Flooring.

Benefits of Stone Flooring:

• Resistant to weather and wear
• More valuable than ceramic tile
• Timeless

Drawbacks of Stone Flooring:

• More expensive than ceramic tile
• Inconsistent colors and textures
• Can be harder to maintain

Natural stone is a great investment for resale value, but it does require more of an initial investment.

Tile Floors

Tile flooring is also a classic flooring option. Its vivid colors make it perfect for a vibrant interior design. It’s durable enough to withstand the strains of time. However, tile floors can be a bit more delicate than stone flooring.

Benefits of Tile Flooring:

• Consistent colors and patterns
• Easy to clean
• Less expensive than natural stone

Drawbacks of Tile Flooring:

• Less weather resistant
• Breakable
• Not as resistant to cold

There are perks and drawbacks to both natural stone and tile flooring. It all boils down to your vision of your ideal home and how you hope to use it.

Need Help Realizing Your Dream Home?

With over 20 years of experience in the flooring industry, we offer world-class flooring solutions at the best possible price. Contact us today to set up an appointment or request a quote.

Tiles are no longer just for kitchens and bathrooms. Many homeowners nowadays like the sophisticated look and durability of tile in many rooms of the house.

By taking good care of your tiles, you will protect your investment, keep your floors looking beautiful, and safeguard the health of your family as well. This is why if tiles are a primary material in your home, you need to keep in mind a few key facts about tile maintenance.

1. No Heavy Bleaches or Disinfectants

Tiles are porous and can absorb the chemicals in harsh cleaning products. Bleach and acid can diminish the color of tiles and even cause them to crumble over time.

If you have installed a tile floor in your home, you have made an important investment. You need to make sure that it lasts and stays looking nice, both for your own enjoyment and for the home’s future owner as well.

Cleaning experts recommend sticking with natural products. Mopping with a mixture of hot water and vinegar is all you need to do for effective tile maintenance. Avoid wax or oil-based detergents, and make sure you always rinse the floor clear of any cleaning product after you mop.

2. Clean Often

Clean tiles make your house sparkle, but they also serve an important hygienic purpose: Tiles can absorb spilled food or dirt tracked in from outside, and without proper tile maintenance, this can lead to germs and bacteria.

To keep your family healthy, you need to wipe down or mop your tile floors at least once per day. There is no need to scrub. In fact, scrubbing your tile floors too vigorously and too frequently might cause damage. Stick with gentle products and cleaning processes to maintain your floors for a long time.

If daily cleaning is difficult, you might consider a vinyl tile. Luxury vinyl tiles mimic expensive materials like slate and porcelain, but they are easier to take care of. With this durable option, all you need to do is sweep up the dirt and occasionally mop with a non-abrasive product.

3. Pay Attention to Grout

Grout is a magnet for dirt, and dirty grout can make the rest of your tile floor look dingy and old. Sometimes grout takes a little more effort to keep clean than the rest of your floor but ignoring it will bring unwanted results.

Most experts recommend natural cleaning products like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Baking powder added to water like a paste can create a natural bleaching agent for grout without being too abrasive.

For extra protection, you can also use coating sealer on grout to keep it looking fresh and new.

If you really want to keep your grout in tip-top shape, a toothbrush will get out the most stubborn dirt. An electric toothbrush works, too, and will save you a little elbow grease.

Tile Maintenance Protects Your Family and Your Investment

Keeping your tile floors sparkling clean makes your home more welcoming and appealing to friends, family, and  prospective buyers. Just a little effort at tile maintenance will pay off in a happy, healthy home for you now and in the future.

For more information on keeping your tile floors in perfect condition, contact us.