Tile Flooring in Grayslake, Illinois

Flooring shouldn't be a compromise between durability and style, and tile flooring offers a wide variety of distinctive looks with no loss of functional benefit.

No matter if the challenge is cleaning up for dinner guests on short notice or shaking off the salt and sleet of coming in from a snowstorm, Floor Decor Carpet One has a wide selection of tile flooring meant to handle the wear and tear that comes with active family life and keep its sleek and clean look with minimal maintenance.

If you're ready to give your home a refreshed and revived new kitchen, bath or living room, reach out to the friendly tile flooring design experts at Floor Decor Carpet One today!

Why Choose Tile Flooring?

Tile flooring is an intersection of durability, ease of care, and choice of color and pattern. Unlike wood or carpet, tile does not absorb liquid, making it an ideal material for rooms like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens.

Tile is also an ideal choice for entryways and halls, as just a routine mopping can clear away Grayslake's seasonal dirt, salt and melted snow with ease.

What Types of Tiles Are Available?

While tile flooring may be what comes to mind first when picturing kitchen or bathroom design, tile can also protect, highlight and personalize walls and backsplashes as well!

Wall tile refers to the more traditional form of tiling, which can vary in color, texture, and shape. Wall tiles can be arranged in intricate patterns or more minimalist, straightforward designs. Popular styles of wall tile include square tiles, subway tiles, mosaic designs, or decorative patterned tiles.

Wall plank tiles are long, narrow cuts of tile that can be laid out like boards, slats, or upright panels. Plank tiles are typically rectangular and can mimic the look of natural wood grain, to give a rich and earthy look to a bathroom without compromising moisture resistance.

What Are the Most Common Tile Flooring Materials?

Ceramic is generally the most affordable kind of tile and is one of the easiest kinds of flooring to maintain. Available in countless colors and patterns, ceramic is also relatively easy to install. It is less dense than porcelain and may wear quicker in high-traffic areas than its counterparts.

Porcelain is much denser and more durable than ceramic, and highly resistant to spills and moisture. Porcelain tiles can come in realistic wood and stone patterns, allowing them to match the overall design of a space without sacrificing any of the advantages of tile. It does require a bit more installation work than ceramic and can be cold underfoot.

Natural Stone tiles can be made from materials like marble, granite, slate, and limestone and give a unique luxury look as no two cuts of stone will be the same. This unique and high-end feature can contribute to the value of your home. Maintenance will depend on which stone is used.

How is Tile Installed?

Before installation begins, the installer will remove the previous flooring or wall and inspect the subfloor or backing for any damage or debris that need to be addressed. This is particularly important for tile, as there is no "give" to the surface like carpet or vinyl.

The installer will then measure the area, dry-lay a few rows of tile to try the layout and adjust to avoid narrow cuts.

Then, thinset mortar will be applied to the surface of the workspace with a trowel, and the tiles are set into the mortar and aligned using spacers. Installers routinely check throughout the process for consistent spacing and level surfaces.

Once the tiles have been set, the mortar is typically given about a day to set, after which the grout is sealed and, if the floor or wall is being tiled with a natural stone, that will be treated as well.

If this sounds a bit daunting, not to worry! Floor Decor Carpet One offers in-house installation services to make sure your floor comes out just the way you picture it!

What's the Difference Between Wall and Floor Tile?

Wall tiles are generally glossier and more decorative than floor tiles and are not built to withstand the weight or wear of floor tiles. They are ideal for shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, and decorative elements.

Floor tiles are sturdier and meant to handle foot traffic and furniture and will generally weigh more than wall tiles. Floor tiles can be styled to resemble wood and stone floors and are built to last.

While it is possible to use floor tiles on the wall, if the wall is strong enough to support the extra weight, it is generally not a good idea to use wall tiles on the floor. Wall tiles are not built to withstand weight, scratches, and wear.

What's the Right Type of Tile for My Shower?

While shower walls can feature a wide variety of decorative wall tiles, a more durable and non-slip porcelain floor tile may be the right choice for its moisture resistance, security and durability.

How Can I Maintain My Tiles?

Ceramic tile floors benefit from being mopped regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner, in addition to being swept. Wipe up spills as soon as possible but avoid abrasive pads or chemicals like bleach.

Porcelain tile floors are among the easiest to maintain, with a regular sweep or vacuuming being enough to clear away dust and debris with ease.

For less frequent but deeper cleans, a mop with water or a manufacturer-approved cleanser can leave the floor looking fresh and new. Avoid steel wool which may scratch the floor surface or too much soap, which might leave behind a film.

Natural stone floors require the most attention of the three and are porous, which means extra caution is needed concerning liquids and chemicals. Frequent dust-mopping can keep the floors dirt-free. Depending on the type of stone used, the floor should be re-sealed from every 6 months to three years.

What Tile Designs Are Popular in My Area?

Wood-look porcelain plank tile is a popular tile trend in the Grayslake area, lending the cozy warmth of wood to home interiors. Natural stone looks are also a common stylistic choice, emphasizing a rustic, homey vibe which can offset the cold and dark of a Midwestern winter.

Large-format tiles are also a popular choice for projects in the Lake County area, as the wider panels leave fewer grout lines and lend a cleaner, wider appearance.

Decorative mosaic accents and "spa-like" bathroom designs are also popular, as homeowners seek to cultivate a soft and warm character for the spaces they use every day.

Why Floor Decor Carpet One Floor & Home?

Professional installation helps a homeowner be sure the job is done right the first time, and the friendly and experienced professionals at Floor Decor Carpet One are ready to see your design vision through.

Floor Decor Carpet One also offers the Carpet One Beautiful Guarantee, to ensure you love your new tile space!

Floor Decor Carpet One is proud to serve the Grayslake area! Schedule a free in-home flooring estimate today!