Replies

1. 
   hvtrimguy | Sep 11, 2007 02:42am | #1

   Ellen,

   I'm not an experienced tile person but I've done enough renovations that I've learned some things to look at in regards to floor tiles.

   First - there are wall tiles and there are floor tiles. make sure you pick floor tiles.

   second , ceramic tiles are the easiest to install and maintain. if the grout is sealed or if an epoxy grout is used then staining shouldn't be an issue.
   be aware that epoxy grout is hard to work with however and may be overkill in your situation.

   third , better tiles are more consistent in size and have a better wear layer.

   fourth - smaller tiles will give better traction (less slippery) also there are tiles with textured surfaces.

   I'm not to familiar with the differences between porcelain and ceramic so I will defer to someone else on the forum

   finally, you are correct that stone of any kind is more labor intensive to install and also must be sealed so use a professional for that.

   hope I helped a little,

   Jason

   "it aint the work I mind,
   It's the feeling of falling further behind."

   Bozini Latini

   http://www.ingrainedwoodworking.com

2. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 11, 2007 02:59am | #2

   Almost no tile designed as a floor tile is slippery.  Both porcelain and terra cotta have a matte finish and neither would be particularly slippery.  If you needed extra slip resistance, such as in a restaurant then there are tiles with grit in the surface.  But the gritty surface makes cleaning more difficult and no one uses them in residences.

   Porcelain won't stain because it is non porous.  Terra cotta might depending on it's composition, but it's used in fast food restaurants so most are fairly resistant.

   Terra cotta is formed to a consistent size and thickness and presents no problems with installation, unless you buy something like Mexican Saltillo tile, which are hand made and very inconsistent.  They are also fired at very low temperatures and are porous like a sponge.

   The installation cost for either terra cotta and porcelain would be nearly identical, and should not sway your choice.  Buy what looks good in your room.

1. 
   brownbagg | Sep 11, 2007 03:42am | #3

   just stain the concrete.Haga su trabajo de fricken

1. 
   peteshlagor | Sep 11, 2007 06:02am | #5

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=94453.4

   Sorry, I meant it for the OP.

    

   Edited 9/10/2007 11:02 pm ET by peteshlagor

2. 
   MtnBoy | Sep 11, 2007 05:55pm | #7

   Okay. I'm thinking about doing an entire house and skipping the tile altogether. It's a one story concrete slab on grade with infloor hydronic radiant heat, so stained concrete is a perfect fit. You know why I'm reluctant to do that? Because everywhere I read you've gotta baby that concrete and you don't a good ceramic tile. The manufacturers say you've gotta reseal it every 5 years or so. Um...move the furniture out, or shuffle it from room to room. Apply an ungodly smelly and probably toxic coating, probably more than one coat, let it dry, move the furniture back. Repeat till you finish. Repeat in 5 years.Also, some of the folks who have the stained concrete say the staining wears off/fades in time. They're maybe just not resealing it often enough. And, your routine maintenance is increased, too. You need to wax and buff it. Fine if you've got a janitor who comes in and does it with machines. The average homeowner--no. When (not if) the concrete cracks it's kinda hard to repair in an attractive and convenient way. Whereas with today's crack suppressants used on, say a slab, under tile you're unlikely to have a problem.Around here the stained concrete is coming into fashion again (first time since post WWII) so the cost to install is comparable with ceramic tile.For equivalent price, I think I oughtta stay with a less troublesome flooring. Unless, of course, you know something I don't--and are willing to tell me.

3. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Sep 11, 2007 05:25am | #4

   Just used American Olean 'Metroplex' tile (porcelain) with Laticrete SpectraLock (water-based epoxy) grout - this is an UNBEATABLE combination - results are fantastic.

    

   Jeff

4. 
   docotter | Sep 11, 2007 06:39am | #6

   Glazed ceramic and porcelain floor tiles are generally durable and pretty much maintenance free. Unless you choose a grout color that doesn't hide dirt very well. Maintenance should be pretty much restricted to vacuuming and a wet mop. Your tile supplier should be able to tell you about the relative slip resistance of a particular tile. Sliperiness is measured in terms of the static coefficient of friction. Usually dry tile isn't a major concern, however, wet tile can be slipery. If you expect water then a less slippery tile is a good idea. For instance, I put a slip resistant tile on my back porch, which exits to a swimming pool.

   Terra cotta and quary tile will usually be sealed and then periodically stripped and resealed. Kind of a PITA if you ask me.

   Materials costs are all over the map. My supplier has good class III ceramic tile for $2.50 a foot. They also have stuff that's $45 a foot (!). How the total costs work out depend a lot on materials and labor costs in your area. Your flooring guy ought to be able to give you a WAG on labor and installation materials (thinset, etc...) per foot to install various types of tile. Go to the tile supplier(s) that he uses and look at what they have.