Ceramic tile floors in Michigan during the winter months?Are you crazy? Don't you know that it's cold? Don't you know that it's expensive? Don't you know that it's hard to take care of? Of course I know!You don't need to really know anything about ceramic tile, porcelain, marble or granite to know that the above statements are true.
But as one of my favorite radio icons likes to mention from time to time:"Here's the rest of the story" Please allow me to preface this article a bit.
I have been involved in the Tile & Stone industry in some capacity for the last 15 years.
I don't claim to know everything about this ever changing and exciting industry, however, I am eager to learn more each and every day.
The one thing I think I have a grasp on are excuses.
Excuses of why not to use this type of flooring in the home.
Old homes or new homes, it doesn't matter.
The excuses of why not to use ceramic, porcelain, marble or granite are usually the one thing in this industry that doesn't seem to change.
But I would humbly submit the following reasons as to why one should throw out the excuses and consider, in fact, to make this type of flooring their number one choice when it comes to selecting a new or different floor for the home.
Number one, It's cold.
Are you kidding me?That's great for the Summer months!Or at least the two weeks of Summer we seem to enjoy in Michigan?!There are a number of fantastic Heat floor systems made specifically for tile as well.
Yes, it adds cost to the overall project but it also makes this excuse not applicable.
Number two excuse:It's expensive.
So is gasoline, and it doesn't last nearly as long!Sorry, back on topic.
It's expensive compared to other types of flooring, perhaps.
But if installed correctly, the ceramic tile floor will never need to be replaced, re-finished, re-sealed, etc.
over it's lifetime.
In many instances, it's lifetime lasts longer than the homeowner lasts.
Sounds like a good investment to me! Number three excuse, it's hard to take care of.
This one puzzles me a bit, I have to admit.
In my opinion, and other opinions of those whom I respect, not necessarily in this industry either, the ceramic tile floor, again if installed correctly, will limit overallmaintenance tremendously.
With minimal care, your ceramic floor will be enjoyed for years to come.
I think of an equation that looks something like this in regards to this excuse:poor installation = much maintenance.
good installation = minimal maintenance.
Of course, there are many other excuses that I may share at some other point and surely you're thinking of a few yourself right now.
I know there are many good choices for flooring, but it is my opinion that none offer the benefits that ceramic, porcelain, marble or granite can offer!! Enjoy your new warm, solid investment, maintenance free tile floor.