Flooring
Tile Flooring in Orange County, CA
Durable Surfaces With Exceptional Design Range
Tile can move in several design directions. It can be quiet and minimal, highly patterned, inspired by natural stone, designed to resemble wood or used as a strong architectural feature.
Its performance makes tile especially relevant in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and entry areas, while modern formats have expanded its use throughout the home.
The material and the installation both matter.
Request a Tile ConsultationPorcelain vs. Ceramic Tile
Both are ceramic materials, but they are not identical.
Porcelain Tile
Industry standards define porcelain tile as having water absorption of 0.5 percent or less under the applicable test method. That low absorption is one reason porcelain is frequently considered for demanding applications. Porcelain is available glazed or unglazed and in many sizes, finishes and designs.
Non-Porcelain Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile that does not meet the porcelain absorption definition can still perform very well in appropriate applications. Different ceramic products have different surface characteristics, glazes, wear ratings, water absorption and intended uses. The product should be matched to the room.
Where Tile Works Well
Tile is frequently considered for:
- —Bathrooms
- —Showers
- —Kitchens
- —Laundry rooms
- —Entryways
- —Mudrooms
- —Hallways
- —Connected indoor spaces
Always verify the manufacturer's intended area of use.
Large-Format Tile
Large-format tile can reduce the number of grout joints and create a clean architectural appearance.
It also makes substrate preparation particularly important. An uneven surface can make installation more difficult and affect the finished result. The tile size, pattern and substrate should therefore be considered together.
Tile Layout Matters
Before installation, determine:
- —Tile direction
- —Starting point
- —Grout-joint width
- —Pattern
- —Transitions
- —Cuts around walls and cabinets
- —Relationship to doors
- —Visual alignment with the room
These decisions are much harder to correct after installation begins.
What About Grout?
Grout color can either blend into the tile or make the layout more visible. The decision affects the finished design.
Grout performance and maintenance also vary by product. Choose the complete tile system rather than selecting tile first and treating grout as an afterthought.
Tile for Bathrooms
Tile remains an important bathroom material because products can be specified for wet environments. However, tile itself should not be confused with the entire waterproofing system. Bathroom performance depends on the substrate, installation materials, waterproofing where required, joints, transitions and complete assembly.
Tile for Kitchens
Tile can provide a durable kitchen floor with a broad design range. Consider how it connects visually and physically with cabinets, islands, adjoining hardwood, vinyl, other flooring and exterior doors. If the entire kitchen is being remodeled, coordinate tile layout with the overall project.
Tile vs. Natural Stone
Porcelain and ceramic tile are manufactured materials. Natural stone is quarried and has naturally occurring variation.
Modern porcelain can reproduce many stone visuals while providing more consistent characteristics.
Choose natural stone when authentic geological variation is a key part of the design. Choose tile when consistency, specific performance characteristics or a particular manufactured appearance better fits the project.
Tile Flooring FAQs
Is porcelain better than ceramic tile?
Not automatically. Porcelain has lower water absorption by definition, but both porcelain and non-porcelain ceramic products can be appropriate depending on the application.
Is porcelain tile waterproof?
Porcelain tile has very low water absorption, but a tile floor or shower is an assembly. Grout, joints, substrate and waterproofing details still matter.
Is large-format tile harder to install?
Larger tile can place greater demands on substrate flatness, layout and installation technique. Proper preparation becomes particularly important.
Does tile need grout?
Most tile installations include joints filled with grout, although the joint width and grout system vary by tile and application.
Can tile look like hardwood?
Yes. Modern manufacturing can create porcelain and ceramic tile with wood-inspired colors, plank formats and surface patterns.
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