Tile for Every Room: Selecting the Best Option for Your Space

For timeless style and modern day performance, we always recommend tile as an excellent flooring choice for our Rockledge, FL homeowners, primarily due to our region’s humid climate and our coastal lifestyle! Rockledge, like much of the Florida coast, experiences a humid subtropical climate with high humidity levels and frequent rainfall, especially during our long, hot summers. Florida’s year-round warmth means staying cool indoors is a priority! Tile naturally stays cooler to the touch than carpet or wood, a welcome relief in the peak summer months.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are non-porous and highly resistant to moisture absorption. Accidental spills, tracked-in rainwater, or even minor leaks from appliances are less likely to cause damage to tile floors, especially porcelain, which is nearly waterproof. This also significantly reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, which can be a major issue with humidity and contribute to indoor air quality problems. Not to mention, tile is ideal for high-traffic areas and can resist scratches, dents, and wear from sand and debris tracked in from outside.

We also adore the design versatility that tile offers in a vast array of colors, patterns, sizes, and textures! For all of these combined reasons, consider tile when shopping for new flooring in Florida coastal properties. Here are some savvy tile ideas for every room in the home:

General Tile Considerations for Florida Homes

• Porcelain vs. Ceramic: Porcelain is generally more durable, denser, and less porous than ceramic, making it better for high-traffic areas and wet environments. Ceramic is often more affordable and comes in a wider variety of colors and patterns.
• Natural Stone: Offers a luxurious and unique look but requires more maintenance (sealing) and can be more susceptible to scratches and stains.
• Slip Resistance: Crucial for bathrooms and kitchens. Look for tiles with a higher coefficient of friction (COF).
• Grout Lines: Smaller grout lines create a more seamless look, while larger ones can be more forgiving for installation. Matching grout color to the tile can minimize their appearance.
• Large Format Tiles: Can make a room feel larger due to fewer grout lines, especially in smaller spaces like bathrooms.

How to Use Tile in Florida Kitchens

Porcelain tile is highly recommended for kitchens due to its durability, stain resistance, and water resistance. It can also mimic the look of wood, stone, or concrete, offering a variety of aesthetic choices. Since kitchens are high-traffic areas prone to spills, dropped items, and general wear and tear, porcelain can withstand these demands:

• Wood-Look Porcelain: Offers the warmth of hardwood with the benefits of tile.
• Stone-Look Porcelain: Provides a sophisticated and elegant feel without the maintenance of natural stone.
• Geometric or Patterned Porcelain: Add a fun, unique personality to kitchen flooring or backsplash.

How to Use Tile in Small Bathrooms

Porcelain or Ceramic tile with good slip resistance is the key here! Consider lighter colors and larger format tiles, as well as mosaic tiles for a unique design feature. Small bathrooms benefit from design choices that make them feel larger and brighter. Durability and water resistance are also your biggest priorities:

• Large-Format, Light-Colors: Fewer grout lines create a more expansive feel. Light colors reflect light, making the space appear bigger.
• Hexagon/Penny Mosaic Tiles: These can add visual interest and texture, particularly on the floor or a shower wall, without overwhelming the space.
• Glossy Wall Tile: Can help reflect light and brighten the room. For floors, prioritize slip resistance with a matte or textured finish.

How to Use Tile in Master Bathrooms

Consider porcelain or natural Stone like marble and travertine. Master bathrooms often serve as a personal retreat, and you can lean into more luxurious and aesthetic choices while still prioritizing practicality and good slip resistance:

• Marble or Marble-Look Tile: Creates a timeless, elegant, and luxurious feel.
• Large-Format Porcelain Planks: Can create a seamless, high-end look.
• Textured or Patterned Tiles: Can be used on accent walls or for a feature in the shower to add visual depth and interest.
• Honed Finishes: For natural stone, a honed finish can offer better slip resistance than polished.

How to Use Tile in Living Rooms

Living rooms are often high-traffic areas where durability and aesthetic appeal are both important. Explore porcelain tile that mimics wood, stone, or concrete, as well as ceramic tile for lower traffic areas. Tile will offer a clean, modern, and often allergen-friendly alternative to carpet or hardwood in living rooms:

• Wood-Look Planks: Provides the warmth and classic look of hardwood without the maintenance concerns.
• Large-Format Stone & Concrete Looks: Creates a contemporary and sophisticated aesthetic.
• Patterned Porcelain Tiles: Can create a statement floor, especially in a more eclectic or bold design scheme.

How to Use Tile in Bedrooms

Using tile in a bedroom can offer a cleaner, allergen-friendly option, especially in warmer climates. Since comfort underfoot is often a consideration for this space, consider softer-textured porcelain tile and affordable ceramic tile choices:

• Wood-look Porcelain: This is a very popular choice for bedrooms, offering warmth and natural appeal. Look for options with a “soft touch” finish if available.
• Matte Finishes: Provides a softer, less reflective look than glossy tiles, contributing to a more relaxing atmosphere.
• Large Format Tiles: Can make the room feel more expansive and cleaner.
• Subtle Patterns & Solid Colors: To maintain a calming and cohesive bedroom.

Come visit Classic Flooring Center in Rockledge, FL in person to see and feel the actual tiles. Reach out to our tile experts if you need any personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and design preferences!