Request a free flooring estimate
When only ceramic & porcelain will do
You have found your way here, more than likely, because you’ve decided to research the option of ceramic & porcelain tile for your home’s floor coverings. Many homeowners have already done so and are loving the results, while others are only just finding out about the option. The truth is, making the switch to this particular floor covering can leave you with a feeling of complete satisfaction, and you may never wander back to any other flooring.
Nielsen Bros Flooring has been in business since 1946 and is still a locally owned and operated flooring store. A lot can change in 72 years, but some things, such as dedication to 100% customer satisfaction and offering high quality products, never will. From our showrooms in Bellevue, WA; Auburn, WA; and Lynnwood, WA, we proudly service the areas of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Auburn, Renton, Tacoma, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Bothell. We invite you to visit us at either showroom and allow us the honor of earning your business as well.
Nielsen Bros Flooring has been in business since 1946 and is still a locally owned and operated flooring store. A lot can change in 72 years, but some things, such as dedication to 100% customer satisfaction and offering high quality products, never will. From our showrooms in Bellevue, WA; Auburn, WA; and Lynnwood, WA, we proudly service the areas of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Auburn, Renton, Tacoma, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Bothell. We invite you to visit us at either showroom and allow us the honor of earning your business as well.
Tile basics
Natural tile is a beautiful floor covering option that presents seemingly limitless opportunity for customization and design. Tile is available in every shape, color, pattern and style, and a variety of glaze options are available to add even more opportunity for a unique creative touch.
Ceramic tile, made from natural clay, is fired at high temperatures in a kiln, which dries and hardens the material. Today, it's more affordable & easy to maintain than ever before.
Ceramic tile, made from natural clay, is fired at high temperatures in a kiln, which dries and hardens the material. Today, it's more affordable & easy to maintain than ever before.
Ceramic & porcelain for looks and functionality
Whether you’re looking for pure, advantageous functionality, or the most artistic material available, you’ll find it in ceramic & porcelain tile. In fact, if you want, you have the best of both worlds by mixing and matching the two.
Both ceramic & porcelain tile give you the benefit of a completely hypoallergenic floor, inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. These are some of the same features that make this flooring popular in restaurants, cafes, hospitals, and schools, and why it can be a great asset to your health in your own home.
Both ceramic & porcelain tile give you the benefit of a completely hypoallergenic floor, inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. These are some of the same features that make this flooring popular in restaurants, cafes, hospitals, and schools, and why it can be a great asset to your health in your own home.
Types of tile
When ceramic tiles are fired, different basic types can result:
- Glazed: After the initial firing, a liquid, glasslike coating can be applied to a tile's surface. The tile is then re-fired to harden the glaze. This results in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Unglazed: These tiles receive no additional coating and are only fired once. Unglazed tiles are limited in appearance to more natural, neutral clay colors.
- Porcelain: With a molecular makeup similar to high-end china or dinnerware, these tiles are anything but fragile. Able to be fired at temperatures upwards of 2400 degrees (F), porcelain tile is dense, stain- & moisture-resistant and naturally hygienic.
Tile maintenance
Tile is an incredibly durable flooring material, and is especially easy to care for and keep clean when glazed or sealed. With regular upkeep, your tile will stay looking as vibrant as it did on installation day. Here are a few quick tile care tips:
- Sweep or vacuum floors regularly using an approved cleaner
- Replace damaged tiles with the help of a qualified professional
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners or aids – follow manufacturer instructions.
- Mop once a week with a damp, but not soaked, mop.
- Lay down floor mats or area rugs for additional floor protection.
- Place felt furniture pads on the bottom of chair and table legs.
Style and durability
On the one hand, porcelain offers an amazing, all-natural look covered with a clear glaze that allows the natural grain and beauty to shine through. It extremely hard, dense, waterproof and offers an excellent lifespan.
On the other hand, ceramic is covered with brightly colored glazes, and can be cut into intricate shapes and sizes with which you can create gorgeous and one of a kind mosaics. It’s waterproof enough to be used in kitchens and bathrooms, yet beautiful enough to be featured in a main entrance, living room, or study.
On the other hand, ceramic is covered with brightly colored glazes, and can be cut into intricate shapes and sizes with which you can create gorgeous and one of a kind mosaics. It’s waterproof enough to be used in kitchens and bathrooms, yet beautiful enough to be featured in a main entrance, living room, or study.
Tile installation
When it comes to installation, however, we must advise against attempting an install yourself. Leaving this job to a professional installation team will yield the quickest and safest results, and it won’t wind up costing you more money if you happen to make expensive mistakes.
Nielsen Bros Flooring highly recommends the use of our professional installation team to ensure that your tile floor is properly installed per manufacturer standards. A well-laid tile floor will add beauty to your home and, if well maintained, can last you a lifetime.
Nielsen Bros Flooring highly recommends the use of our professional installation team to ensure that your tile floor is properly installed per manufacturer standards. A well-laid tile floor will add beauty to your home and, if well maintained, can last you a lifetime.
