Tile & Natural Stone

Ceramic

Ceramic tile is a type of tile that is made from clay and sand and fired in a kiln. Ceramic tile can be glazed or unglazed, and is used in various areas of the house. Ceramic tile is different from porcelain tile, which is denser and more durable.

Porcelain

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is made from finer clay and fired at higher temperatures than regular ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is denser, smoother, and more impervious to water than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile usually has a surface glazing treatment that gives it a glossy or matte finish. Porcelain tile is commonly used to cover floors and walls.

Travertine

Travertine is a type of rock that is white, tan, or cream-colored and usually hard and semicrystalline. It is a form of calcium carbonate that is formed by deposition from spring waters or especially from hot springs. It often has a fibrous or concentric appearance and can form stalactites and stalagmites in limestone caves.

It is used especially in buildings.

Marble

Marble tile is a form of natural stone that is cut and polished to create a uniform surface and thickness. Marble tile is usually gray- or cream-colored with darker veins running through it, and no two tiles are exactly alike. Marble tile is a popular way of decorating floors and walls in kitchens and bathrooms.

Granite

Granite tiles are pre-cut square or rectangular pieces of granite that are used for flooring, wall finishes, and countertops. Granite tiles are installed by putting many pieces together with grouting that can create a textured look. Slabs of granite are thin sheets of granite that are cut from large blocks extracted from quarries. Granite is a type of igneous rock that forms when magma cools down underground. Granite slabs can be used for countertops, flooring, monuments, and other applications.

Limestone

L imestone tiles are made of minerals that naturally settle on the earth’s surface over thousands of years, and can be used to decorate any space, inside or out. They offer unique fossil shapes and come in different shapes and colors, such as grey limestone tiles. Limestone is a durable material that has been used for centuries. Tumbled limestone tiles feature a rounded edge and a soft face, and have a slightly chalky surface.

Glass

Glass tile is a piece of glass that has been formed into a consistent shape. It can be used in both residential and commercial applications for walls and floors. Glass tile can be translucent, and can come in a variety of colors, textures, thicknesses, sizes, and shapes. It is stain-resistant, washable, and durable. Impervious to water and won't stain while easy to clean with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser and a damp cloth or sponge. Glass tile can be used in showers, backsplashes, and floors. It can also be coated to make it slip-resistant for wet areas like bathrooms

Hardwood

Wood flooring is any type of permanent floor that has the appearance of wood, whether it is made out of natural or synthetic lumber. Wood is a versatile flooring material that comes in a number of styles, colors, and species. There are two main types of wood flooring, which are solid wood and engineered wood. Solid wood flooring is made from solid planks of lumber. Engineered wood flooring has a lumber veneer over a synthetic, reinforced underlayment made of something other than wood. Here is a little more information about both of these types of flooring.

Solid hardwood flooring: Solid wood floors are made up of solid, wide planks of hardwood that are fitted together using the tongue and groove method. This hardwood is the longest-lasting kind of wood flooring but is also the most expensive. It is also vulnerable to warping from humidity, so it should not be used in high-moisture areas of the home or on the ground floor of your floor plan. Sanding down your wood flooring every few years can help extend the life of your solid wood floor.
Engineered hardwood flooring: Engineered wood floors involve laying a top layer of wood over a subfloor (sometimes made of multiple layers of wood, others of synthetic materials like concrete). Engineered wood flooring is slightly cheaper than solid wood flooring. It also holds up better against moisture and humidity than solid hardwood, though it is not completely water-resistant. Engineered wood flooring cannot be sanded and refinished regularly in the same way that solid wood flooring can.

When you are choosing what hardwood floors you want to install in your home, you want to consider the structural makeup and durability of your choices. Here are three factors to keep in mind when you’re considering the various types of hardwood flooring that may work for your home.

Humidity and moisture resistance: Any type of solid wood flooring will be significantly more vulnerable to heat, humidity, and moisture damage than engineered wood flooring. Also, when you install solid wood flooring, you need to account for the wood expanding slightly from temperature changes to prevent it from warping. The same problem doesn’t exist with engineered wood flooring.
Hardness: Wood flooring durability is determined using the Janka hardness scale, which is measured in pounds-force. Hardwoods (like Brazilian cherry or hickory) that have a higher hardness rating than softer woods (like cherry or douglas fir) are better suited for rooms with lots of heavy furniture and foot traffic. Harder woods are also less vulnerable to scuffing and denting. Synthetic wood flooring—like laminate and vinyl flooring—is less durable and more easily damaged than natural wood.
Photosensitivity: The color of wood changes when it is exposed to direct sunlight, including natural filtered light that comes in from your windows. Keep this in mind when you choose your home’s wood flooring. If your floors get a lot of direct sunlight, choose a type of wood with low photosensitivity. Cherry wood is the most photosensitive of all the wood floorings, so avoid this type of wood if your room gets lots of direct sunlight.

Cherry

Cherry hardwood flooring is a popular choice for floors that features a warm, reddish color and a subtle grain. It's made from the American Black Cherry tree, which is native to North America. Cherry wood can range in color from light pinkish tans to nearly black. The heartwood is a rich, deep red tone, while the sapwood is light brown to pale. The grain is often wavy and fine.

Pine

Pine is a relatively soft wood, abundant in the US and Canada making it a cheap and sustainable flooring option. Pine is not always great for refinishing, as it dents and scratches more easily than other hardwoods. However, the charming grain and versatile white and yellow hues of this wood make it a popular decor choice.

Walnut

Walnut hardwood floors are made from the wood of the walnut tree and are known for their rich, dark brown color with hints of purple. Walnut is a versatile, durable hardwood that can be used in many different rooms.

Maple

Unlike some species like oak, maple floors boast a smooth, neutral finish that ranges from light brown to milky white. They usually feature a straight grain pattern with subtle fine lines, delivering a simple, clean look.

Oak

Oak is a dense hardwood, making it resistant to scratches and dents. Oak has a natural grain pattern and comes in red and white varieties. Red oak has more grain and comes in more shades, while white oak is more golden brown. Oak floors are easy to clean and maintain, and can be refinished to restore their shine.

Birch

Birch hardwood flooring is a durable, attractive, and versatile flooring option made from the wood of the birch tree. Birch is a light-colored wood with a fine grain and a smooth texture. Birch flooring has a distinctive grain pattern and comes in a range of colors from creamy white to golden brown. Birch is a medium-density hardwood that can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Mahogany

Mahogany hardwood flooring is a durable, eye-catching wood floor with a rich brown-red color and striped look. It's known for its hardness and resistance to rot, decay, and insects. Mahogany is resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations. It can last for decades if properly maintained.

Ash

Ash hardwood flooring is a durable, pale-colored wood floor that's often used in modern spaces. It's made from the ash tree, a member of the olive tree family. Ash is a light color that ranges from creamy white to light gray-brown. It is very hard and shock-resistant, scoring 1320 on the Janka hardness scale. Ash is elastic, which helps reduce echoing footsteps. Ash is stable and less likely to warp or cup in response to changes in temperature and humidity.

Teak

Teak hardwood flooring is a floor made from teak wood, which comes from the Tectona grandis tree. Teak is a tropical hardwood that's known for its durability, water resistance, and natural beauty. Teak is strong and can withstand heavy foot traffic and furniture movements. It's also resistant to rot, pests, and the elements. Teak is naturally water resistant and can be used in high humidity and moisture areas. Teak has a rich golden color, distinctive grain patterns, and a smooth texture

Bamboo

Bamboo flooring is made up of compressed strands of bamboo, which means that it is not natural wood. However, it is considered wood flooring because it has the appearance of wood. It is also two to three times harder than most natural woods and cheaper by the square foot. Bamboo is also a fast-growing plant, making it eco-friendly and widely available. Bamboo isn’t as easy to stain as real wood, home improvement stores often sell it prefinished and in a number of color variations.

Laminate

Are you considering laminate flooring for your home and want to know more about the different types of laminate flooring? A great choice for active families, laminate floors are durable and closely resemble wood and tile flooring at a fraction of the cost. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also water-resistant, making it ideal for those who want the look of hardwood in spaces that are prone to water. Before you narrow down your flooring search, consider the following:

Laminate is composed of pressed composite wood with an image layer on top to mimic the look of real hardwood or tile flooring. This makes it much more cost-effective than real hardwood and it is water-resistant, unlike traditional hardwood flooring. Laminate floor planks and laminate floor tiles can also give the appearance of ceramic or porcelain tile flooring. This is beneficial as laminate flooring is much easier to install than tile flooring.

Laminate flooring comes in different thicknesses ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm. How thick of laminate flooring you need will depend on the amount of foot traffic the area receives, subfloor condition, and budget. The thicker the laminate flooring, the more impact it can withstand and the more sound resistance it has. This means higher foot traffic areas would benefit from a thicker laminate. Thicker laminate can also be advantageous when dealing with a less-than-ideal subfloor as it will be easier to install. However, the thicker laminate is also more costly than a thinner laminate, so it is important to consider your budget. Also important to consider is the AC rating which notes how dent and stain resistant the laminate is. AC rating range from AC1 to AC5, and the higher the AC rating, the more scratch and stain resistant the laminate is.

There are many options for finishes and textures with laminate flooring. A smooth laminate flooring that has no texture is designed to resemble polished hardwood, marble, or ceramic tile flooring. Wire brushed laminate flooring mimics the popular distressed hardwood flooring trend that gives the laminate an antique feel and helps disguise minor scuffs and scratches. Laminate flooring also comes in a variety of gloss finishes from high gloss to matte, with the matte hiding imperfections better. Overall, if the space you are considering installing laminate flooring is a high-traffic area, you may want to consider an embossed-in-register texture with a matte finish. On the contrary, if you desire a polished and clean aesthetic, a smooth, high gloss laminate flooring option can help you achieve your design.

Water-resistant laminate flooring is great for areas where spills and messes inevitably occur like kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. Advancements in technology have allowed for laminate flooring to be able to withstand everyday accidents like spilled wine or juice. Simply wipe up liquids and you are good to go! Be sure to check the specifications on the particular laminate flooring you are interested in to see how water-resistant it is, but overall, laminate flooring is a far more appropriate choice to handle moisture and humid conditions than traditional hardwood flooring.

Carpet

Here are some key vocabulary terms to know when learning about different types of carpets.

Fiber: The principal material of a carpet that is seen and felt on the visible surface.
Pile: The surface of the carpet, made up of looped carpet fibers.
Weight: The number of fibers in a carpet. The more fibers, the heavier the weight and the better the carpet quality.
Density: The number of fibers in a pile. The more fibers, the denser the pile, and the higher the carpet quality.
Height: The length of the wear layer of the carpet, measured from the top of the pile to the top of the backing.
Durability: The carpet's lifespan.
Resistance: A fiber's ability to withstand rubbing, abrasion, and everyday usage.
Resilience: A carpet's ability to recover from crushing.

Keep these terms in mind when shopping and choosing a carpet. The most important factors to consider are the pile and type of fiber, as these will determine how the carpet looks and feels—not to mention how it will stand the test of time.

There are two main types of carpet piles: loop pile and cut pile. The difference between them is how the loops of fiber that make up the pile are treated once the yarns are passed through the carpet backing during manufacturing.

Loop Pile Carpets

Commonly referred to as uncut pile or Berber pile, loop pile carpets leave the yarn loop intact. They are available as level loops, where the fiber loops are the same height and create a level surface, or multilevel loops, where the loops vary in height for a textured, patterned effect. A popular example of a multilevel loop pile is sisal carpet, featuring loops of different colors and heights arranged in rows to create a subtle pattern and textured look. Loop pile carpet is perfect for high-traffic spaces, as it is durable and resilient.

Cut Pile Carpets

As the name implies, cut pile carpets have the tops of the yarn loops cut off. They are sheared at different lengths and angles for different types of carpet, resulting in a wide variety of styles, heights, and thicknesses. Cut pile carpets are the most popular carpet pile type, even though they are less durable than loop pile and more prone to crushing.

Saxony Cut: Saxony is a type of carpet consisting of densely woven, twisted carpet fibers that are closely packed and stand up straight. The fibers are evenly cut, creating a uniform look and smooth, velvety surface. However, they have little resilience and don't bounce back quickly, making Saxony suitable for low-traffic areas.

Plush Cut: Also referred to as velvet-cut, plush carpet consists of short, densely packed fibers with a smooth, even surface that is soft to the touch and has a formal and luxurious look. However, it is not very durable or resistant, making it a better option for elegant and formal low-traffic areas, like a guest bedroom or dining room.

Texture Cut: This informal type of carpet consists of uneven, twisted, and kinked fibers that create a fuller textured surface. This pile type is durable and has the added benefit of concealing dirt and footprints, making it a great option for a busy household and mid- to high-traffic areas, like a hallway or playroom.

Frieze Cut: Frieze carpet is distinguished by its long fibers that are twisted together and kinked, resulting in a curly, knobby-looking surface often compared to a shag carpet. The long strands create an informal yet inviting look and offer great insulating properties. They are also highly durable and stain-resistant, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. Bear in mind, however, that frieze carpets are not the easiest carpets to clean.

Sculpted Cut: Often referred to as cut-and-loop, or patterned carpet, sculpted carpet combines the best of both worlds with looped and cut-pile fibers. They can either be level or multilevel and are sometimes arranged in geometric patterns, creating a textured and layered-looking carpet design. This type of carpet tends to show wear quickly, so it is best suited to low- to moderate-traffic areas.

Different Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpet fibers can be divided into two broad categories: natural and synthetic.

Natural Fiber Carpets

Natural fibers have been used to make floor coverings for centuries. They're a reliable and trusted option for providing warmth and comfort underfoot.

Wool Carpets: Today, wool is not the only natural fiber used to make carpets, but it is the most popular—mostly thanks to its durability and luxuriously soft feel underfoot. It is naturally flame-, abrasion-, and stain-resistant, but alkaline detergents may damage the fibers. Wool is also a sustainable resource, making it an excellent option for an eco-friendly household.

Keep wool carpets away from high-humidity areas, as they are prone to damage from mold and mildew, and watch out for moths, which like to feast on natural fibers. High-grade, pure woolen carpets are expensive, so consider a wool and synthetic blend for a more affordable option with many of the same benefits.

Other Natural Carpets: Although other natural fibers like cotton, silk, bamboo, jute, sisal, hemp, seagrass, and coir are more commonly used in area rugs, they are occasionally used to make carpets. As demand grows for affordable, sustainable alternatives to wool and synthetic carpets, non-wool natural fiber carpets are becoming increasingly popular. However, most often, these natural fibers are combined with wool or synthetic materials to offer softer textures, increased durability, and improved mold resistance.

Synthetic Fiber Carpets

The majority of carpets today are fabricated with synthetic fibers. Unlike natural fibers, synthetic materials are hypoallergenic, moth-resistant, and have reliable durability. Synthetic fiber carpets are also more consistent across production and supply because they are easily reproduced and are not affected by shortages due to climate conditions or disease.

Nylon Carpets: Nylon is the most popular type of carpet fiber on the market today. It's resilient, versatile, and considered the most durable synthetic carpet, lasting up to 15 years when well cared for. The fiber has high resistance to everyday wear and moisture, as well as excellent abrasion and crush resistance. Nylon also has reliable yarn memory to hold a twist, and good stain resistance when treated with a stain repellant. So, the strong, resilient fiber is the perfect choice for heavy-traffic areas and commercial facilities.

Plus, thanks to the fiber's excellent ability to hold color, nylon carpets are available in colors and styles to suit almost any decor. While nylon is less expensive than wool, it is often pricier than other synthetic carpets.

Olefin Carpets: Olefin (polypropylene) carpets are popular for their natural stain and moisture resistance. They are the go-to carpet for interior spaces subject to potential water damage, like bathrooms and basements or even outdoor areas. Though olefin is one of the most resistant synthetics, it is the least resilient and quickly shows signs of wear, so it is best installed in low-traffic areas. As the fiber is solution-dyed, it is the most colorfast fiber, so no amount of sunlight, bleach, or harsh chemicals will alter the carpet's color. Also, thanks to its low production costs, olefin is a budget-friendly type of carpet.

Polyester Carpets: Polyester is known for its ability to take on dyes with luxurious, vibrant, and fade-resistant colors. It's a hydrophobic fiber that naturally repels liquid, giving it notable stain-resistant qualities and making it a good pick for environments prone to moisture, mildew, and mold. That said, since polyester has low resilience, it quickly shows signs of wear in high-traffic areas. Polyester carpets should also be treated, as the fibers are not resistant to oil stains, which are hard to remove.

On the plus side, polyester carpet is one of the most economical options, making it a great type of carpet for anyone on a budget or looking for temporary flooring for a rental property. PET (polyethylene terephthalate), for example, is a common polyester carpet made from recycled plastic bottles, making it eco-friendly and recyclable.