Can I install any tile on my floors?

While all tiles are beautiful--you'll see a vast selection of colors, designs, shapes, and sizes in our tile shop-- keep in mind that every type has different characteristics that determine how and where it can be used. Tile flooring enhances your home, but using the wrong type for your remodeling project will affect aesthetics, performance, and longevity.

The difference between a wall and floor tile

You can use floor tiles on the wall, but never the other way around. The ones meant for flooring are heavier, thicker, less slippery, and can withstand the weight of people walking. Boxes are clearly labeled, and be sure to describe your project in detail with the tile retailer

Some of the best tiles for the floor

1. Porcelain: Made of a non-porous clay with sand and glass and fired at higher temperatures, this results in a heavier, denser tile that's waterproof whether or not it's glazed. It's best for busy, heavily trafficked floors like the kitchen, patio, deck floors, and poolside.

Porcelain is as beautiful as it is hard-wearing, and our tile store carries countless colors and patterns from brands such as Daltile, Marazzi, and Interceramic, to name a few. Because it's a large format with fewer seams, porcelain is often preferred for wood or stone looks--but can be made to look like anything, including leather and fabric.

2. Ceramic squares: Usually in a 4 X 4 size, these are highly designed, often glazed, and great for moderately busy indoor rooms.

3. Terracotta bricks: Very durable, these are now as popular indoors as well as outdoors. Their gorgeous reddish-brown color is exceptionally terrific for rustic decor.

4. Mosaics: These tiny, often glass-coated, durable, and mold/mildew resistant pieces are trending now for bathroom floors

5. Subway tiles: The white rectangles now come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. It should be used in indoor, low traffic rooms like the bedroom.

At Hailo Flooring, our motto is "done once, done right," and that applies whether it's tile flooring, another hard surface, or a soft surface like carpet. So if you live or work in or around San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Inland Empire, San Bernardino County, or Riverside County, come into our showroom in Rancho Cucamonga for a free quote.