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Fall, 2004
 Content: • Floor 'em with style
Options are plentiful when choosing bathroom tile Choosing a floor for the smallest room in the house can be a big decision. When decorating the bathroom, the choices are limited only by budget and personal preference. Ron Brake, a flooring installer based in Petersburg, Ill., says homeowners usually choose carpet, vinyl flooring or ceramic tile. "I see a lot of carpet in bathrooms," Brake says. "It's very nice because it’s warm, soft and probably the least expensive." He notes, however, that carpeting has drawbacks when used in the bathroom. Carpet’s tendencies to mold, stain and retain odor make it a poor choice for bathrooms used by small children or those not vigilant about moisture. "If you go with carpeting, go with something mold- and mildew-resistant," Brake recommends. "They now make a bathroom carpet with a special backing." Vinyl is popular, especially among do-it-yourselfers. "It's probably the best choice," Brake says. "A lot of do-it-yourselfers can do a vinyl peel-and-stick floor. They can save on labor." Other advantages include easy cleaning, a wide variety of patterns and water resistance. "But the downfall is that vinyl tile has joints so water can get between (the pieces)," Brake says. "It will eventually curl up with time." Brake also notes that less expensive vinyl has a tendency to tear easily. Ceramic tiles also are available in a variety of patterns and can mimic more expensive materials such as natural stone. Glazed ceramic tiles are also easy to clean. "Ceramic tile is a good choice," Brake says. "It can last a lifetime, so it's a big commitment." Ceramic tiles offer many benefits, including durability, easy care, scratch and fire resistance and water resistance. Among ceramics, porcelain tiles are particularly hearty and tend to be the same color beneath the surface, so they don't show white spots when they chip. "With ceramic tiles, you can create your own designs and be creative (with arrangement)," Brake says. "They can be put on walls, surrounds, tubs, countertops — anywhere." Brake recommends that consumers choose a tile that has texture since a slick-surfaced tile can create a slipping hazard. The disadvantages of ceramic tiles include non-resilience, and being hard and cold underfoot. Ceramic tiles can be warmed with radiant heating systems. Hydronic or electric systems beneath flooring material are invisible. These systems are usually professionally installed. For non-do-it-yourselfers, the cost of professional installation can be the most important factor in the final cost. Ceramic tile installation is the most time-consuming and therefore the most expensive. The materials' costs vary widely. Carpet costs run from less than $1 per square foot and up to $5 per square foot. Similarly, vinyl floors often run between $1 and $5 per square foot. Ceramic tile usually costs around $1 to $6 per square foot. Check with your flooring salesperson to see if the specific flooring is appropriate for bathroom use..  RETURN TO TOP |
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