The Softer Side of Ceramic Tile Flooring

or

the Woman's Point of View

The Handyman did all the work, but I did the shopping:) Isn't that how it ought to be? I don't like shopping as a rule, but when I shop I am fiercely serious about it. I weigh the options, look at cost comparisons , do research on the choices available... all before I hit the stores... sometimes visiting over and over until the decision process winds down. Of course in my case I get the "what ever you want, Honey" from the Handyman. Yeah, right. Whatever I want as long as it fits his taste, his idea of the right cost, etc, etc.... Although I don't complain too much ( but some!) because he has a fairly good sense of taste and I am just way too eclectic. I like lots of things and styles... and don't mind mixing. But sometimes you need a sense of order and editing to get a good result: Handyman has that.

For the tiles I knew I wanted a certain look. I like organic, the more like real slate or stone, the better, for me. I like other things too, but I had reduced the look to this choice for the kitchen... if I had the money I might have tried those pretty Portuguese picture tiles in between Mexican quarry tile... but, um, where was I? Oh yes, the final choice turned out to be a stone-look 14" porcelain tile from Home Depot. It was terra-cotta color with sparkles of mica looking stuff subtly flecked in. I still love that choice. In fact, the refrigerator delivery guy commented on what a good-looking floor it is. And it is! :)

I have shattered a number of plates and glassware on it, though. It drops, it's gone. Unlike the cork flooring that we put into the remodeled back part of the house. The other day I accidentally dropped a ceramic incense burner, and it bounced! I was sort of surprised, but then I remembered that is one asset of cork flooring. Cork isn't highly recommended for the kitchen, like hardwood, though, because of all the moisture. Some people choose those types of floors, anyway; you just have to weigh the options for what you most want from the material.

What I like about ceramic tile is the that it is durable and good looking, it is cool in the summer, and easy to clean. The part near the heater retains heat in the winter- sort of a cozy place for the toes in the winter... but not that I stand in one place in the kitchen... it is just a pleasant sensation when passing through ;)
It is hard underfoot, but a kitchen rug in front of the sink ameliorates that. Overall, I am completely happy with the choice- as I say over and over- I just love my kitchen.

When my son lived in Phoenix his house was entirely tiled with ceramic floors, the smooth type (except for a carpeted living room). It was perfect for that climate and very easy to clean. I have just always liked tile, and I think it should be used more as it was in the Craftsman era. The artistic possibilities alone are amazing.

Cost is the only limitation. I fell in love with many beautiful tiles at the tile place where we purchased the counter tile, but, alas, the budget wasn't big enough. I did make a concession to my desire by buying enough Italian tiles to intersperse in the surround and above the stove. Their expense was totally worth it. A set of five different tiles all with pictures of different urns or containers. I will take a picture of that,because it is difficult to describe properly... and you know what they say about pictures and words!

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