Durable tile flooring you'll love for years

What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?

Ceramic and porcelain are the two most popular tile options, and each offers unique advantages.

Ceramic tile is made from natural clay and fired at high temperatures. It's available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, making it an excellent choice for many interior spaces. Ceramic tile is both attractive and budget-friendly.

Porcelain tile is denser and less porous than ceramic, making it highly resistant to moisture and heavy wear. It's ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and other busy areas where durability is essential.

Our flooring specialists can help you compare both options and select the best tile for each room.

Choosing between glazed and unglazed tile

The finish you choose affects both appearance and performance.

Glazed tile features a protective coating that enhances color while improving stain and moisture resistance. It's available in glossy, satin, and matte finishes and is one of the most popular choices for residential flooring.

Unglazed tile offers a more natural appearance with additional surface texture. Many homeowners choose it for areas where extra slip resistance or an earthy look is desired.

Tile sizes, shapes, and colors

Tile allows you to personalize every room with countless design options.

Large-format tiles create a clean, spacious appearance with fewer grout lines, while smaller tiles work well for backsplashes, shower floors, and decorative accents.

Popular tile shapes include:

• Square
• Rectangle
• Subway
• Hexagon
• Mosaic
• Penny round

Color choices range from classic white, beige, gray, and black to warm earth tones and bold statement colors. Wood-look and natural stone-look tiles provide the beauty of traditional materials with the easy maintenance of porcelain or ceramic.

Where can tile be installed?

Tile isn't just for floors. Its versatility allows it to enhance nearly every room of your home.

Popular applications include:

• Kitchen flooring
• Bathroom flooring
• Entryways
• Laundry rooms
• Living areas
• Kitchen backsplashes
• Shower walls
• Shower floors
• Tub surrounds
• Fireplace surrounds
• Accent walls
• Covered outdoor living spaces

Using coordinating tile throughout your home creates a seamless, custom-designed appearance while adding lasting value.

Is tile flooring easy to maintain?

Tile flooring is one of the easiest flooring materials to maintain.

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris before it can scratch grout. Damp mop using a manufacturer-approved cleaner, and clean spills promptly to keep your floors looking their best. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage certain finishes or grout.

Grout should be cleaned periodically, and some grout types benefit from occasional sealing to help resist stains and moisture. Furniture pads can also help prevent unnecessary wear when moving heavy furniture.

With routine care, tile flooring can maintain its beauty for decades.

The advantages of choosing our tile store

At Ivey Carpet & Flooring, we believe choosing new flooring should be simple and enjoyable. That's why we provide quality products from trusted brands, competitive pricing, and personalized customer service from start to finish.

Whether you're selecting tile for a single room or your entire home, we'll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make a confident decision. Our goal is to provide flooring you'll enjoy for years while delivering the exceptional service our Tampa customers expect.

Tile flooring FAQs

Is tile flooring a good choice for Florida homes?

Yes. Tile flooring performs exceptionally well in Florida because it resists moisture, handles humidity, and stays cooler underfoot than many other flooring materials.

Which is better, ceramic or porcelain tile?

Both are excellent options. Ceramic tile is a great value for many interior spaces, while porcelain tile offers greater density and moisture resistance for high-traffic or wet areas.

Where can tile be installed?

Tile can be installed on floors, kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, shower floors, bathroom walls, fireplace surrounds, accent walls, patios, and many other residential surfaces.

How long does tile flooring last?

Professionally installed tile can last for decades with proper care, making it one of the longest-lasting flooring investments available.

Is tile flooring difficult to maintain?

No. Regular sweeping, occasional mopping, and routine grout cleaning are usually all that's needed to keep tile looking beautiful.