Category: Flooring options

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: Which Wins the Flooring Battle?

The terms “porcelain tiles” and “ceramic tiles” are often used interchangeably, even though there are a few significant differences between the two. This is understandable to a certain extent since both types of tiles can be used for similar purposes. However, understanding the differences can help you choose a product that not only looks stunning but lasts as long as it is intended to. There’s actually a group (called the Tile Council of North America) dedicated to determining what constitutes a porcelain or ceramic tile and they have plenty of resources on their website to help contractors and homeowners. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type of flooring tile as well as which applications they’re best suited for. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether ceramic or porcelain tiles are the ideal choice for you. 

Porcelain Tile

 

Porcelain tiles are durable, dense tiles made from clay, fired at high temperatures. They are used for various applications and are known for their strength and sleek appearance.

Advantages

  • Durability: Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
  • Water Resistance: They are non-porous and highly water-resistant, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor use.
  • Stain Resistance: Porcelain’s dense composition makes it less prone to staining compared to ceramic tiles.
  • Design Options: Available in a wide range of designs, including styles that mimic natural stone and wood.
  • Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance.

Disadvantages 

  • Cost: Porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles.
  • Installation: Their density can make them harder to cut and install, requiring more labor and specialized tools.
  • Weight: Porcelain tiles are heavier, which may require additional structural support for certain installations.

Ceramic Tile 

 

Ceramic tiles are versatile, clay-based tiles that are fired at lower temperatures. They are used for a wide range of purposes and are appreciated for their variety and affordability.

Advantages

  • Affordability: Ceramic tiles are generally more budget-friendly compared to porcelain.
  • Versatility: They come in various styles, colors, and sizes, offering many design options.
  • Ease of Installation: Easier to cut and install due to their lower density, reducing labor costs.
  • Lightweight: Suitable for wall installations without additional structural support.

Disadvantages 

  • Durability: Ceramic tiles are less durable and more prone to chipping and cracking than porcelain.
  • Water Absorption: They can be porous, making them less suitable for wet areas without proper sealing.
  • Staining: Ceramic tiles are more susceptible to stains compared to porcelain tiles.
  • Maintenance: Require more maintenance due to their porous nature.

So, Which Should You Choose?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles each have their own strengths and are well-suited for different flooring applications.

Porcelain tiles excel in high-traffic areas and spaces prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, thanks to their exceptional durability and water resistance. They are also a top choice for outdoor use. 

Ceramic tiles offer affordability and versatility, making them ideal for decorative wall installations and low-traffic floor areas where their aesthetic variety and ease of installation shine.

Your choice should be guided by the room you’re planning to use the flooring tiles in, how much wear you’re comfortable with, and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to do.

Now that you have a better idea of which flooring tiles are perfect for your needs, browse our range of stylish and exclusive products, and get a free quote so you can get started on your home improvement project

How to Estimate Tile Flooring Costs

ceramic tiles. the worker's hand tile in position over adhesive with lash tile leveling system.selective focus.vintage tone

Let’s quickly revisit some of the inalienable benefits of tile flooring.

Tile flooring is versatile, low maintenance, hypoallergenic, and lasts for decades while being cost-effective. It’s the last benefit that we want to focus on here – how much does tile flooring actually cost and can you reach a reliable estimate on your own? Obviously, the best way to estimate tile flooring costs is by getting a quote from a supplier.

However, if you’re looking to do some preliminary research, we have some pointers to share.

Factors Influencing Tile Flooring Pricing

When you visit a hardware store and browse the tile flooring section, you’ll notice quite a broad range in pricing without much transparency as to how those prices were set. Here’s a quick summary of how two important factors are used to determine cost price.

Home interior, modern contemporary furniture room. Access wooden stairs to upper floor.

Material

Ceramic Tiles:

Ceramic tiles are one of the most budget-friendly options. They come in various styles, patterns, and colors. The price can range from $1 to $10 per square foot, with intricate designs and larger sizes being on the higher end of the range.

Porcelain Tiles:

Porcelain tiles are more durable and less porous than ceramic tiles. They often mimic the appearance of natural stone or wood. Prices typically range from $3 to $10 per square foot, but can go higher for premium designs.

Natural Stone Tiles:

Natural stone tiles like marble, granite, travertine, and slate are luxurious and durable options. However, they tend to be more expensive due to the inherent qualities of the material. Prices vary greatly based on the type of stone, ranging from $5 to $30 or more per square foot.

Vinyl Tiles:

Vinyl tiles offer a cost-effective alternative that can mimic the look of other materials like wood or stone. They typically range from $1 to $5 per square foot.

Terracotta Tiles:

Terracotta tiles provide a rustic and warm look. Prices can range from $2 to $10 per square foot.

Quality

Tile manufacturers also use something called a Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating which can influence the price. It’s a scale from PEI 0 to PEI 5 that indicates the level of durability and hardness of a tile’s surface. The PEI rating is used to help determine where a particular tile can be used in terms of foot traffic and wear. The lower the rating, the less durable the tile, the more affordable it will be. In addition to the material you choose, pay attention to the PEI rating to get a clearer idea of your estimate for tile flooring costs.

Two Easy Ways To Estimate Tile Flooring Costs

Square Footage

Calculate the total area to be tiled and consider adding a waste percentage to account for cuts and errors (10% is standard). Multiply the area by the cost per square foot of your chosen tile to get an initial estimate.

Tile-By-Tile

Determine the quantity of tiles needed based on the size and layout of the area. Multiply this by the cost per tile to get an estimate. This method is especially useful for intricate designs.

What Other Costs Should You Expect to Pay?

Laying Ceramic Tiles. Troweling adhesive onto a concrete floor in preparation for laying white floor tile.The price of your tiles is only one component of the complete cost of tile flooring. The final cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as:

  • Subfloor preparation – If the condition of your subfloor isn’t ideal, some extra work will have to be done before installation starts.
  • Installation costs – Hiring professional installers is the best way to get your tile flooring done without error but it is an added expense.
  • Adhesives and tools (if you’re opting for DIY) – If you’re choosing to install your flooring yourself, prepare to pay for all the tools and additional materials that a professional installer would include in their service cost.

Are you dying to get started on your home renovation? We can save you a calculation! Browse our selection of ceramic porcelain and natural stone tiles and contact us to get a quote for raw materials. Now, all you have to do is factor in labor and prep costs, and you have your complete estimate for tile flooring!

Make a Statement with Patterned Tile Flooring in McAllen

Corner of modern kitchen with white and wooden walls, wooden floor and bar counter with stools. 3d rendering

A common philosophy in the interior design industry is always keeping things simple. Apparently, this gives your interior a classic sophistication that won’t look dated with time. While there is something to be said about the timelessness of simple interiors, they can also be boring. Some excitement is always necessary to break up the monotony in a space you spend every day in. You don’t have to go full maximalist all over your McAllen home, but something as creative as patterned tile flooring can invigorate any room.

Let’s explore why patterned tile flooring is the trend everyone is talking about, the different styles you can choose from, and some installation and maintenance tips.

What’s the Big Deal with Patterned Tile Flooring?

Real photo of a modern living room interior with a checkered floor, pink couch, coffee table and empty, white wall. Place your graphic here

Patterned tiles have been a staple in design for ages, featuring in backsplashes, fireplace borders, and ceilings. But recently, they’ve started becoming popular for floors too – an area where plain or marbled styles once dominated. There are a couple of reasons for this rise in popularity.

There’s Something for Everyone

Patterned tile flooring opens up a world of discovery and creative expression. They come in an endless variety of materials, colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes. So, no matter what aesthetic you’re aiming for, there’s a patterned tile to match. They can also be used indoors or outdoors, making them even more versatile.

They Can Create Space Illusions

A pattern that spreads out from the center can make the room look bigger whereas a pattern that converges from the borders of a room can draw attention to a feature. Straight lines can be used to make hallways look longer or enclosed spaces like closets and showers feel less claustrophobic. There are countless ways to use patterns and colors to manipulate the dimensions of a room, which is especially useful in smaller homes.

You Get to Do more with Design Themes

Let’s say you want to stick to a basic black-and-white theme for your bathroom. Your options for your floor would be limited to all black, all white or all grey. However, when you experiment with patterns, you can combine black and white for a contemporary checkered look or use skinny ceramic tiles in a herringbone pattern with multiple mismatched shades of grey for a more edgy aesthetic. Patterns allow you to have more fun with your floors while staying safely within a theme and creating something unique.

The Hottest Patterned Tile Flooring Styles for McAllen Homes

Modern living room design in 3D rendering

As stated earlier, there is a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to patterned tiles. It all depends on the room, design theme, and flow of your space. But, if you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a handful of styles that are all the rage.

Mosaic

Mosaic tiles created bold geometric masterpieces on floors that look contemporary, eclectic or Mediterranean depending on how you lay them. They’re one of the more daring styles of patterned tile flooring and are guaranteed to get the attention of your guests – perfect for kitchens, entryways, and patios.

Herringbone

Herringbone is a V-shaped pattern where rectangular tiles meet at a 90-degree angle, creating what looks like a zigzag pattern. They work well for tonal installations where you stick to different hues of the same color. Herringbone flooring can make spaces like bathrooms and offices feel more dynamic and open.

Checkerboard

The checkerboard style has been around for decades, but slipped out of fashion and is now making a resurgence. Depending on the color you choose, checkerboard tile flooring can create a retro look that can brighten up a kitchen or kids’ playroom. You can also install them at an angle so they look more like diamonds than squares – this updates the style so that it doesn’t feel straight out of the fifties.

Art Deco

Art Deco is a style characterized by bold colors, touches of gold, striking shapes, and surfaces that reflect light really well. It evokes a sense of opulence and luxury that was in vogue during the roaring twenties and has lasted to the present day. When applied to floors, Art Deco instantly adds maturity and sophistication to a room. This makes it an excellent choice for bathrooms, walk-in closets, dressing rooms, and home offices.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Carpenter on work putting wood parquet pieces. Home construction

Finally, we want to leave you with some valuable tips about correctly installing your patterned tile flooring and extending its longevity.

Hire a Professional

It’s possible to install floor tiles on your own, but when you complicate things with patterns there’s too much room for error. A professional has the training to fully envision and understand the pattern you want and lay it out without making any costly mistakes.

Prepare the Subfloor

A subfloor that isn’t clean or even will affect the final look of your installation. Not only that, a poorly prepared subfloor can also determine how long your flooring lasts – so make sure no steps are skipped.

Keep It Clean

Floor tiles aren’t that high-maintenance once installed. All you need to do is clean them regularly with a product specifically formulated for tiles. Any chemicals that are too harsh could impact the longevity of your flooring.

Has the patterned tile flooring trend caught your attention? We have everything you need to upgrade the floors in your McAllen home. Browse our flooring products to find some inspiration.

The Beauty and Versatility of Ceramic Tile Flooring in McAllen

Couple looking ceramic and tiles for their new home floor. They are choosing in furnitures store

Ceramic tile flooring is a popular choice for homeowners in McAllen and beyond, and for a good reason. It is beautiful, versatile, and offers several practical benefits, making it an ideal home choice. Whether you prefer a classic, understated look or something bold and eye-catching, ceramic tile can help you achieve your desired aesthetic.

Keep reading to discover why ceramic tile flooring is the best option for your home.

Ceramic craze: Getting hip to the hottest ceramic tile styles around

Modern kitchen interior

Ceramic tiles are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Let’s look closer at some of the hottest ceramic tile styles that have taken the interior design world by storm:

Solid-color tiles

One of the most popular ceramic tile flooring styles is the classic, simple look of solid-color tiles. Depending on the color and finish you choose, these tiles can create a sleek, modern look or a more traditional, timeless feel. For example, glossy white or cream-colored tiles can create a bright, airy feel; while matte black or dark grey tiles can add a touch of sophistication and elegance.

Patterned tiles

Another popular style of ceramic tiles in McAllen, Tx, is the use of patterned tiles. These tiles can create various designs, from intricate mosaics to bold geometric patterns. Some homeowners even use patterned tiles to create custom designs, such as a mosaic of their favorite sports team’s logo or a unique pattern that reflects their style.

Geometric patterns

Geometric patterns are one of the hottest trends in ceramic tiles right now. From hexagons to triangles, squares to diamonds, these tiles come in various shapes and sizes, making them a versatile choice for various design styles. Geometric tiles can create interesting patterns and designs, adding a playful touch to any space.

Subway tiles

Subway tiles have been a popular choice for decades, but they are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity. These simple rectangular tiles are usually laid in a brick pattern and come in various colors and finishes. Subway tiles are a classic choice that works well in any room, from bathrooms to kitchens, and they pair well with various design styles.

Terrazzo tiles

Terrazzo tiles have been around for centuries, but they are now making a comeback in a big way. These tiles are made by embedding marble, quartz, granite, or glass chips into a cement or epoxy base. The result is a colorful, speckled surface that adds a touch of whimsy to any space. Terrazzo tiles are ideal for creating statement floors or walls and pair well with neutral decor.

Wood-look tiles

Wood-look tiles are a popular choice for those who want the look of hardwood floors without maintenance. These tiles are made to look like wood, but they are made from ceramic or porcelain, making them durable and easy to clean. Wood-look tiles come in various finishes and colors, from light oak to dark walnut, and they work well in any room of the house.

Large-format tiles

Large-format tiles are a growing trend in ceramic tiles. These tiles are much larger than traditional tiles, meaning fewer tiles are needed to cover a large area. This reduces the number of grout lines and creates a sleek, modern look. Large-format tiles are available in various finishes, from matte to glossy, and work well in residential and commercial spaces.

Benefits of ceramic tiles

Interior of stylish dining room with white walls, tiled floor, round dining table and wooden bookcase. 3d rendering

Ceramic tile flooring is popular with many McAllen homeowners because of its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some benefits and things to consider when choosing ceramic tile flooring:

Durability

Ceramic tiles are durable and withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and stains. They are also scratch-resistant and do not need much maintenance. This means that they can withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and other everyday hazards without showing signs of damage.

Low maintenance requirements

Unlike carpet, which needs timely vacuuming and cleaning to keep it looking its best, ceramic tile can be cleaned with a damp mop or sponge. This makes it an excellent choice for busy households or those with pets and children, who may track dirt and debris onto the floors.

Versatility

Ceramic tiles come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. It makes them a versatile choice for any room in your home. They could be used on floors, walls, countertops, and outdoor spaces.

Water-resistant

Ceramic tiles are water-resistant. It makes them ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas with water.

Easy to clean

Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth or mop, and they look as good as new.

Things to consider before installing ceramic tiles in McAllen, Tx

When choosing ceramic tile flooring for your home, there are a few things to consider:

Type

You’ll need to choose the right type of tile for your needs. There are several different types of ceramic tile, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. For example, glazed ceramic tile is coated with a hard, protective layer that makes it resistant to stains and moisture. Unglazed ceramic tile is more porous and may need frequent sealing to prevent stains and damage.

Size and shape

Middle age couple choosing new ceramic tiles for their home bathroom

You’ll also want to consider the size and shape of the tiles you choose. Larger tiles can create a more open, spacious feel in a room. Smaller tiles can create intricate designs and patterns. Additionally, the tiles’ shape can impact the look and feel of your flooring. Square tiles create a classic, traditional look. In contrast, rectangular tiles can create a more modern, contemporary feel.

Slip-resistance

Ceramic tiles can be slippery when wet. Choose slip-resistant tiles if you use them in areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

Grout

Grout is the material that fills the gaps between the tiles. Choose grout resistant to stains and mold, as grout can be challenging to clean.

Installation

Ceramic tile flooring can be challenging, so hiring a professional installer is essential to ensure the tiles are installed correctly.

Cost

Ceramic tile flooring can be expensive, especially when choosing high-quality tiles. However, the durability and longevity of ceramic tiles make them a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Maintenance

Although ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain, they can still crack or chip if heavy objects are dropped. It is essential to take care when moving furniture or heavy appliances to avoid damaging the tiles.

Color and finish

Finally, you’ll need to choose the correct color and finish for your ceramic tile flooring. This will depend on your preferences and the design aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Some popular color options include neutrals such as beige, white, and grey and bolder colors like red, blue, and green. The finish of your tiles can also impact their look and feel. Glossy finishes can create a sleek, modern look, while matte finishes can add a touch of warmth and texture to a room. Ceramic tile flooring is an excellent choice for homeowners. For anyone wanting a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing flooring option.

Get the best ceramic tile in McAllen, Tx

Male worker installing new wooden laminate flooring. The combination of wood panels of laminate and ceramic tiles in the form of honeycomb. Kitchen renovation.

Ceramic tiles are evolving and there are many exciting styles and designs to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a classic, timeless look or something more modern and playful, there’s a ceramic tile style for you. By keeping up with the latest trends and incorporating them into your design, you can create a stylish and functional space. If you wish to install ceramic tiles in McAllen, Tx, Gilsa is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.

Enhance Your Home’s Natural Beauty With Natural Stone Tile Flooring In McAllen

Timeless, distinctive and luxurious, natural stone tile is an elegant way to create a one-of-a-kind look in any room of your home. Its natural beauty and many different textures, colors and patterns give you endless options from which to choose – And ensure you never have to compromise on your vision of a gorgeous home. Explore the natural stone tile available in McAllen, and discover the flooring concierge with the experience to help you find the perfect solution for your home.

Granite

Close up to kitchen's granite countertop

As one of the strongest forms of natural stone tile, granite makes it possible to achieve that perfect combination of beauty and durability. Place it with confidence in high-traffic areas, such as entryways and kitchens, knowing that it will never let you down in front of friends or family. Due to its exceptional hardness, it is resistant to scratches and stains (and pets) and will last a lifetime. Just make sure you seal it properly in order to give it the waterproof nature it needs to withstand kitchen or bathroom usage.

Granite’s strength is matched only by its natural beauty. every slab of granite is different, guaranteeing a completely one-of-a-kind look for your elegant home. In addition, you can find granite in a variety of colors and finishes, from muted tones to sparkling and polished luxury.

The result? Granite is a smart choice for upgrading your home, declaring your style, standing out from the rest, AND enjoy a durable floor that will last you a lifetime.

Marble

a dining room with a marble floor and walls

Out of all forms of natural stone tile, marble is known as the premium luxury option. Known for its unmatched elegance and timeless style, it has been a central building material for centuries and has been the flooring of choice for royalty throughout the ages.

If you want to make a statement of sophistication without saying a word, you want to use highly polished, sparkling marble. Place this tile in any space where you want to dramatically upgrade the look of the room and capture the eye, and the respect, of anyone who enters your home.

However, be aware of marble’s downsides. Similar to granite, it must be properly sealed to prevent discoloration or damage. In addition, marble is a relatively soft natural stone, making it more susceptible to damage or chipping. And, due to its reactivity with acidic materials, only certain cleaners will work safely on marble flooring.

However, if you are willing to put in the appropriate care and maintenance, marble can reward you with stunning and exclusive looks for many years. Explore marble’s endless options for colors and veining to find the look that matches your unique style and invest in professional installation that will help you to care for your floor the right way.

Limestone

a living room with limestone flooring, filled with furniture and a large window

To make a flooring statement inside OR outside your home, you may want to consider limestone tiles. This soft stone is formed from the settling of sediment over many years and as a result has a unique texture and beautiful coloring that stand out from granite or marble options.

Due to its softness, limestone is not as durable as granite or marble. It is also significantly heavier than those two materials. As a result, you should hire professional assistance in transporting and installing the limestone, to prevent chipping or other damage. You should also plan to seal the tiles and maintain them regularly in order to get a lifetime of use and beauty out of them.

Does your home and style require a distinctive look? Limestone’s many colors and shades make it easy to get a look unlike any other for your home. Elegance. Luxury. And quality. They all come together in limestone flooring.

Slate

an indoor swimming pool in a modern building, slate flooring in the pool

Bring the beauty of nature into your home with slate tile flooring. This natural stone is popular because of its toughness that resists scratches and stains and its dark beauty that add elegance to any room. Plus, its distinctive look creates a way to make a statement in your home without ever saying a word.

Slate is not the ideal solution or any floor, however, It should be sealed to prevent stains, particularly if you are going to place it in a high-traffic area. In addition, you will need professionals to install this flooring.

Travertine

a house with a pool in the middle of it, travertine flooring on the side

While not as well-known as marble or granite or limestone, travertine natural stone tile is one of the most diverse options for upgrading your home. Not only does it come in a wide variety of colors, it also comes in many different finishes. Choose from sophisticated ivory or rustic brown, matte finishes or polished finishes.

Travertine is a porous material that has little pits in the tiles. Over time, these pits could wear down, requiring you to regularly fill in the worn out areas. You should also choose professional installation in order to avoid damaging this relatively brittle stone.

Natural stone tiles are a smart way to improve the value, and the style, of your home. At GILSA, we have 80 years of experience in delivering a wide variety of exclusive flooring to homeowners like you. Enjoy our immersive staging experience, one-of-a-kind materials and styles, and exquisite aesthetics. Explore our variety of natural stone tile flooring today!

Top 5 Tile Flooring Types For Your McAllen Home

Looking for durable, one-of-a-kind flooring for your McAllen home? These 5 types of tile are some of the most distinctive and highest-quality available.

When it comes to elevating your remodeling project, flooring is one of the most important choices you can make. Not only will your choice affect the look of your room for many years to come, it will also affect your daily life. You want something that will maintain the beauty of your home, while making an elegant design statement that sets your home apart.

For a Texas home, tile can achieve both of these goals. Easy to clean, resistant to moisture damage and perfect for many home styles, this type of flooring also gives you many exclusive options to create one-of-a-kind designs. Do you desire world-class quality AND aesthetics? Explore the top 5 tile flooring types for McAllen, TX, homes.

Porcelain Tile

a living room filled with furniture and a piano, with porcelain flooring

Known for its distinctive beauty and versatility, porcelain tile is also extremely durable. Formed from clay ceramic that contains high amounts of quartz and silica, and baked at temperatures that average 2,350 degrees Fahrenheit, it is much less porous than its ceramic counterparts.

As a result, porcelain is ideal for use in any room of your home, including high-traffic areas like the kitchen and the bathrooms. You can also use it to complete distinctive designs in exterior areas such as outdoor kitchens and pools. Choose an option that fits your design goals – Porcelain can look like hardwood, marble, brick and more.

If you want to elevate your home without adding hours of maintenance and cleaning to your life, you will also enjoy porcelain tile’s low maintenance requirements and easy-to-clean surfaces. Plus, with many styles from which to choose, you can find that exclusive look that will give your home the unforgettable look you desire.

Before you begin exploring your (endless) porcelain options, however, you should be aware of its two drawbacks: Price and installation. More expensive than ceramic, it is an exclusive and sought-after choice that will pay back your investment in durability and elegance over the years.

When installing this flooring, you will also require professional assistance. Trickier to cut than other options and available in larger standard dimensions, getting it correctly laid demands a professional and experienced approach.

Ceramic Tile

a bathroom with a sink, mirror, and a stool, ceramic flooring

Ceramic tile, forged out of clay, is one of the most common flooring options for homes in McAllen. Its relatively low price point, combined with its versatile styles and its durability, make it a smart choice for almost any room in your home.

This option is also very easy to install because it is less brittle and less prone to damage when cut. Plus, its tough exterior makes it resistant to water, stains, odor absorption, and the effects of harsh cleaners.

With no regular maintenance required, it is perfect for easily maintaining high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, WITHOUT compromising on the deluxe look you want for your space.

When purchasing this type of tile flooring for your McAllen home, you should invest in glazed ceramic tiles. The glaze not only broadens your options for the look of your tile but also adds extra protection that prevents staining and simplifies maintenance.

In addition, you will want to invest in only the highest-quality versions of ceramic tiles. Doing so will maximize both the exclusive look of your flooring and the even appearance of your material. Plus, higher quality means improved durability for a look you can depend on for many years to come.

Marble Tile

a bathroom with marble walls and flooring and a walk in shower

Marble is one of the oldest luxury flooring types – And one of the most beautiful and elevated choices you have available for your home. Today, it offers a way to create an effortlessly elegant look that will wow your guests and your family alike.

Defined by beautiful mineral veins that run throughout the tiles, this type of natural stone flooring for McAllen homes adds texture, elegance and glamor to any room. It also comes in many differently colored veins, allowing you to find a unique piece that fits your remodel and style preferences.

When considering marble for your space, take into account the need to seal it in order to gain durability for high-traffic areas. Requiring regular maintenance and more prone to scratches and stains than other types of flooring, it is often most appropriate for use in lower-traffic areas.

In addition, marble is an investment in exclusive luxury and one-of-a-kind designs. It will cost more than ceramic or porcelain, but it will also add that indescribable look of luxury that will set your home apart.

Granite Tiles

a large kitchen with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, with granite flooring

One of the most durable flooring choices you can make for your home in Texas is granite. Cooled slowly, these tiles develop an extreme hardness that make them almost impervious to scratching and flaking. They are also water resistant and make a fine choice for bathrooms, kitchens and other areas that undergo a lot of abuse over time.

Hardness and durability do not impact the appearance of this tiling choice. This option comes with naturally-occurring specks and flecks of color that make each piece distinctive, unique and beautiful. In addition, granite can be finished in many different ways. It is almost certain you can create an exclusive look for your home with high-quality granite finished in just the right way.

Limestone Tiles

a living room filled with furniture and a fire place, with limestone

Granite and marble are perhaps the natural stone tiles that are most well-known and popular. However, the texture, contrasts and colors of natural stone are also available in limestone. Most known for its rustic look and earthy colors, limestone can support your rustic design without compromising on elegance and an elevated look.

If you want to choose a natural work of art to place in your home, consider the versatility and styles available in this durable material. However, keep in mind the fact that limestone is more porous than many other types of flooring. As a result, these tiles are more likely to wear out over time. You should seal this flooring and only treat it with low-pH cleaners to avoid damage.

The number of tile flooring options you have can feel overwhelming. The good news is that at GILSA you can access a flooring concierge with more than 80 years of experience. Our ability to source even hard-to-find materials and exclusive products makes it easy to discover the flooring and create the effortless elegance you desire in your home. Explore our many options today!