STONETILE DESIGN

Tiles come in two forms glazed and unglazed, and some are even handmade, often with custom colors and details. Handmade tiles are less consistent in shape and size, and frankly, this is part of their appeal. Naturally, handmade tiles are a bit more expensive.

Most tiles are factory-made, usually with fine-grained clays that are machine shaped and pressed. These are more uniform and come in a wide variety of colors. Unglazed tiles need to be sealed after they're installed and periodically thereafter. Glazed tiles are impervious to stains and moisture and therefore do not need additional protection. All tile grout, however, should be treated with a liquid silicone sealer every year or so. Light grouts are naturally more difficult to keep clean, so consider using a colored grout.

How much you'll pay depends on the installation and, of course, your tile selection. Tiles range from $3 to $8 per square foot. Installation varies, but expect it to be about $3 to $5 per square foot.

Tiles should not be installed directly over particleboard, or even wood subflooring, if the floor will be subject to a lot of flexing. Flexing is a function of room size, joist span and joist spacing. Today, 1/2-in. concrete backing board is nailed directly over the deck lumber and the tile is cemented to the board with adhesive mortar. All tiles are given a hardness rating, on a scale of one to four. No. 1 is the softest, and is primarily made for walls. Residential floor tiles should have a grade-3 hardness rating.

Stone :

Stone flooring, typically marble, slate or granite, is considered permanent. It's not that stone flooring can't be replaced, but when it is, it's usually done by a subsequent owner bent on a completely new look.

Marble is not as hard as slate or granite, and is slightly more susceptible to scratching. Granite is the most durable, though all hold up well with reasonable care. While stone, especially slate, can be ordered in irregular shapes, most are trimmed into 12or 24-in. squares. All should be laid over concrete or concrete backing board. Remember, darker grouts are easier to keep clean. Stone runs $12 to $25 per square foot, plus installation of between $5 and $12 per square foot. If concrete backing board is needed, expect to pay a little more.