Kitchen Ceramic Tile

Glazed ceramic tile tough, easy to clean with pets

Q: We are beginning a bathroom and kitchen remodel next month. We can't seem to decide on the floors for durability, easy maintenance, et cetera. We have five indoor cats so we need something that will hold up with two litter boxes and food and water bowls.

We like the look of wood and are considering bamboo. But because of durability and ease of maintenance, we are also looking at tile and Marmoleum. We would be grateful for any suggestions you guys might have.

A: Years ago we gave Mom a puppy for Christmas. We did a little research and decided that a miniature schnauzer would fit the bill. We found a breeder and went to check out her dogs.

When we entered the house we found the entire floor covered in ceramic tile, all sloping gently to a central drain. Odd, we thought. But when the breeder opened a door and called out "puppies," we were surrounded by 20 romping schnauzer pups. In their excitement, more than one had an accident. It didn't take us long to realize that tile was the best choice for this professional dog breeder.

For durability and easy maintenance a glazed ceramic tile floor is by far your best bet - especially in the kitchen. Glazed tile is impervious to water, won't stain and is not easily damaged. Cat claws won't damage it. Cleanup is with a broom or vacuum cleaner followed by a once-over with a damp mop. If you drop something heavy, you may crack or break a tile or two, but repair is a relatively simple and inexpensive process.

We recommend a maximum 1/8 -inch grout line and at least two thorough coats of grout sealer to repel the occasional dribble of wine or other liquid that might stain it. The downside of tile is that - unless combined with a heated floor - it can be cold and not comfortable underfoot.

Our second choice for the kitchen is Marmoleum. This material, made up of linseed oil, rosins and wood flour and embedded onto a natural jute backing, has been a mainstay floor covering for more than 100 years.

Marmoleum is tougher than vinyl and is highly resistant to heavy rolling loads and foot traffic. Exposure to air over time hardens it, increasing its durability. It cleans with broom and vacuum followed by a damp mop. Water won't damage it, and it is stain resistant.

There are downsides. It's susceptible to dents, scuffing and scratches. Repair is not easy and should be done by a pro. For an overview check out, http://bit.ly/kie89u. Pay particular attention to the comments at the end of the article. People seem to either love it or hate it.

Cheap Kitchen Materials That Look Expensive | The Frontier Kitchen ...

Everyone wants their kitchen to look like a picture out of a magazine, but most of us do not have the money to spend on those same expensive materials. Luckily, with all of the improvements done to less costly materials, you can get the look of those expensive materials for pennies on the dollar. Here are some cheap kitchen materials you can use to create a high end look for less.

High End Laminate

Laminate countertops have received a bad reputation over the years, but new improvements to this old material has caused a revival in laminate. The new high end laminate can give the look of granite, quartz or even metal. The only way to really tell the difference between this laminate and the real deal is to touch it. The best part is, this new beautiful laminate does not cost much more than the ugly laminate in your grandma’s kitchen.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is definitely not what most people think when they want expensive looking flooring. However, the world of ceramic tile has come up with a way to give you the look of real stone, marble or even travertine. Though ceramic tile may not be as cheap as sheet vinyl flooring, it can still save you hundreds over real stone or travertine tile.

Stainless Steel Film

Another cheap material option is stainless steel film. This film can be used on backsplashes, appliances and even countertops to give the look of real stainless steel for as little as $ .25 a square foot. With a real stainless steel countertop running as much as 0 a square foot, that is a huge savings. Of course, be aware that this option is not going to be as durable as the real thing. So, be gentle.

Laminate Flooring

Hardwood flooring in the kitchen is a huge trend right now, but it can also be quite expensive. With hardwood flooring running anywhere from to a square foot, the cost of this elegant look can add up quickly. However, you can get this same look for much less by choosing a laminate flooring instead. If you look in the right places, you can find inexpensive laminate flooring for only $ .50 a square foot, with more quality laminate for – a square foot. If you choose the right product, your guests will probably never know the difference.

So if you are wanting to give your kitchen that expensive magazine look but do not have a lot of cash, try using these materials to get the same look for less. Not only will you get the look you want but you will potentially save thousands of dollars over using those pricey materials. Now start shopping to get the best deal possible on these items for your kitchen to save even more.

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