Small home improvements can sometimes be the most effective. But searching for and finding a tile that fits with your style and flows throughout can be a difficult process.
There are so many options for flooring: carpets, tile, wood, linoleum and more. Many homeowners are turning to tile as an option because it will hold up when other floor treatments won’t.
Tile seems to be a popular choice and people have even become a little spoiled when it comes to deciding the choice of tiles that best accentuate the natural beauty of their homes. You’ll find a popular choice (especially in Santa Fe) is Saltillo tile flooring and there is a good reason for that: It can add a classic Santa Fe look while easily matching the ambiance of any home. But, before jumping into a makeover, there are a few things you need to consider:
Saltillo tiles are made from clay. Even though the tiles are made from natural clay and are found in quite an array of different colors. This makes finding a color that suits your need pretty obtainable.
True Saltillo tiles are made by hand. This gives homeowners a wide variety of designs to choose from. The tiles can appear in many different shapes, sizes, and designs. Occasionally a “flaw” such as a paw print will be found on one of your tiles. Some could complain but it could be looked at as quite a conversational piece, even a personal treasure. It’s always a plus when you can find something that is handmade. You can rest easy knowing that your little “jewel” is unique and won’t be duplicated.
A great benefit to Saltillo tiles is they can be left raw without any sealer and remain beautiful after extended use. They can be installed with a sealant if you choose and it will add a sleek finish to the look. But, if you choose not to add the sealant you will end up with quite a unique look that you can’t find in other tiles.
And, you’re not locked in without a sealant. If you decide later on that you do prefer the look of the sealed tile better, you can simply apply the sealant at that time. If you do go with a sealed look. The sealant will need to be reapplied every couple of years in high traffic areas. Sometimes it’s not even necessary to reapply that often. It will just depend on how much the tile is trafficked.
Saltillo tiles are great for keeping your home cooler. They don’t store heat within like some other types of flooring and can actually give off a cooling effect.
One of the most beneficial factors is that you won’t need a professional when it comes to maintenance. It’s very easy to clean the tiles with readily available cleaning products. You can even use products that you find at the market.
In most circumstances, the best way to clean Saltillo tile floors is with just a quick vacuum and a little mopping. Heavy machinery or intense chemicals are not necessary to achieve clean tiles. Many use a mix of water and vinegar for their mopping in a ratio of 1-part vinegar to 10-parts water. And, another plus is that the tiles “hide” the dirt, and typically don’t need to be cleaned daily. Please reference the Saltillo tile flooring buying guide to find out more information regarding maintenance.
Saltillo tiles last longer than carpet, some woods, and especially linoleum. These tiles will hold up much better than other tiles. These specific tiles don’t trap as much dander and dust inside as other types of flooring does which is also a great benefit for those that suffer from allergies.
Saltillo tile for outdoor spaces may be just what you are looking for. They are a great option for patios, walkways, and other outdoor projects. Because of their durability, they can withstand high heats and a good bit of weather before seeing any ware. Be sure to reference the Saltillo tile flooring buying guide for other tips on placements of tile.
If you have any questions, let us know!