Fit for Philadelphia: Ceramic Tile for Floors, Kitchens, and Bathrooms

For homes in Philadelphia, ceramic tile is one of the most common, and best suited, building materials available. It is very durable, resistant to moisture, and it looks good for decades, as long as it is taken care of. Though many new materials have been put on the market that might be easier to install, ceramic tile has stood the test of time in both appearance and longevity.

Philadelphia Ceramic Floor Tile
For Philadelphia, ceramic floor tile has a lot of advantages that are worth considering when building or remodeling. First off, it is great under moist conditions. The snow and slush that stick to shoes in the winter won't stick to or damage a tile floor. If hardwood is exposed to that slushy mess repeatedly, you could easily end up with moisture cracks that would make the Liberty Bell blush.

Long-term damages aside, with the environmental conditions common to Philadelphia, ceramic floor tile is an obvious choice because it is so easy to clean. All forms of dirt and grime can easily be removed from tile with a simple sweep and mop. You don't need any special detergents, and you'll never have to worry about hiring a professional to get rid of stains caused by heavy traffic. When compared to a flooring such as carpet, the amount of time and money you'll save on maintenance could really add up.

Ceramic Tile in Philadelphia Kitchens and Bathrooms
Once the standard in Philadelphia, ceramic tile in showers, backsplashes, and countertops is often replaced by other materials in new structures and remodels. This is an unfortunate trend, as tile is truly a classic, and it performs its duties just as well now as it did a hundred years ago.

One of the biggest reasons why people shy away from tile today is less a problem with the actual tiles, and more a problem with the grout in between them. It's true that grout has, in the past, been the thorn in the side of many tile surfaces. Many of the problems associated with grout, however, have modern solutions that weren't available when older tiles were installed. Other tile problems common to older installations have to do with moisture behind the tiles themselves and can easily be avoided by taking precautions when the tile is put in.

To compliment the authentic appearance of ceramic tile, Philadelphia's older floor plans and constructions are a perfect fit. It's true that you might find a modern tub or shower surround that would be cheaper, but would it have the same character? You could go the other way and opt for a very fancy looking granite countertop, but the price is rarely anything to write home about. Tile presents an excellent balance in durability, cost effectiveness, and, of course, classic good looks.

Philadelphia Ceramic Tile Pricing
In Philly, smaller tile installations often run between $1,000 and $2,000, but for an extremely large job, the cost can reach well over $5,000. If you're looking to repair your old ceramic tile, the cost is usually less than $1,000. Re-grouting can be a rather time-consuming job, so you might want to get an estimate for both the price of repair and the price of total replacement, as well, to see how much the difference is. Installations generally take between one and two weeks for bigger jobs; repair jobs tend to be much faster.