Chances are, you've noticed them those fashionable 3D wall tiles that seem to be coming up everywhere lately, even featured in some of your favorite stores. Most significantly, elevation tile is all the rage in interior design; it adds more visual flair to the room, making it increasingly textural and interesting. But is it right for your home or office?
While it may seem overwhelming with plenty of choices to consider, the following article will navigate you through the pros and cons of elevation tile. From the assorted materials and price of installation to the tips in terms of the installation itself, we are covering everything before one dives headfirst into this dimensional tiling trend. Armed with the right information, one could do that—banish the doubts and make sure this is the look that will take your space to the next level, instead of the one that keeps your walls looking one-dimensional.
Understanding Elevation Tile: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Elevation tile, also termed dimensional or architectural tile, is the one that consists of tiles with a thickness that varies to provide a perceived feel of depth, thus creating interest in the wall.
How It's Made
The tile is made from natural stone, ceramics, or porcelain and is manufactured in differing thicknesses, starting at 3/8" thick and over 1" thick. Changing thicknesses and unique profiles, together with textures, give the shadows and highlights that make it appear in three dimensions.
Best Uses
Elevation tile is the kind ideal for flooring even in wet, high-traffic areas and slip-resistant. Elevation tile is perfectly suitable for flooring in residences and commercial venues and is used for wall applications in surroundings by a fireplace, kitchen backsplashes, and bathroom walls. The tile’s thickness and profiles also make it a great choice if you want to make a bold style statement.
Installation
An experienced tile setter should be hired for laying the elevation tile because the thicknesses vary and the thickness becomes a matter of challenge for the tile setter to keep the tiles in level. In most cases, it will require the application of special mortars and grouts larger than that of the usual depth of the tile. The tile should be laid on a concrete substrate in order to support it against the extra weight that it gets exposed to.
While elevation tiles seem to cost a bit more for the specialized nature, their stunning and life-lasting results make this well worth the money. If you're among those inspired to change a basic space into something exquisite, then elevation tile is the perfect choice for your next project.
Evaluating if Elevation Tile Is Right for Your Space
Elevation tile can create a stylish, modern look in many homes and businesses, but it may not be the best choice for every space. Consider the Location Where do you want to install the tile? Elevation tile works well in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces like retail stores or restaurants. However, it may not be the most comfortable or practical option for living rooms, bedrooms or outdoor patios. The sleek, solid surface and defined edges of elevation tile can make these spaces feel cold or harsh.
While an elevation tile will do a great job in most homes and businesses to give a chic, modern look, it will not be the best installation for every space.
Buy Elevation Tile at Price
Consider the Location Where do you want to install the tile?
Perfect for entryways and kitchens, the Elevation tile is also perfect for use in the bath of the home. This can be perfect in commercial spaces, such as a retail shop or a restaurant. However, for all the living rooms and bedrooms or patios, this may not be the most comfortable or utilitarian material. The sleek, solid surface and defined edges of elevation tile can make these spaces feel cold or harsh.
Factor in Durability and Maintenance
They are as strong as being very water-resistant with low maintenance. Chances of elevation tiles getting stained or scratched are literally impossible from a solid surface. However, repair or patching of chipped or cracked elevation tiles is quite cumbersome. Besides, periodic sealing needs to be done to prevent discoloration. Good for the greatest amount of traffic in commercial spaces, it may be a little overkill to use in a lightly used residential area.
Consider Your Design Style
Elevation tile has a very minimal, contemporary style that integrates well with modern and industrial aesthetics. Elevation tile might appear misplaced if your home or business leans more toward traditional, rustic, or even eclectic decoration. Wood, stone, or ceramic tiles can easily be integrated into such styles.
Think About Your Budget
Despite the fact that the tile is of very high elevation, it is not the cheapest in pricing when it comes to the tiles. The material itself may carry a high cost, and installations typically incur additional expenses due to the need for precise work. Elevation tiles are unaffordable for almost all small commercial or residential projects with a tight budget. On the other hand, this type of elevation has very cheap alternatives; for example, luxury vinyl tile and ceramic tile give the same expensive look at a very low price.
Maybe, in the end, the elevation tile does prove to be the better option for your space, combining both style and function to reach your needs. But the location and the durability, design style, and your project budget needs will help you gauge whether this hip flooring product is right for you.
Elevation Tile Pros and Cons for Residential & Commercial
Residential Pros
The Elevation tile has very many benefits to homes. It is a very beautiful and durable type of floor that can hold spaces such as high-traffic, pet-friendly, and kid-friendly living areas. The tile resists water, making it suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and mudrooms. It also has a very low maintenance level, as it does not require refinishing or resealing.
Residential Cons
However, the elevation tile floor is not very foot-friendly when bare, most especially to persons from a cold climatic condition. On the other hand, DIYers find the installation process quite challenging, and both the cost of tiles and installation exceed those of laminate, vinyl, or carpet.
Elevation tile is very durable but not indeinc. Dropping heavy or sharp objects can potentially crack or chip the tile.
Commercial Pros
The elevation tile, therefore, is appropriate for high-traffic common areas, such as lobbies, vestibules, break rooms, and corridors. This is because it is able to resist wear and tear well and will not show scratches, dents, or water damage.
What is more, it incorporates high slip resistance that goes with safe commercial specifications. Well, what do you know? If what you're after is elegance, yet not the high and frequent maintenance cost that goes with it, then this one's for you.
Commercial Cons
The downside is that the installation may get costly; in large-scale commercial space, elevation tiles can cost somewhat even for consideration. In some places, the hard surface of the tiles may not provide a sound-absorbing capability.
For workspace floors, the tile could, in fact, be uncomfortable without any anti-fatigue mats. An elevation tile would also not tolerate the freezing temperature in unheated entryways in the case proper sealing is absent. In summary, the elevation tile has a huge number of advantages. Individuals should take all these things into account precariously for their specific residential or commercial needs With proper installation and maintained conditions in appropriate areas, these flooring options will last for many years to come in stylish and durable form. Flooring is never perfect for every application. Make sure yours fits how you actually live in and use your space.
Conclusion
So, elevation tile for homes and business. With a little thought, it soon becomes an ideal option for both. One just needs to ponder his kind of lifestyle, the level of traffic, and the general aesthetic of design before he makes a decision. While very durable and versatile to fit many spaces, elevation tile may not be the best solution for every application. Do some of your homework and check it out in person. Get creative with the shapes, colors, and patterns of your choice. With proper laying and care, an elevation tile could be an excellent choice for elevated floors—one that you will enjoy for years to come.
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