Tile and Stone

The most common types of tile flooring are Ceramic, Porcelain, and Natural Stone. The type of tile you choose will depend greatly on your budget and your specific needs. Ceramic and Porcelain are similar, but there are some differences. The most common natural stone tile includes granite, slate, limestone, sandstone, and marble. Let’s take a closer look at tile…

What are the differences?

Ceramic – This tile is made from clay that is cut or pressed into tiles. A design is then printed onto the tiles, then it is coated with a protective glaze. Finally, the tiles are baked at very high temperatures in a kiln.

Porcelain – This tile is made in the same fashion as ceramic. The difference is that it uses more refined clay, is baked longer with more pressure, thus resulting in a more dense and harder tile.

Natural Stone – In short, these tiles are made from natural rock that is formed into tiles. While most natural stone is water resistant, it is porous and should be sealed for moisture protection.

Things to consider…

Cost – Ceramic is the best choice for those who are set on tile floors but are on a budget. The cost of natural stone can vary but is usually more expensive than ceramic or porcelain.

Moisture – This is an important factor to consider, especially depending on the areas of your home where you want the tile. For example, porcelain is more watertight than ceramic, this would be a better choice for high moisture areas.

Durability – While tile is extremely durable to everyday use, it can crack if not properly installed or if a heavy object is dropped. Keep in mind that the harder the tile, the more durable it will be.

Design – Ceramic and porcelain are the best choice if there is a specific look you have in mind. If you want a more uniform look or perhaps a special pattern, this is the way to go. Natural stone is very unique in that almost no tile looks alike.

Cleaning – Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are super easy to clean. You can use virtually any cleaner without damaging the tile. Natural stone, on the other hand, can react with acidic cleaners that can permanently stain the stone.

Installation – Tile and stone can be installed in most areas of your home. However, if installing over wood subfloors, you will need a cement backer board installed first. This will add to the cost, so keep that in mind. Tile can be labor intensive, which can make the cost of the labor higher than the materials. While this can be a fun do-it-yourself project, we highly recommend you leave this one up to the professionals at Columbia Floor Source.

West Columbia, SC
2744 Emanuel Church Road
West Columbia, SC 29170
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Phone: 803-520-0044
Fax: 803-520-0043
Email: acdflooring@gmail.com
Hours: M-F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hub Plott
Hub Plott
19:52 22 Apr 20
Great price and quick installation. They made it as painless as possible. The work was completed quickly and expertly. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for flooring. You will get good work and products done at a very fair price!read more
Kinsey Faucette
Kinsey Faucette
15:29 02 Oct 19
Great prices and friendly staff!
Private Review
Private Review
02:29 30 Jul 19
Unfortunately, this was a terrible experience. I met with the owner and he lied to me on numerous occasions, and proceeded to blame is staff every time he was confronted. He spent the entire time I was at his store trying to spend thousands of dollars with him on his phone not even paying attention to me. He is only after money and making himself look good. Do yourself a favor and find somewhere else. Don’t be pulled in by the cheap prices. The service you get is not worth. I am still waiting on my floors to be installed this to paid for weeks ago, and was promised they would be installed on a certain date. That date has been moved 3 times and now won’t take my calls. I will be going to the better business bureau. Stay away.read more
Hugh Hugh
Hugh Hugh
13:28 25 Jun 19
Great costumer service, affordable price. Quality materials
mona norris
mona norris
15:08 10 Jun 19
Excellent service and materials. Good prices.
Xaque Williams
Xaque Williams
23:57 01 May 19
This really needs to be a 6/5 stars! From the moment I walked in the door Steven was helpful and welcoming. He was able to show me a product that was in my price range and gave me a quote. I left and came back later that day to purchase and they had all my info on hand. They actually got me a better carpet for a few dollars less than originally quoted! They were able to set up for installation within the short time frame I needed without extra cost. The guys who came out to install did a very fast and professional job! Excellent work! Excellent experience with this company! Would buy here again and recommend to a friend or family member 11/10! Thanks Columbia floor source!!!read more
Brooke Beach
Brooke Beach
23:00 28 Feb 19
Columbia Floor Source did an excellent job replacing all the floors downstairs and my hallway upstairs. The wood floors were completed in two days. They moved our furniture and put everything back properly. Everyone was extremely nice and polite. I highly recommend this company if you are replacing your floors. The price was extremely low compared to other companies and they did an EXCELLENT job!read more
Amy Holland
Amy Holland
21:01 22 Feb 19
I drive by this place every day. Looks like a warehouse but I decided to go in. It's very nice inside. Very friendly staff. Selection was great! They came out free of charge and gave me an estimate the same day. Their price was the best by far!read more
Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson
17:31 05 Feb 19
After wasting a month dealing with Lowes, we decided to try a locally owned shop. Wow! Great customer service! They are extremely knowledgeable, honest, and fairly priced. The flooring looks great, and the workmanship was above and beyond our expectations. Highly recommended!read more
Craig Jackson
Craig Jackson
17:16 31 Jan 19
This place was very clean and the owner made .me feel welcome.they had very reasonable prices.very nice people.
Blane Mays
Blane Mays
14:30 06 Dec 18
Great price and selection. Dustin Carlsen is professional and very informative. Great place for all your flooring needs.
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