[GrannieRe]

I am going to tile my kitchen, dining room, hall and bathrooms? What type of tile should I use? I've been told porcelain. What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic?

Thanks,

GrannieRe:)

[EMERIL LAGASSE]

Porcelain can withstand heat and cold

[mtconc]

All tile can withstand heat and cold... porcelain is harder... you will need a floor tile grade 3 or harder.. size is just a matter of taste... I've seen big rooms with small tile and small rooms with bid tile...

[EMERIL LAGASSE]

Porcelain can be used outside in northern climates
Get r done:)

[RubyPitbull]

Yes, porcelain can be used outside in northern climates, so can tile depending on the type of tile and how it is installed. But, Grannie is redoing the interior of her home.

Grannie, you need to do a bit of research here. Go to your local hardware store, or Home Depot/Loews. Take a look at pricing and style. It is more of a matter of personal taste. Neither type of tile is better or worse than the other. If someone is trying to force you to buy a more expensive product, arm yourself with knowledge. Pick out what you like, what you can afford, and what will complement your home. The biggest concern here is the condition of the subflooring. If it is uneven, cracked,. any problems at all, both tile and porcelain will crack when stepped on. If you have a lot of cracks in existing tiles, then that tells you there may be a problem. It could be a something as simple as settling when the house was built, and it won't pose a problem now. It could be from a sub-standard job on the subflooring. Which will mean a higher cost to the job because this needs to be corrected to ensure the tiles won't crack.

If you are getting estimates from one person or company, make some calls to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers. Ask for referrels. Get at least three, if not more, companies in to give you estimates. It doesn't cost anything for this. Go with the company that comes with the best references and most reasonable rates. If you don't have a man around your home, ask a male friend to be with you when you are getting these estimates. A lot of contractors take advantage of the lack of knowledge of the elderly or lone women, know matter how good a reference there is. It is an unfortunate fact of life. I am a woman and have a history in the construction industry. I have seen this happen all too often. Good luck with your project!