Tile has undergone a design renaissance in recent years. No longer relegated solely to the bathroom floor or the kitchen backsplash, tile is now a primary design element used to create stunning feature walls, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and high-traffic entryways that make a statement. At Yancey's House of Carpet, we have curated a collection of porcelain, ceramic, glass, and natural stone that allows our Northwest Indiana clients to push the boundaries of home design. From Cedar Lake to Crown Point, we are helping homeowners rediscover the beauty and utility of tile.
Porcelain vs. Ceramic: Making the Right Choice
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences that matter for your installation.
Ceramic Tile: Generally made from red or white clay fired in a kiln, ceramic tile is a versatile and cost-effective option for walls and light-traffic floors. It is easy to cut and comes in an endless array of colors and patterns. It’s perfect for a creative kitchen backsplash or a guest bathroom.
Porcelain Tile: Porcelain is fired at much higher temperatures and is made from denser clay. This makes it "vitreous"—meaning it absorbs almost no water. Porcelain is much harder and more wear-resistant than ceramic, making it the superior choice for high-traffic areas, laundry rooms, and even outdoor patios. Because the color of porcelain often goes all the way through the tile, a small chip is much less noticeable than on a glazed ceramic tile.
The Artistic Potential of Glass and Natural Stone
For those looking to add a touch of luxury, glass tile and natural stone offer unmatched visual depth.
Glass Tile: Often used in mosaics, glass tile reflects light beautifully. It is a popular choice for shower niches and backsplashes, giving a modern, "jewel-box" feel to the space. It is also impervious to water and staining.
Natural Stone: Materials like travertine, slate, and marble bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. No two pieces of stone are exactly alike, ensuring that your floor or wall is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Natural stone does require periodic sealing, but the organic warmth it provides is well worth the effort.
Modern Trends: Large Format and Wood-Look Tile
Two of the biggest trends we are seeing at Yancey's are large-format tiles and wood-look porcelain planks. Large-format tiles (12x24 or larger) create a sense of scale and minimize grout lines, making a small bathroom feel significantly larger and more streamlined.
Wood-look tile has become a favorite for homeowners who want the aesthetic of hardwood in areas where wood typically fails, such as mudrooms or basements with high humidity. These tiles are so realistic that they include grain patterns and knots, yet they can be steam-moped and are completely impervious to water.
The Importance of Professional Grouting and Layout
A tile job is only as good as the layout. "Centering" the room and ensuring that cuts are symmetrical at the edges requires a mathematical approach and an artistic eye. Furthermore, the choice of grout color can completely change the look of the tile—matching the grout to the tile creates a seamless, monolithic look, while a contrasting grout highlights the geometric pattern of the installation.
Our professional installers at Yancey's House of Carpet are masters of their craft. We handle everything from the cement board underlayment to the final sealing of the grout. We understand that tile is a permanent choice, and we treat every installation with the precision it deserves. Our location and service areas include the entire Lake County region, ensuring that expert help is always nearby.
Experience the Yancey's Difference
Since 1980, we have built our reputation on quality products and honest service. We don't just sell tile; we help you design a space that reflects your personality and stands the test of time. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, modern kitchen or a rustic, stone-filled entryway, we have the tools and the talent to bring that vision to life.
Ready to see how the right tile can transform your home? Visit our Cedar Lake showroom to browse our latest collections and speak with a design consultant. To take the first step toward your new space, request an estimate from Yancey's House of Carpet today and let's get started on something beautiful!
