If you have children, you're likely familiar with the everyday challenges of keeping your home clean and safe. Toddlers spill their juice, an artistic child decides to experiment with crayons on the floor, or a little athlete tracks in mud from their outdoor adventures. One way to tackle these issues head-on is by choosing porcelain tiles as your flooring material.
As a quality porcelain tile provider in Hollywood, FL, we like to help our clients choose the type of tile that goes best with their homes. In this blog, we'll explore why porcelain tiles are the top choice for households with kids and talk about their many benefits.
They’re Durable
When it comes to flooring materials, not all are created equal in terms of durability. Hardwood floors, for example, can get scratched by sharp or heavy objects, and the finish can wear down over time with heavy use. Laminate flooring, though less expensive, can also show signs of wear, especially in high-traffic areas or when subjected to moisture.
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are engineered to be incredibly resilient. They are made from a special type of clay that is fired at extremely high temperatures. This process results in a dense and hard material that is far less susceptible to damage than many other flooring options.
Porcelain tiles have a low water absorption rate, which means they are less likely to absorb juice, glue, paint, toothpaste, and many other children-related spills.
They Don’t Contain VOCs
If you’re a parent, chances are your kid’s health is your number one concern. Porcelain tiles don't contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), making them a safe option for households with children.
What Are VOCs?
VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air as gases from certain products. They are commonly found in household items like paints, adhesives, cleaning agents, and some types of flooring materials.
Some common VOCs include:
- Polyvinyl Chloride
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
- Xylene
Several types of flooring materials also release VOCs into the indoor air. Many carpets contain adhesives and dyes that release chemicals over time, while some vinyl flooring products emit them when new.
How Do VOCs Affect Children’s Health?
Exposure to VOCs can have various health effects on both children and adults. For instance, they can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and throat irritation. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to the effects of VOC exposure, as it can impact their cognitive and physical development.
Other common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Luckily, porcelain tiles are VOC-free. Since they don’t release harmful chemicals, your children won't be exposed to potential health risks associated with VOCs.
By choosing porcelain tiles, you create a safer and healthier indoor environment and allow your little ones to explore and grow without concerns about harmful chemical exposure.
They’re Hard and Stable
The flooring in a child's environment can affect their development, particularly during the early years when they’re learning to crawl and walk.
While many parents choose soft and cushioned flooring, such as carpet, you also need to recognize the advantages of allowing children to navigate on hard and stable surfaces like porcelain tile floors.
Enhance Motor Skills
When babies crawl or toddlers take their first steps on a firm surface, they receive valuable feedback through their feet. As a result, they refine their balance and coordination and improve their ability to walk and run with confidence.
Stimulate Sensory Perception
Porcelain tiles offer a unique tactile experience for children. The cool, smooth surface contrasts with other textures they encounter, like soft carpet or grass. This sensory diversity stimulates their tactile perception and encourages them to explore.
Walking and crawling on stable surfaces like porcelain tile floors also gives children a better sense of their body's position in space, which helps them navigate their environment.
Build Muscular Strength
The firmness of porcelain tile floors demands more effort from a child's core muscles as they crawl or walk. For this reason, they strengthen their abdominal and back muscles and can get a better posture and overall muscle tone.
Moreover, the resistance of porcelain tile floors can also aid in the development of lower limb strength. As children push against the floor to propel themselves forward while crawling or walking, they build strength in their legs.
Strengthen Neck Muscles
As children move more independently on firm floors, they become more curious about their surroundings. They start to lift their head and look up at objects, people, and their environment. This natural curiosity and visual exploration help them develop of their neck strength and extension.
They’re Non-Porous
For families with children, the non-porous nature of porcelain tiles is a game-changer. Kids are more likely to play on the floor, and if they have allergies, the last thing you want is for them to be exposed to allergens hiding in the flooring.
What Makes Porcelain Tiles Non-Porous?
Porcelain tiles are non-porous due to their unique manufacturing process and composition. The high-temperature firing process they undergo makes the clay and minerals vitrify, or turn into a glass-like substance. This process creates a dense and hard surface that is naturally resistant to water and moisture.
Some porcelain tiles are also glazed with a protective layer that further seals the surface. Glazing makes tiles more durable, keeps their aesthetics intact, and adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and staining.
How Do Porcelain Tiles Prevent Allergies?
Porcelain tiles don't have microscopic openings to harbor allergens like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander, which often hide behind porous materials.
When allergens are only trapped on the surface, you can remove them by simply wiping your tiles and the air inside your home stays cleaner. This benefit can make a big difference for children with asthma and allergies, as they'll breathe easier and have fewer allergy flare-ups.
They’re Easy to Clean
As discussed before, the smooth and non-porous surface of porcelain tiles doesn't allow dirt, spills, or stains to seep in, making cleanup a breeze.
Messes remain on the surface, and you can wipe them away effortlessly with a damp cloth or mop. There's no need for heavy-duty cleaners or excessive scrubbing, which saves time and reduces the need for harsh chemicals that can be harmful to children and the environment.
The easy cleaning feature of porcelain tiles is a significant advantage for parents and children alike. Parents appreciate the convenience, especially in busy households where spills and messes are part of everyday life.
With porcelain tiles, parents can quickly address spills and accidents, ensuring the floor remains clean and safe for kids to roam, crawl, or play without coming into contact with harmful germs or chemicals.
At D&B Tile, we offer the "Best of Everything Concentrated Cleaner" in a 70 oz bottle. This highly concentrated cleaner is perfect for everyday use, as it contains special surfactants to clean and lift away dirt and grime. Just mix 1 to 2 oz with 1 gallon of water to keep your porcelain tiles spotless.
They’re Eco-Friendly
When choosing the perfect floor for your home, considering the environment is a responsible decision, and porcelain tiles stand out as an eco-friendly choice.
Even though you might not see their positive impact right away, porcelain tiles are good for the environment in the long run, and they also teach your kids about taking care of our planet.
Why Porcelain Tiles Are Eco-Friendly
- Natural Ingredients: Porcelain tiles are crafted from natural clay and minerals, abundant and sustainable resources. This means the raw materials used are available without depleting precious natural reserves.
- Low Energy Production: The manufacturing process for porcelain tiles is energy-efficient. High-temperature firing is used to create these tiles, but the energy consumption is low compared to other flooring materials.
- Longevity: Porcelain tiles are incredibly durable and have a long lifespan. Therefore, they don't need to be replaced as frequently as other flooring options, which reduces environmental impact by minimizing waste.
- Recyclable: Clay and minerals in porcelain tiles can be melted down and used to make new ones. Should you ever decide to replace your porcelain tiles, they can be recycled, further reducing their environmental footprint.
A Lesson to Your Kids About Sustainability
While your children may not notice the environmental benefits of porcelain tiles, choosing eco-friendly materials for your home provides a valuable opportunity for teaching them about the importance of caring for the planet.
By explaining why you've chosen environmentally responsible options, you impart the message that small choices, like selecting eco-friendly flooring, can contribute to a healthier world for future generations.
Introducing Atlas Porcelain Tiles
D&B Tile is your go-to source for Atlas porcelain tiles, which offer a wide range of colors and finishes. From elegant white to sleek gray and bold black, you have options to match your style.
These tiles also come in different looks like marble, stone, concrete, solid colors, and even metal finishes. Whatever your design vision, Atlas porcelain tiles from D&B Tile can make it a reality with their versatile and stylish selection.
Click here to see their collection and visit our inspiration gallery to see how you can incorporate them into your home.
Get Quality Porcelain Tile Options in Hollywood, FL
At D&B Tile, want to make your home a better place. We've been in the business for generations, working with top tile suppliers worldwide.
Porcelain tiles are just one way we help you create a safe and beautiful space for your kids. If you have any questions or need expert advice on choosing the perfect tiles for your home, our team is here to help. Let's chat about how we can transform your kitchen, bathroom, and more. Reach out to us today!