Since it resists water, staining, and foot-traffic wear, tile is an incredibly durable and low-maintenance flooring solution for homeowners. But as tough as these materials can be, they’re still at risk of becoming scratched. If these scratches are deep enough, the floor tiles might fracture and require replacement. Avoid the hassle of repairs with these tips to prevent scratches.

5 Ways to Avoid Scratching Your Tile Floors

1. Banish the Beater Bar

Clean your flooring about twice a week to keep abrasive materials, such as sand, from scratching the surface. However, using a vacuum with a beater bar may also mar the tiles. To keep the area clean, use a broom or wet mop instead.

2. Stop Sliding

Dragging heavy furniture—such as couches, tables, and chairs—across floor tiles is a leading cause of scratches. That’s why you should place furniture pads on all legs that come in contact with the surface.

If a piece of furniture isn’t too heavy, carry it instead of sliding it across the floor.

3. Guard the Grout

Ceramic and porcelain tile are tough enough to not need routine sealing. However, you’ll still need to seal the grout about once a year. This layer of protection prevents debris from gathering in the crevices, making it easier to clean.

4. Watch the Weight

Before you choose a flooring material, ask about its break strength, or how much pressure it can take before cracking. By ANSI standards, floor tiles should be able to support 250 psi or more.

Fortunately, most ceramic and porcelain products have much higher breaking strengths. If you’re placing any particular heavy objects, such as large concrete vases or bulky entertainment centers, on the surface, invest in a product that can support the weight without cracking or scratching.

For optimal scratch resistance, choose high-quality floor tiles from Ceramic Tile &  Exclusively Yours that can stand up to all types of action. They provide a wide range of stylish ceramic and porcelain products that are built to last. Backed by more than 43 years of experience, this Kahului, HI, flooring contractor will also make sure your new surface is installed securely to prevent future damage. Visit this tile and stone contractor online to learn more about their services. To request an estimate for your remodeling project, call (808) 871-7595.