Protecting Tile Floors

Anyone that has tile floors can tell you how useful they are. It's great to be able to simply sweep up any dirt and dust that has fallen, while not having to worry about any damage from spilled liquids. However, just because tile floors are easy to clean, and relatively easy to maintain, doesn't mean that they don't needs some protection. Protecting tile floors is an important part of maintaining your tile floors.

Tile floors, though pretty strong, are easily susceptible to damage if the right circumstances are met. One of the most common ways to damage tile floors is by placing exceptionally large or heavy appliances and furniture on it. It shouldn't come as a surprise if you ever move your refrigerator, and find that one or more of the tiles has been cracked. The damage can be even more dramatic with a freezer, couch, or if you are lucky enough to be able to afford one, a grand piano. Protecting tile floors is something that can be easy to do, as long as you use a little creativity.

• Wood. Often simply placing a small, about one foot by one foot, piece of one inch plywood under the corners of the furniture can help immensely. The principle behind this is that the pieces of wood will be underneath each leg of the furniture or appliance, and act in much the same way that a coaster does for glasses. The pieces of ply wood will help spread the weight around, and ensure that it is evenly distributed so that there is not too much pressure or weight placed on any single spot of the tiles. If you are looking to have the wood match the rest of the decor in your room, simply make sure that you paint it in colors that are similar to the rest of the room.
• Platforms. It's easy to have a plywood platform made that is about two or three inches high. Cover the platform in carpet, wood parquet, or some other material so that it can properly match with your decor. This platform would be in contact with the tile floor all along its perimeter, instead of on just a few of the tiles. Better yet, when used in conjunction with furniture or music equipment (such as pianos) this can help add a touch of elegance to the room by creating a "dais," which would place that piece of furniture in a much more prominent position within the room.
• Protectors. There are commercially available "protectors" that will act in much the same was as the options listed above. While these may cost a bit more, they are professionally manufactured, and usually come along with some kind of a guarantee. These items can usually be found at most major home improvement, furniture, and department stores.