CONCRETE AND TILE

Concrete floors are trendy and can be beautiful. But over time, cracks can form, and there’s little that can be done to prevent them. Some people don’t mind the look, so use concrete only if cracks won’t bother you.

Concrete floors also don’t absorb sound well.

Another option is large porcelain tiles that look similar to concrete or stone.

“We love terrazzo instead of concrete,” Touzet says. “It’s been around for centuries, and you can get the aggregates pretty fine, so it almost looks like a concrete floor.”

Porcelain is generally durable, although it can chip. Cardet recommends “through-body” tile, which is made of the same material all the way through. It can be more expensive, but because the color isn’t just on the surface, the look of the floor isn’t ruined if there are chips.

In choosing tile or stone, many customers are increasingly aware of durability. “We have been seeing less of limestones that are super-precious and soft,” Touzet says. “People want an ease of living with their floor, not constantly maintaining it, putting a sealant on it.”

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ROBIN HILL/TOUZET STUDIO VIA AP This undated photo provided by Touzet Studio shows an entryway in a Florida home by Touzet Studio. Designer Jacqueline Gonzalez Touzet says terrazzo flooring, as seen here, is a great choice due to its durability and long-lasting beauty.