Among flooring options, tiles always have a special place as it helps enhance the look of the entire space. When it comes to picking out tiles for the floor, of each room, there is no dearth of choices. You will come across a wide variety of colors, materials, textures as well as designs to choose from. However, certain tiles are better suited for certain spaces while some are not. It is up to you to make the right decision for every room in your home. Here are a few tips to help you out:
Hardness
Tiles come in different hardness levels based on the Moh scale. This feature will tell you whether the tile can withstand heavy traffic, scratches, etc. Based on the function of your room, you can pick out a tile with a suitable hardness rating. Experts in the industry recommend picking out tiles with a higher hardness rating for rooms that see constant traffic. In most homes, the common living area, the kids’ rooms, the kitchen are often spaces that see a lot of wear and tear. The hardness scale classifies tiles into five classes, namely, Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV, and Class V. While Class I are appropriate only for walls, Class V is perfect for places with heavy traffic as well exposure to dirt.
Porosity
The porosity can be described as the ratio of air holes to solids. This plays a role in how much water the tile will absorb. According to porosity, these are classified as Impervious, Vitreous, Semi-Vitreous, and Non-Vitreous. Tiles that belong to the Impervious category are deemed best in areas like the kitchen and the bathroom. It will also do well near the pool or outdoor shower. While those that belong to the Non-Vitreous category absorb almost seven percent of the water and are not recommended for floor usage.
Porcelain Types
Although there are plenty of tiles available in the market today, porcelain types are often considered the best choice. It is durable, strong, resistant to moisture, and comes in versatile designs, textures, and colors. Many homeowners prefer to use porcelain types in their kitchen as it is budget-friendly and handles wear and tear well. It’s also easy to maintain, and using just a porcelain repair kit can do wonders with old tiles. If you are trying to create an upscale-looking floor, you can also choose wood or marble porcelain. They also work well in living rooms. You can recreate the warm look of natural stone or hardwood with porcelain tiles at a fraction of the cost.
Stone Types
In order to create a look that subtly indicates luxury without skimping on quality, stone tiles are the way to go. Granite, marble, and travertine can instantly transform your home like no other. Since no two stone tiles are alike, you will be able to create unique, distinctive floors. Larger stone types that are 12 x 12 and above are considered the best option. This is because it creates a seamless look that works well for modern interior designs. However, you need to ensure that the stones are sealed so that they are resistant to stains and not susceptible to water infiltration. Experts suggest resealing the stone tiles every five to ten years to maintain its quality.
Ceramic Wood Tiles Or Hardwood
Many people often get confused about whether to pick floor ceramic tiles that mimic hardwood or go for the original hardwood flooring. While hardwood floors are gorgeous and add warmth to your home, they need a lot of maintenance and are not moisture resistant either. Interestingly, many brands offer ceramic and porcelain tiles that recreate any wood flooring look. You can even find distressed and reclaimed wood grain tiles. Adding these to your kitchen floor can create a traditional or rustic look. It can also be used in the bathroom since it is water-resistant.
Custom Designs
If you are trying to create custom designs in your home, take a look at concrete tiles. It is highly versatile and can be used in any room in the house. Since concrete is custom made, you get to choose the size, color, and texture. Some brands even offer special imprinted patterns, embedded pictures, three-dimensional sculptural designs. They are also extremely budget-friendly and long-lasting as well. However, they might be hard on the feet. It might also not be suitable if you have kids or elderly individuals at home who are prone to slips and falls.
Slip Resistance
Tiles generally tend to be slippery in nature, especially when you add water to it. If you have young kids running about or elderly people in your home, you need to install slip-resistant tiles to prevent any accidents or mishaps. Since most accidents occur in the bathroom, it is a good idea to install tiles with high slip resistance in the shower and the bathroom. Tiles that come with a high COF or coefficient of friction are considered to be more slip-resistant than the rest. Some of the other options that come with slip-resistant texture include slate, porcelain, ceramic, pebble stone, etc.
You Can Use it for Visual Tricks
You can make a small room appear larger by picking out tiles that have a light color like sand, white, beige, cream, etc. It is also a good idea to use larger tiles in small rooms, as they tend to make the room appear bigger. You may even install the same on the walls to create an illusion of a larger space. Experts recommend sticking to grout that is the same color as the tiles to create a seamless flowing appearance.
Once you have understood the characteristics and features of different tiles, it makes it easier to pick one out for each room. With a wide range of designs available, it has never been this fun to create floorings. You can recreate any look you want with the help of the numerous tiles that vary in design, color, and texture. At the end of the day, the tiles you choose will help bring together your home to create a safe place for your family and loved ones to cherish and love.
