A perfectly tiled floor can transform any space, whether it is a home, an office, a shop, or even an outdoor area, into something beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. The rocker matt finish on vitrified tiles can make them feel like natural stones. High gloss tiles give the appearance of a polished floor without having to polish it.
Does this mean that you can use any tile on any surface you want? Perhaps not. Consider these seven factors when choosing floor and wall tiles for various areas.
You can use these factors as a checklist when selecting the best wall or floor tiles for your kitchen, bathroom, or office.
Tile size vs tile design
The decorative finish of your home will be enhanced by installing wall and floor tiles. The colors, patterns, and designs of the tiles are important when choosing the best wall tiles and floor tiles for your home. The size of your tiles is the first thing you should decide when selecting them.
The size of the tiles can either limit or increase your design options. Larger tiles usually offer more superior design options. Large-sized tiles are a great alternative to Italian marble, wood, granite, and other materials.
Johnson Marbonite, for example, offers 60x120cm polished tiles that mimic the look of Italian marble. You can also replicate wood flooring using Johnson Porselano Tiles in 60x120cm or 20x120cm.
Indoor or Outdoor Application
When homeowners are evaluating wall and floor tiles, they often forget to ask if the tiles can be used outdoors. When buying tiles for outdoor spaces, you should be careful to choose the right type.
All types of ceramic tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor walls. H&R Johnson’s glazed ceramic wall tiles and glazed vitrified tiles can easily withstand environmental elements. You can use these tiles to cover external walls without any worries.
For floor tiles to last outside, they must be more durable and stronger. Floor tiles are usually thicker and more dense than wall tiles. Outdoor tiles can also be thicker if placed in landscaping or parking. Anti-skid properties are another feature that can determine the type of tiles you use outdoors.
These tiles are essential for areas that are subjected to heavy rainfall, such as parking lots, ramps, and staircases.
Tile Types: Appearance, Life, and Appearance
Even if it appears that way, not all wall and floor tiles look the same. The thickness of a wall tile and floor tile can be a significant difference. Wall tiles are lighter than floor tiles, and they’re made from a base with a lower density. This is because of the load factor. Wall tiles are more lightweight than floor tiles because they do not carry the same weight.
These differences are reflected in the price. The cost of heavier tiles will be higher than those with a thicker body and higher density. Tile durability and use differ depending on the type of tile:
Non-vitrified tile is often cheaper than vitrified tile and comes in smaller sizes. Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, offer a more durable surface and premium look for any space. Vitrified tiles come in larger sizes, which enhances the appearance of large areas like hotel lobbies and luxury stores.
Tile Surface Finishing & Placement
If you explore the world of ceramic tiles, you will find up to six different surface finishes. Some of these finishes may be decorative, while others are functional.
If you want a luxurious look, you can use polished and high-gloss finishes on the floor and wall tiles installed in your lobby or living room. Tiles in areas where water splashes are possible must have a rough finish.
H&R Johnson offers ceramic and vitrified tiles with the following surfaces in increasing order of roughness:
- Satin
- Matt Finish
- Rocker Finish
- Rustic
- Textured
Bathrooms, patios outside, parking at home, etc., should have tiles with rougher surfaces to provide a better grip, even when it is wet. Parking and footpath tile can be 3D for better grip in all weather conditions.
Grout Selection
The grout is a critical component of tile installation. This is especially true for walls and indoor spaces. Installing tiles on the walls and floors of your home is one way to protect them from moisture and water damage.
To achieve this goal, it is important to grout the tiles properly or seal the spaces between them. You can also use different grout mixes for other purposes. In most cases, tile applications in the home require cementitious grouts that are sanded or unsanded. The most common grouts are sanded and unsanded, but they require maintenance.
If your budget allows, you can also use epoxy grouts on surfaces that are exposed to water. Epoxy grouts work better on tiled surfaces like shower walls or floors. Epoxy grouts are resistant to moisture and stains and easy to clean. They require minimal maintenance.
Special Purpose Tiles
Special-purpose tiles can be manufactured to meet specific functional requirements. Special purpose tiles include for example, tiles used in swimming pools, parking lots, tac tiles, and cool roof tiles. When you tile such areas, you can select from tiles that are specific to the site, for example, swimming pool tiles.
Tile color combinations
The color combination of tiles is another aspect that is often overlooked. Mix solid colors with other solid colors or patterns to create a unique way. Avoid mixing tiles of two different types on the same surface.
You can mix colors from the same porcelain tile category when installing tiles in your living room. You can use a different tile for the floor and walls of your room.
Get the best wall & floor tiles by consulting with experts
You can choose the best wall tiles by considering factors such as tile size, type, and appearance. The type of grout will be important in areas where walls are exposed and subjected to unique elements. In the kitchen, the backsplash might be stained with oil and food, while the bathroom will have soap and water smeared on it.
