Types of Tiles: How to Choose Tiles for Home Walls and Floors?
Building spaces that are both functional and pleasing to the eye is a common goal among homeowners. The finishes that adorn our walls and floors play a huge impact on how enduring interiors are. Tile, known to be stylish and durable, can elevate your home to new heights.
There is a vast tile market flooded with different styles, colors, shapes, and finishes. All of which cater to all tastes, budgets, and practical needs. But in selecting tile comes the daunting task of deciding on the right material. Do you go for ceramic or glass? Subway tiles for walls and natural stone for floors? Should you compromise beauty for function?
We’re here to walk you through the different types of tiles for walls and floors. Guiding you on how to choose one that’s right for your project.
- Key Aspects in Choosing the Perfect Tiles
If you’re wondering how to select tiles for your home, here are a few considerations to set you on the right path:
Location: “Where and what for” should be the first question to consider before you start the tile hunt. You want your new tiles to be stylish but also complement the practical needs of the room. For example, tiles for the bathroom will have to stand up to daily use and moisture.
Hardness: Surface hardness is a feature not to be overlooked. The tile’s capacity to sustain different loads and withstand foot traffic dictates the areas in which it can be used. The PEI test relays this well by measuring resistance to wear and tear. Tiles with a PEI rating of 3 or higher are suited for residential flooring.
Resistance: Another key aspect of choosing tile is its resistance level. If you’re laying tiles a in moisture-prone area, pay attention to the porosity level. Will pet claws, heavy furniture, and kids just being kids be a concern to your living room floors? And what about the outdoors? You ought to choose outdoor tiles that are resistant to extreme temperature changes.
Maintenance: Then there’s upkeep to look into. Tiles are generally easy to clean and care for. Marble does require periodic sealing to enhance durability and resistance. But with a proper maintenance routine in place, your wall and floor tiles can stay exquisite for decades.
Style: Take a moment to visualize your space and the tone you wish to set. Do you prefer a modern, Moroccan, or rustic theme? Understanding what you are looking for will help with picking the ideal tile color, shape, and texture.
- Types of Wall Tiles for Your Home
Tiles used on residential walls are lightweight and more decorative. This is because wall tiles do not encounter the wear and tear that floors must contend with. Their soft body also reduces the burden on vertical surfaces. There are tons of styles to choose from, with material choices including ceramic, porcelain, marble, stone, metal, and glass.
These decorative beauties feature everywhere: from bedrooms to kitchens to garden walls! Plus, they allow for endless creative possibilities, something you can take advantage of to bring all your dreamy ideas to life.
Wall and backsplash tiles need to be moisture, stain, and scratch-resistant. This is especially important in wet areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Perfectly installed and easy-to-clean tiles contribute to a healthy home that’s inhospitable to germs and bacteria.
- Types of Floor Tiles for Your Home
Flooring tiles have seen a huge resurgence in modern homes, bringing enduring beauty to living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, patios, and just about any spot you can imagine. Ceramic and marble tiles work well in all rooms, but it is the exceptional strength of porcelain that truly shines.
Porcelain tile flooring can withstand high footfall and impact. They are resistant to allergens, scratches, and stains. Opting for floor tiles with anti-skid properties will reduce the menace of accidents.
Style-wise, porcelain tiles can be made to mimic stone, marble, wood, and terrazzo. Of course, without the practical concerns and expense. Lastly, if you’re on the hunt for durable pool tiles, glass and porcelain mosaics will provide the perfection you desire.
