Picking a tile design that you are attracted too you would think, would be a relatively simple task. The simplicity of buying tiles isn’t always that easy, so beware to check the quality of the tiles before purchasing. The right area needs the right design so don’t forget to consider this.g. am I looking at bathroom designs, kitchen designs, floor etc.
In order to suit the needs and fancies of buyers manufacturers have, over the years, continuously modified tiles. With the endless choice of tile types out there, it is easy to find the right colour, design and texture to beautify our floors and walls. Some of the types of tiles that we can find in the markets include ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, terracotta tiles, stone tiles, granite tiles and slate tiles.
Ceramic Tiles: These are made out of clay, other natural elements and water for creating the basic tile structure. The upper layer of this tile body is then coated with ceramic and baked in a kiln for it to get fused to the body frame of the tile and this gives it its final finish and colour. The advantages of using ceramic tiles are that they are more durable, easy to maintain, scratchproof, more versatile, fire resistant, waterproof and environment friendly. Therefore suitable for making for e.g a bathroom tile.
The finer blend of clay, and the higher baked conditions means that porcelain tiles are preferred over ceramic tiles. If you are looking for tiles which are suitable for exterior walls, then you should consider porcelain tiles as these have a higher percentage of odour, water, stain and bacteria resistance. Porcelain tiles can withstand excessive foot traffic for several years to come and are therefore an ideal choice.
If you want to create a different look you could use natural stone, as these type of tiles do not contain a glazed coating like the ceramic and porcelain. They therefore, make a suitable alternative. Stone tiles include marble, slate and granite tiles and can be found in two textures, the polished tiles that have a glossy finish but can be slippery and the honed tiles that have a dull look but are comparatively less slippery.
Marble Tiles: This timeless classic will add elegance to any interior where it is used. A distinctive look by each piece of marble gives the area a natural sophistication. The desired look is created to marble by honing and polishing. These tiles are delicate and attractive and most ideal for interior walls but they must be avoided in areas that are prone to accumulation of water and grease. Bathroom tiles are therefore not normally made of this.
Of all the flooring tiles, granite are the most hard-wearing tiles. Whilst quartz, mica, feldspar gives granite it’s distinctive character it’s the volcanic reaction that actually creates granite. The most gorgeous patterns are formed when each different marble tile is laid on the floor. These tiles are suitable for both inside and outside walls and can be shapened and polished to your liking. Water and grease retention areas should not have the granite polished finished tiles as these are not suitable.
The slow formation in the earth’s surface mean that slate tiles have fine metamorphic rocks with bits of metal in them. This natural stone is extremely long-lasting; this is due to it’s resistance to fight against freezing, thawing, harsh abrasions and chemical fading. The tiles that are suitable for both interior and exterior walls are slate tiles. You do however have to be careful as they are not suitable in places where water and grease accululate.
