One of the important moments of any renovation is the choice of floor tiles. It is important to make the right choice, because the complexity of the renovation itself and the appearance of the final result depend on it. And in order not to make a mistake in the choice, you need to know certain subtleties, knowing which you will be able to choose the ideal floor tiles that will please you for many years after you complete the renovation.
Laminate, parquet board, carpet, linoleum – all these floor coverings can have a lot of advantages, but sometimes their use is absolutely unacceptable due to special requirements for strength and durability. In such situations, their replacement is tiles intended for laying on the floor!
Tiles are strong, wear-resistant, do not require complex care, and are attractive in appearance. It is only important to clarify how to choose and buy floor tiles according to all the rules. In this article, we will dive into the world of floor tiles together, consider their types, advantages and features.
What material is best for floor tiles?
In the story about how to choose the right floor tiles, a mandatory point is the material of the flooring. The most common options are the following:
1. Traditional ceramics
The advantages of tiles include their availability and a large selection of decor (for example, you can cover them with colored glaze), while the disadvantages include their not very long life.
2. Stone/stone chips
These tiles are durable, environmentally friendly and at the same time very cold – even in summer, walking on them barefoot may not be very comfortable for your feet.
3. Porcelain stoneware
Wear-resistant, but also a warmer covering (you can install underfloor heating under it!), its disadvantages include a limited range of design options.
4. Clinker
Exceptionally strong and durable tiles fired at high temperatures without artificial additives, the disadvantage of which is a modest color palette.
5. PVC
Made of vinyl and sometimes with the addition of quartz sand, the tile is warm, water and impact resistant, offers an unlimited choice of patterns and is easy to install, but its service life is lower than others.
Whatever floor tile you choose, be sure to consider its surface type. Glossy tiles attract with their shine and rich shade, but all dirt is clearly visible on them, plus they are very slippery – not the best solution for the bathroom and kitchen.
Matte texture is less elegant, but it is much more practical: it is easy to care for, there is a lower risk of slipping. Structural tiles look very unusual, but cleaning them will take a lot of time and effort. By the way, if you want to be completely safe, look for tiles with anti-slip properties.
Benefits of Using Floor Tiles
Floor tiles not only look great, complementing the design of the entire interior, but are also easy to clean and very durable. That is why tiles take pride of place in the top of the best floor coverings.
In the house, floor tiles are usually used in rooms with a humid environment, such as a bathroom, toilet or kitchen. Tiles do not allow moisture to pass through, and if you use the right grout, the seams will also be protected from water penetration. If you clean the tile properly, there will be no fungus and mold.
To achieve cleanliness of floor tiles, it is enough to vacuum them and wipe them with a damp cloth. It is also permissible to use special cleaning agents. And to give the tiles an extraordinary shine and gloss, use warm water with a small amount of ammonia to wash them.
Tiles are one of the most durable floor coverings. Their service life can reach 30 and 40 years. No other covering can boast a similar result. Therefore, if you choose tile flooring for a long time, it is better to choose a reliable manufacturer. So, the main advantages of floor tiles include:
#1. Durability and strength
➤ Wear Resistance: This is especially true for porcelain stoneware. We recommend it for high-traffic areas, because even after years it will look like new!
➤ Scratch Resistance: Unlike laminate or parquet, tiles are difficult to scratch. This is especially important if you have pets.
➤ Chemical Resistance: We recommend tiles for the kitchen for this very reason. Accidentally spilled vinegar or lemon juice will not leave ingrained stains on quality tiles.
#2. Aesthetic appeal
➤ Variety Of Designs: From classic single-color tiles with a pattern – the choice is simply enormous.
➤ Imitation Of Other Materials: Modern tiles can imitate wood or stone so accurately that even an expert would have a hard time distinguishing them from the original. Wood-look tiles are very popular for creating a cozy atmosphere.
➤ Possibility Of Creating Unique Patterns: By combining different colors and shapes, you can create a real work of art under your feet!
#3. Easy to care
➤ Ease Of Cleaning: There is nothing easier than maintaining a tiled floor. Usually, a damp mop with a mild detergent is enough.
➤ Hygiene: Unlike carpet flooring, tiles do not accumulate dust and allergens. Therefore, tiles are ideal for families with small children or allergy sufferers.
➤ Stain Resistance: Even if you accidentally spill red wine, juice, or coffee, high-quality tiles will not leave a trace.
Tips for choosing tiles
First of all, you need to understand that the cost of good tiles cannot be less than $10-15 per square meter. The cheapest options will not meet the requirements for floor tiles, and can also create certain difficulties when laying them.
Almost every tile collection has several design options – light and dark colors, as well as a certain set of decors. It is better to choose dark tiles for the floor and the bottom of the bathroom, it is more practical.
It is better to choose glossy tiles for walls and matte tiles for floors. Otherwise, glossy tiles on the floor will very quickly lose their original appearance.
Transform Your Space with the Perfect Floor Tiles!
Color and shape of tiles
Today, professionals recommend using large floor tiles – they are at the peak of popularity. Nn the contrary, small tiles have lost their relevance in modern interiors. Beautiful, durable, modern – all these large-format tiles fit perfectly into the interior of any room. Large tiles will allow you to achieve a truly spectacular appearance on the floor, especially if you lay them diagonally.
Today, almost all ceramic tile manufacturers have studied the preferences of their customers and offer a variety of colors. It is recommended to give preference to warm and soothing tones of tiles. Floor coverings that mimic various materials, such as wood-look or concrete-look tiles, are also highly popular today.
White tiles hide water splashes and stains on the walls better. Dark tiles will require more frequent maintenance, rubbing and processing.
The most practical color of bathroom tiles is gray. If you choose it correctly and combined with another color, it can show a very beautiful result. Here are some recommendations for choosing tile color:
- Tiles in dark shades are not suitable for small rooms – the small space will become even narrower.
- Using inserts or panels of decorative tiles will visually enlarge the bathroom.
- Light and neutral colors are great for both small and spacious rooms.
- Dark and shiny finishes will add elegance and nobility.
Size and shape of tile to choose?
Ceramics are a traditional material that is timeless and at the same time modern and innovative. A good proof of this is the fact that today you get an endless number of models, formats and textures to choose from. So why use just one type? Experts advise combining tiles of different sizes and textures. Such a combination is an excellent tactic to add dynamism to the entire interior.
You can use a modular layout with large and small tiles on the floor or choose related patterns. For example, you can lay tiles in a herringbone pattern on the floor and a chevron pattern on the wall. At the same time, as in the case of the color palette, it is important not to overdo it. A combination of more than two or three different layouts will be excessive, especially in the case of mixing tiles with different textures.
When determining the size of the tile, you should focus on the size and purpose of the room in which you will lay it. Today, factories offer materials in countless formats. Large-format floor tiles (60 x 60 cm / 80 x 80 cm / 60 x 120 cm ) create the effect of spaciousness due to fewer seams, which is a fashionable trend these days.
At the same time, you can buy small or medium-sized floor tiles (20 x 20 cm, 30 x 30 cm, 45×45 cm , etc.), which will make the room look more comfortable. In this case, the bonus will be less labor-intensive transportation and installation.
Important! When choosing the format of floor tiles, you should consider both the decorative effect and the characteristics of the surface on which you will lay them. If there are pronounced irregularities, the best option is a small format, which simplifies laying and hides floor defects. At the same time, when choosing octagon tiles for the floor, consider the higher labor intensity of their installation.
Texture, characteristics and other features
In order to make the interior more interesting and dynamic, designers use tiles with different textures. This technique is suitable for any room, but do not forget about practicality. So, for the floor in the bathroom, it is recommended to choose matte tiles that will not slip when water gets in.
However, for rooms such as the kitchen, where the surface is easily contaminated with splashes of water, grease, etc., the best choice is glossy or satin porcelain stoneware. It is maximally resistant to dirt and does not stain when exposed to aggressive substances.
What kind of tiles to put on the floor in the house?
When choosing tiles, rely on the room in which you are going to place them. Each room requires certain characteristics from the covering.
1. For the kitchen
Ceramic tiles are considered a good solution, as they are easy to clean and cost less than other materials. At the same time, you can choose surfaces that will look chic and modern. For example, products imitating marble or granite.
There are models that very accurately imitate natural wood. The solution will fit perfectly if the rest of the rooms in the house have parquet. At the same time, unlike real wood, you don’t have to worry about something spilling or falling on the tiles.
It is important to emphasize that when choosing kitchen tiles, you first need to look at the degree of moisture absorption, the ability to withstand mechanical impacts. It is advisable to give preference to matte products with maximum chemical resistance and wear resistance.
High wear resistance of tiles does not mean that their design cannot be interesting and original. There are many options, while the price tag for the products is quite low. If compared with natural materials made of stone or wood, the price of tiles can be half of their cost.
2. For the hallway
This part of the house is characterized by high traffic, a lot of dirt and sand accumulates in it. Therefore, the tiles in the hallway must be dense and strong to withstand regular cleaning and constant loads. So, it is advisable to give preference to 3 and 4 classes of abrasion resistance. The tile must be resistant to abrasives, as well as intense physical impact.
Porcelain stoneware is especially good for the hallway. It has no pores or microcracks, so it has increased moisture and wear resistance, unlike ordinary tiles. It is important that the tile has a slight water permeability. The surface of the material should not slip, so that you can stand on it barefoot or in shoes.
Large tiles are most often chosen for the hallway. If the area of the room is small, it is preferable to choose light tiles with a glossy surface. Dark tiles, especially small ones, will visually reduce the number of square meters.
To make the hallway look more spacious, you can put light gray, blue or peach tiles on the floor. Black is not desirable, as chips and scratches will stand out on it.
3. For bathroom and toilet
Some cosmetics and hygiene products leave stains on the surface of the tile, and cleaning solutions can have high chemical activity. Therefore, it is correct to use tiles with increased resistance to moisture and abrasives for both walls and floors.
Since there are usually no windows in the bathroom, the tiles should be light in color: plain or with small and not too active patterns. A matte texture is desirable for the floor, as it does not slide as much when water gets on it. For safety, it is also important to choose tiles with high porosity and 1 or 2 abrasion classes.
If it is important for you to choose tiles that correspond to the latest trends, choose models that imitate natural materials. Textures of stone, wood, and vegetation will look good with any finish.
4. For bedroom and living room
The use of floor tiles in living rooms is currently relevant. To prevent the material from looking boring and cold, designers offer dozens of solutions: decorative elements, panels, various laying options. The tiles support the underfloor heating system, which will eliminate the coolness of ceramics and create coziness.
The abrasion resistance class should be related to the level of traffic. In the bedroom, where traffic is low, class 1 or 2 is enough. In the living room, due to frequent reception of guests, it is better to choose more reliable tiles – with a class from 2 to 4.
Note: Choosing a floor covering is a difficult and responsible task, but if you follow all the recommendations and know the technical features of the products, it will be quick. We also recommend looking at photos of finished interiors in advance.
Conclusion
Using these simple tips from professionals, you will be able to choose the perfect tile for the floor of your home. Using proven schemes and supplementing them with your own ideas, you can make your bathroom and kitchen of your dreams come true.
After you decide on the type and kind of tile, it remains to calculate the required quantity. To do this, you only need to know the area of the room. It is only important to consider that diagonal laying will require 10-15% more material than conventional laying. There, the error due to fitting rarely exceeds 5%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Choosing Floor Tiles
What are the best materials for floor tiles?
The most common materials for floor tiles are ceramic, porcelain stoneware, stone/stone chips, clinker, and PVC. Each has its own advantages in terms of durability, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements.
What are the benefits of using floor tiles?
Floor tiles are highly durable, wear-resistant, easy to clean, and available in a wide variety of designs. They are also moisture-resistant, making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity areas.
How do I choose the right type of tile for different rooms?
- Kitchen: Choose matte or textured tiles that are resistant to stains and moisture.
- Hallway: Use strong and abrasion-resistant porcelain stoneware.
- Bathroom & Toilet: Opt for non-slip, moisture-resistant tiles with a matte finish.
- Living Room & Bedroom: Large-format tiles with a warm design or wood-like texture are popular choices.
What are the different tile surface finishes, and which is best?
- Glossy tiles have a shiny finish but can be slippery and show dirt easily.
- Matte tiles are practical, non-slip, and easy to maintain.
- Textured tiles offer unique aesthetics but require more effort to clean.
What size tiles should I use for my floor?
Larger tiles (60×60 cm, 80×80 cm, 60×120 cm) create a seamless, modern look, while smaller tiles (20×20 cm, 30×30 cm) can be easier to install and better for uneven floors.
What are the most practical tile colors?
- Light-colored tiles make small spaces feel larger and hide water stains.
- Dark tiles add elegance but require more maintenance.
- Gray tiles are a versatile, modern, and practical choice.
What are some popular tile patterns?
You can mix different tile shapes and patterns for a stylish look, such as:
- Herringbone for the floor and chevron for the wall
- Diagonal or modular layouts with large and small tiles
How do I maintain and clean floor tiles?
Regular vacuuming and mopping with a damp cloth or mild detergent are enough. To enhance shine, use warm water with a small amount of ammonia.
How long do floor tiles last?
High-quality floor tiles can last 30 to 40 years if properly maintained, making them one of the most durable flooring options.
How do I calculate the number of tiles needed?
Measure the total area of the room and add 5-15% extra for cuts and waste, especially if using a diagonal layout.
Can I install tiles myself, or do I need a professional?
While DIY tile installation is possible, professional installation ensures proper alignment, durability, and longevity, especially for large or intricate tile layouts.
What are the best tile colors for small rooms?
Light-colored tiles, such as white, beige, or light gray, help make small rooms appear larger and more spacious.
Where can I get the best tile flooring in Dallas, TX?
For top-quality tile flooring options in Dallas, TX, visit Floor N More. We offer a wide selection of durable and stylish floor tiles to enhance your home or business. Contact us today to explore our collection and find the perfect tile for your space!
