What type of tiles fits where?

Nov 2016

The choice of selecting tiles is getting difficult nowadays. Tiles have different size, textures and substances that include clay, metal, glass, mosaic and marble. There are wide range of sub-types such as digital wall tiles, ceramic wall and floor tiles, double charge tiles, polished vitrified tiles, glazed vitrified tiles, soluble salt tiles, double loading tiles and polished porcelain tiles.

The foremost thing to decide is what type of tile should be installed in certain areas of home. The following things are to be taken in to consideration.

• Rating of PEI: The term PEI is durability and hardness of the clay or porcelain where the low rating of 1 to tile is used in low traffic areas or for the wall applications. The rating of 5 is the highest and is suitable for tile manufactured for commercial and heavy traffic areas.

• Rating of MOH: The MOH rating shows the hardness and durability of the glazing (scale of 1 -10) and the rating more than 5 is for flooring application and rating more than 7 shows that the tile is made for the heavy traffic.

• Glazed or non glazed tiles: Non glazed tiles if used in the wrong space can prove to be a disaster. You should also keep in mind for the upkeep and maintenance. Slate flooring is absolutely beautiful when stripping and resealing is done regularly to keep it beautiful. The natural non glazed clay or brick tiles makes great back splashes but it absorbs food splatters grease.

Tile with its typical use will make a good choice to live with. Some suggestions and recommendations are as follows:

Tiles in kitchen

Kitchen floor tiles are surely high traffic areas where high PEI or MOH ratings are the best suitable. This area is not appropriate for non glazed tiles. Choose textured glazes instead of highly polished tiles. The full-body porcelain tiles are best to be used for kitchens as cracks and damage is less visible.

Excluding non-glazed natural clay or brick in cooking areas, anything works with a back splash which is a great place for spicing up a bland kitchen and getting creative.

Also, on the counter tops, its relevant to choose the highest PEI and MOH ratings and extra large tiles usage reduces grout lines. Silicone-based grouts combined with full-body porcelains with spotted glazes can raise stain resistance.

Choosing Bathroom Tiles

Bathroom tiles on Floor: The caution to take care in bathroom tile is to compare the type of tiles with the slippery factor. Glossy tiles on floor are not resistant to slippery and cause danger when wet. Smaller tile sizes are more suitable and safer for the glass tiles.

Bathroom tiles on Wall: PEI and MOH ratings required is low on walls than floors, so it has a wide variety of wall tiles choices considering the durability.

Tiles for Interior

Usage dictates selection, and high traffic areas do best once match with tile with high designer and MOH ratings, and rough-textured glazes that hide dirt and might take a beating. Low traffic areas act with glazed clay tiles and if you’re on a good take into account home enhancements, these square measure the areas wherever you’ll be able to skimp and purchase a less costly tile. Avoid designer ratings below a pair of and MOH ratings below three.

Tiles for Playroom

Youngsters are powerful on floors and even adult playrooms have to be compelled to be treated a similar as room floors, therefore persist with tiles rated for top traffic areas with low maintenance necessities. Opt for giant tiles to reduce grout work wherever dirt will accumulate, therefore they will be easier to wash. Full-body porcelain tiles are the simplest choose. Avoid low-quality clay that may chip and crack from exposure to excessively exuberant kids and grown-ups!