The criteria for building sustainable homes in this modern age have constantly been evolving. These changes have resulted in developing new and better flooring materials and techniques. These new flooring options have been difficult, especially for first-time homeowners. This is because picking a tiling option that’s durable and carefully designed has been a challenge for most.
Some might ask why they can’t pick tile flooring for their homes. The answer is simple. Tiles reflect the beauty, personality, and mood of any home. If you pick the wrong tiling option, you may end up redoing the whole thing and spending more money than anticipated. To avoid getting yourself into situations like this, some things must be considered when choosing tiles.
Here are factors that influence choosing the best tiles:
1. Installation Area
Where the tiles will be installed should top the list when considering tiling options. This is important because all sections of the homes require different tile flooring for efficient functionality. The type of small porcelain tiles required in the bathroom is different from those that will fit the living room. When selecting tiles based on installation area, you must first consider the foot traffic. You have to ask yourself how many people will go through this place and the type of people that walk in these areas more commonly. Are they kids, are they elderly people, or are they just you? Answers to these questions will provide a clear understanding of the best tiles suitable for every given location within and outside the house.
2. Durability and Resistance
All porcelain tiles are designed to be durable and resistant to a certain degree. However, not all porcelain tiles are made from the same materials or by the same company. This is why your choice of porcelain tile flooring must be of the highest quality. The tiles must be able to withstand high pressure and be resistant to wear, tear, and moisture. When choosing tiles, select those made from materials resilient to chipping and scattering. Such materials will ensure that your home flooring stands the test of time without losing its grip, especially in high foot traffic areas and the bathroom.
3. Size and Style
When choosing porcelain tiles, sizes and styles are factors that can’t be negotiated. This is because they are core qualities that define the type of tile flooring suitable for any home. If you get it wrong here, you may hate the final design. Before picking tile sizes, be sure to consider your room size. In case you don’t know, tile sizes tend to make a room look bigger or smaller depending on the choice of the occupant. If the condo is small and occupants want it to feel bigger, small mosaic tiles will be the best option. These tiles expand the room size by creating an illusion that each tile box is bigger than the portion it represents. Big-sized tiles have a contrasting visual effect that helps unify the room into a small space. Using the tiles correctly will help you create the perfect illusion.
4. Cost
It’s not news that the best porcelain tiles are sometimes a bit expensive. However, this doesn’t mean they are unaffordable or beyond your financial reach. Porcelain tiles are made from the finest and hardest tiling materials. Installing these top-quality tiles in your homes should always be within your budget if durability is your primary concern. You can’t risk choosing tiles that are low quality and do not add value to your house just because you want to save cost. Additionally, maintenance costs should be a priority when considering the cost of installation. Porcelain tiles are usually low maintenance but sometimes require sealing and polishing.
5. Tile Grade and Class
Tiles are classified into different grades and classes. In order to choose the best, you need to know their differences and what areas they are suitable for in your home. Grade 1 tiles are light and highly brittle. They are suitable for non-high-traffic areas and are mostly used for bathroom and kitchen wall aesthetics. Grades 2 and 3 are light but much stronger than grade 1. These types of tiles can be used for floors but only in areas with low foot traffic, like kitchens and bathrooms. They can easily be stained and difficult to maintain when exposed to constant contact. Grade 4 tiles can withstand high pressure. Due to its thickness and compact nature, this class of tiles is installed on corridors and freeways. Grade 5 tiles are primarily used in industrial plants.
Bottom Line
When building or renovating your house, you need to choose the best quality products for everything, including tiles. Make sure you consider the installation areas, tile grade, and size, and the overall aesthetics of your house before choosing the perfect tiles.
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