In terms of tile flooring, you have endless options for materials, textures, colors, and designs. But, not all kinds of tiles are appropriate for every space. If you on the market for new floor tiles, the tips below can help you make the right choice:
Think about the Hardness of the Tile
As you browse through various kinds of floor tiles, one of the features you may focus on is hardness. This feature refers to the ability of the tile to withstand wear or foot traffic and scratches. The Porcelain Enamel Institute issues the rating based on rigorous laboratory testing. This scale can be used for choosing that most suitable tile for the function of your room. Tile hardness is rated from Class I to Class V, with Class I being appropriate for wall-only applications and Class V appropriate for surfaces with heavy to extra heavy traffic.
Pay Attention to the Porosity of the Tile
Tile porosity is determined by the ratio of air holes to solids in a tile that affects the amount of water it absorbs. When installing tile in a moisture-prone area, like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room, keep an eye on this rating. Porosity classifications include impervious, vitreous, semi vitreous, and non-vitreous. Impervious is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because of its 0.5% or less water absorption. Because non-vitreous is more than 7% water absorption, it is not recommended for floor use. Check for hardwood flooring brooklyn ny.
Choose Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are known for their strength, resistance to moisture, and versatile design. They are more durable than ceramic and available in a variety of styles, textures, and colors. But, make sure to check the specs of every porcelain tile as porcelain products are not made equal. Club Ceramic has great options for this type of tile, along with its ceramic counterparts. Porcelain tiles today have a higher than average hardness and moisture resistance but they tend to cost more.
Choose Slip-Resistant Tiles
The majority of tile materials are slippery, which tends to improve when exposed to water. If your home has kids and elderly people, you must invest in slip-resistant tiles. This is especially important for the bathroom. As you shop around for a shower tile floor, get products with a high coefficient of friction (COF). Consider installing sizes that are 4×4 or smaller. Do not use tiles bigger than 6×6. If you opt for ceramic or porcelain, pick one with a specially textured surface. Make sure to ask about slip-resistant coatings.