Flooring plays a critical role in every commercial design project. Covering significant surface area, floors are always in full view and instantly impact the aesthetics of any space.
Unlike residential properties, buildings for commercial use often see substantial traffic. As a result, whether they are installed in restaurants and bars or offices and hotel foyers, flooring solutions selected must be hardwearing to guarantee years of use. However, they must also be designed with ease of maintenance in mind to ensure they always appear at their best.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of tiles in commercial projects and look at the best options and what they offer. We’ll also examine the key considerations designers should account for when choosing tiles to match their project requirements. Read on to update your knowledge on the best tiles for commercial use.
In the past, vinyl has earned a reputation as an affordable and hardwearing solution for commercial projects. However, it can’t compete with the benefits offered by ceramic and porcelain tiles. Far tougher than vinyl, tile installations last far longer than other types of flooring, making them a wise investment for commercial projects. Tiles are also resistant to moisture, heat and scratches, making them a more durable floor choice.
Ceramic tile is excellent for commercial use, especially in high-traffic areas, because of its outstanding durability, resistance to water and staining and ease of cleaning. Ceramic tiles are often selected for their ability to cope with wear and tear and heavy footfall, making them suited to busy commercial locations. They are also relatively simple to care for and require minimal upkeep.
The stain and water resistance of ceramic tiles also make them ideal for areas exposed to excessive moisture and places that are prone to spills. From an aesthetic perspective, they also offer exceptional versatility. A wide array of sizes, colours, patterns and textures are available, allowing for high levels of customisation to meet any commercial design brief.
Like ceramic, porcelain tile is also an impressive floor choice for commercial use thanks to its durability, ease of maintenance and resistance to wear. It is particularly suited to areas with considerable traffic and spaces where water and spillage a concern. Porcelain is denser, making more durable than standard tiles. It’s resistant to cracks, chips and scratches, letting it last longer even under heavy foot traffic.
Porcelain tiles have a low water absorption rate. This makes them an optimal choice as tiles for restaurants where spills are an everyday occurrence or in bathrooms and kitchens with continuous water use. Porcelain is easy to clean and keep looking at its best, making it ideal for entryways at busy offices and other commercial settings.
A wide range of styles, sizes and colours can be accessed by porcelain tile users, so designers have diverse options to choose from to create the desired aesthetic for a commercial space.
When selecting tiles for any commercial design project there are key points to consider. While there are many different materials available from marble to glass, as discussed, ceramic and porcelain offer many advantages.
Functionality is important, so consider the purpose of the space to be tiled. For instance, water-resistant tiles are essential for wet rooms, but may need texture to ensure they have an anti-slip feature for safety.
Durability will ensure tiled areas can cope with the levels of traffic experienced onsite. Select a hardwearing option for place that will see more use.
Tile size is also important. Larger tiles with fewer grout lines can make spaces feel larger, though smaller tiles are easy to install. As for shape, rectangle and square tiles are not considered the standard anymore. Tiles are now available in any shape imaginable to match project needs. Texture is also a key factor and can create visual interest or improve safety levels.
Finally, colour can transform spaces. Lighter colours make areas appear larger while neutral hues offer more flexibility with furniture and accessories. At Digital Ceramics, we offer colour match glazes so you access the exact pantone reference you seek. Connect with us today for high-quality digitally printed ceramic tiles to fit your project.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
