Offering a raft of advantages, floor tiles are a sought-after solution for both exterior and interior locations with interior designers and construction professionals.
Suitable for both residential and commercial sites, tiles have earned a reputation for being versatile, hardwearing, waterproof and easy to maintain. However, today floor tiles are offered in a dizzying array of options which can make the selection process a complex business. To help inform your search for the best tiles to meet your project needs, here we highlight some key considerations.
When picking tiles, start by noting whether it’s an interior or exterior installation. Tiles fitted indoors don’t usually need to be as tough as their outdoor counterparts. Outside tiles must hold up against a variety of weather from rain showers and snowstorms to blazing sunshine. As a result, outside tiles must be impermeable to moisture, not prone to cracking from frost and with protection against colour fading under the sun.
Exterior tiles must also feature anti-slip designs for safety and have resistance against unwanted organic growth like moulds and fungus for easier maintenance. Although indoor tiles don’t have so many elements to consider, when placed in areas with outdoor access they should share some of the properties of outdoor tiles.
Always consider what rooms are used for. For instance, kitchens, bathrooms, spas and pool areas that involve water use for cleaning, washing and recreation must have waterproof tiles. For health and safety reasons, tiles with an anti-slip rating are advised for such areas.
How often will the tiled area see use? The more footfall a room or space experiences, the tougher the tiles need to be. Ensure that you choose robust floor tiles for high-traffic areas made from kiln-fired ceramics. They should also be easy to clean so spaces always look their best. Vitrified and porcelain tiles are also valuable options for hardwearing flooring.
Floor tiles are recognised as a lower maintenance products than wood flooring and carpeting. However, some tiles are designed for even simpler care. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are available that are compatible with chemical cleaners, so no expensive specialist solutions are necessary to maintain them in top condition.
It’s important to remember that not all tiles are created equal. While most people recognise that floor tiles will usually outlive options like carpet squares, products of the highest quality can last a lifetime when properly looked after. As a result, those purchasing such tiles receive an outstanding return on their investment.
What type of aesthetic are you aiming for? Floor tiles with different textures and tones can help you create different looks in rooms from luxury to functional. Tiles can also be colour-matched to any RAL or Pantone colour, so they perfectly complement décor planned. South-facing areas with large windows also need floor tiles that won’t fade over time or discolour.
Floor tiles come in a range of sizes and shapes, from large format floor tiles to miniscule mosaics. The size of tile you opt for should reflect the dimensions of your space and desired appearance. Selecting the correct tile size is also crucial. While smaller tiles can add a sense of detail, larger tiles involve less grouting and can make spaces feel much larger and more modern. While smaller tiles are more portable than large format tiles, such detailed installations can take longer to complete.
Choosing the perfect tiles requires balancing practical considerations with aesthetic preferences. By weighing up multiple factors like durability, size, texture, design, usage, maintenance, budget, installation, longevity, lighting and safety, you can isolate the optimal floor for your project.
Experts in floor tiles, at Digital Ceramics, we specialise in tailoring tiling to meet the expectations and requirements of designers, artists, architects and their projects. We provide custom floor tiles so you can locate your ideal floor covering, whether you need durable outdoor tiles that can cope with heavy traffic or interior tilework boasting business branding and company colours.
Connect with our team today and discuss the floor tiles to perfectly finish your project wish list.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
