Ceramic floor tiles can enhance the aesthetics and structure of your home. Ceramic and vitrified tiles that are suited to the area can improve the durability of the building and make it safer for everyone.
To select the best floor and wall tiles, you need to take into account several factors. The aesthetics and functionality of the space will be enhanced by choosing tiles that are suited to the specific area.
This guide will help you choose the best tiles for your home.
Find out the purpose of each tile in the space.
To begin, you should understand the purpose of using tiles. When choosing floor tiles, consider whether it’s a high-traffic area, a space that is wet, such as a kitchen or bathroom, or one with low traffic, like a living room or bedroom.
Vitrified tiles, which are more durable and resistant to water, are the best choice for areas with high traffic and in wet conditions. Parking areas also require tiles that are able to withstand vehicle weights and tire movement.
Consider Durability
For high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and entryways that see a lot of foot traffic, you need durable tiles. These areas are best suited for porcelain or vitrified tiles due to their durability and resistance to wear.
Moisture Resistance
For spaces that are prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, choose tiles with a high moisture resistance. The best tiles to use are porcelain and vitrified tiles, as they are not porous and are less likely to absorb water.
Slip Resistance
Safety is paramount, especially in wet areas. For bathroom and kitchen flooring, look for tiles that have a slip-resistant rating. For bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies, matte or textured ceramic and vitrified floor tiles are safer than glossy ones.
Aesthetic Preferences
You should consider the style and design you are going for. Certain tile patterns, colors, and techniques may be better suited to certain spaces. A living room might be done with elegant wood-look tile, but a bathroom could benefit from light-colored textured tiles.
Lighting and room size
Your tile selection can be influenced by the amount of natural lighting and the size of your room. Darker tiles will add warmth to large rooms, while lighter tiles can make smaller spaces seem larger.
Maintenance and cleaning
Consider the maintenance level you are comfortable with. Glossy tiles require less maintenance and are therefore recommended for areas like the bathroom and kitchen walls.
Budget considerations
Determine your budget for tile selection. Ceramic tiles are usually more affordable than vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles are more durable and stain-resistant.
Consider vitrified tiles for better value over the long term, but ceramic wall tiles are a good choice if you want to stick to your budget.
Consult Professionals
If you’re unsure about the best tiles for your space, consult a tile expert or interior designer. H&R Johnson’s tile experts are available online or at the nearest Experience Centre.
The experts will help you select the right tile for your home and can provide ceramic wall and floor tile price lists. The Experience Centre allows you to try out the designs and test them before purchasing.
Environmental Considerations
Look for tiles that are made with sustainable materials and practices. Some tiles have recycled content or eco-certifications.
H&R Johnson, one of the most popular tile brands, is committed to eco-friendly practices. This ensures a positive impact on the environment. The brand actively recycles and sources old tiles and discards to reduce the environmental impact of tile manufacture.
Long-Term Perspectives
Consider the durability and style over the long term. You want tiles that are durable and will continue to look great for many years.
You can select a ceramic or vitrified tile that will not only serve as a beautiful addition to your home but also fulfill its functional purpose.
The Most Common Places to Use Tiles in a Home
There are many designs, colors, and patterns of ceramic and vitrified tiles that can be used in different parts of the house. Here are some of the most popular tile designs to use in other areas of your home.
- Kitchen
For kitchen floors, porcelain or vitrified tiles that look like marble or granite are a good option. They’re durable and beautiful. For kitchen backsplashes, subway or mosaic tiles will complement the design of your floor.
For extra traction, use matte, rustic, or wood matte finish tiles.
- Bathroom
The use of textured and light-coloured tiles in the bathroom creates a spa feel. Shower floors can be covered with small mosaic tiles to add visual interest and provide slip resistance.
- Living Room and Bedroom
The use of large format tiles in natural stone or wood look designs can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Tiles with intricate patterns or medallions (explore H&R Johnson’s book match portfolio) can be used to create a focal point for the center of your living room.
In bedrooms, wood-look ceramic tiles or vitrified tiles can create a cozy and warm atmosphere. Solid-coloured large tiles can give a clean and modern look. 3D elevation tiles make a great choice for accent walls.
- Entrance and Passages
Tiles with a slip-resistant or textured finish that are easy to clean and durable will be ideal for areas where there is a lot of traffic, such as entryways and halls. Geometric patterns or herringbone can add visual interest to these areas.
These areas are susceptible to dust and heavy foot traffic. Full-body vitrified floor tiles can be used in these spaces.
- Outdoor Spaces
Consider using outdoor porcelain tiles that have anti-slip properties on patios and decks. Natural stone-look tile can create a rustic, Mediterranean look for your outdoor area. Endura Meteor tiles from H&R Johnson are ideal for this purpose.
- Staircase
The surface of the staircase should be slip-resistant and durable while also matching the look of the floor. The best solution is to use Step Tiles as they meet all the safety and aesthetic requirements of this space.
The tiles are cut to size in the manufacturing process. You only need to install the tiles and do some minor trimming on-site.
- Parking Areas
Tiles with anti-slip properties can be used in parking areas. Often, parking at home is also used as a gathering place. Therefore, using outdoor and porcelain tiles for parking would be better.
The Johnson Endura Designer Collection offers both durability and an attractive appearance to fit this application. If you need a heavy-duty parking area, use 10mm thick tiles in the Johnson Endura Paver Series.
- Terrace Floors & Balconies
Tiles can be used to cool down an open terrace and make it comfortable in all weather conditions. The cool roof SRI tiles will keep your patio relaxing and provide a non-skid surface.
Which is better? Ceramic or Vitrified Tile?
The classic choice between ceramic and vitrified tiles when choosing tiles for your house is ceramic vs. Ceramic tiles, which are more affordable than vitrified tiles, even though they offer a better look and greater durability. You need to balance your budget with the amount of tiles you use.
Priority should be given to floor tiles in terms of selection and quality. The wall tiles should be specific to the area; e.g., kitchens and bathrooms should get wall tiles first. H&R Johnson’s experts can help you plan and purchase your tiles better. Contact the experts online or visit your nearest Experience Centre for a closer look at the tiles.
