Choosing Tile

Choosing Tile That’s Best for Your Home

When designing any part of your home, there are two factors that influence your decisions- aesthetics, and functionality. Which materials and colors will look good together, does it match the overall feel of the room? Then you need to consider, how will this hold up over time. is it water resistant, etc? When choosing a tile, there are several factors to be considered for optimal functionality. Keep reading to learn more about which types of tiles may work best for your installation.

Hardness

One of the most important features to consider is tile hardness. Depending on the hardness of the tile you choose, this will affect its ability to withstand wear and tear. Therefore, if you’re installing in a high traffic area such as the kitchen or bathroom, you may want a harder tile. However, on a wall, hardness may not matter as much. The classes of hardness are as follows:

Class 1: This is the softest tile, suitable for wall use only. This type of tile would not be able to withstand any type of foot traffic.

Class 2: These tiles can be used in residential areas with light traffic. For example, a bedroom or bathroom that is typically walked in socks or slippers, like dirt from shoes would scratch the surface.

Class 3: Appropriate in rooms with light to moderate traffic, as well as countertops. Best in spaces with normal foot traffic, and minimal scratching dirt.

Class 4: These can withstand moderate to heavy traffic, making them suitable for any area of your home including the kitchen and entryways. They can even be used in some commercial applications such as an office building.

Class 5: For areas with heavy to extra heavy traffic, suitable for any residential or commercial use. These tiles can be used in shopping malls, hospitals, grocery stores, etc.

Porosity

Being porous, or full of tiny holes. Whether liquids have the ability to go right through or not. In a tile, it is measured by the ratio of air holes to solids, which affects how much water it absorbs. When installing tile in an area that is subject to excess moisture, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, this is particularly important to consider.

Slip Resistance

If tiles are being installed in an area subject to water, then slip resistance comes into play. It becomes especially important if you have children or elderly in your home. Choose a tile that has a textured surface, or even slip resistant coating. Using smaller tiles, typically 4×4 or 2×2 can help with slip resistance, as they have more grout lines providing additional traction.  Slate and pebble stone tiles are both naturally textured options with ample slip resistance….