Are You New to Tiles? Here Are Answers to Common Questions About Tiles!
You might be thinking of getting tiles for your house and most likely have some questions. There are different types of tiles in the market with different finishes leaving the user unable to make an informed choice. Below are answers to various queries on tiles to help you know which tiles will serve your needs best.
What Is the Difference Between Porcelain Tiles and Ceramic Tiles?
This is the first thing you need to be aware of when it comes to tiles. Porcelain tiles are made harder and stronger to withstand any damage. They can be used in both commercial and residential settings for walls or floors. Ceramic tiles also known as non-porcelain tiles are not as hard and can be used on walls or floors of residential settings where there is minimal foot traffic like the bathroom or kitchen.
What Is the Difference Between Wall Tiles and Floor Tiles?
Floor tiles are thicker and heavier than wall tiles as they have to bear a load. They are manufactured using glazes that resist the pestilent pressure from foot traffic. Wall tiles are the opposite of floor tiles. They are lighter and thinner. Important to note is that you can use floor tiles on both the wall and floor, but you cannot use wall tiles for the floor.
When choosing floor tiles, you want to check on the slip-resistant tiles standards. This helps you know how slippery a tile is, and you can get tiles that have grip. The most common rating you will come across is the universal anti-slip 'R' rating. This rating is achieved using the "ramp test." You can get a rating of R9 to R13. The higher the number, the more grip the tile has.
There are other ratings you might come across. Don't worry that it will not have an "R". The ratings are based on the type of test that was carried out, for example, the "wet pendulum test" is represented by values of "P" such as P0, P1, P2 and the like. The seller will inform you about that.
What Are the Common Tile Finishes?
You can choose between matt and gloss finishes. Gloss tiles will look shiny while matt tiles will not be that shiny. Tile finishes are considered for their aesthetic value. Gloss tiles are usually used on walls, usually kitchen or bathroom where they give a shiny good look as they reflect light. Matt tiles, on the other hand, are great for floors. They can be used in entrance hallways and also bathroom floors.
