Designing and renovating a living space, whether inside or outside, can be a challenge for anyone, especially for those who are not familiar with such tasks.
One of the most important components when it comes to renovations is the choice of floor tiles, a material that can be successfully used both inside and outside homes, but only if the tiles are porcelain.
The choice of tiles may seem like a daunting process, but it is not an impossible task, even if you are not an expert in this field.
It is important to take into account a series of features, both of the spaces that we want to renovate and of the floor tiles we choose. Being well-informed will enable you to make the best decisions for your home.
How to choose the ideal floor tiles
First of all, you need to know that there are several types of floor tiles, depending on their manufacturing process and their intended use.
In principle, there are two types of tiles:
- Interior floor tiles (or non-porcelain): these have a water absorption rate between 3 and 9%;
- Porcelain floor tiles: which have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%.
CESAROM offers countless models of porcelain floor tiles, ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces, and the range can be found HERE.
Porcelain floor tiles are ceramic tiles that are fired at a higher temperature, making them harder and less porous. As a result, they are more resistant to stains than other types of tiles and are easier to clean. However, installing them is a more complex process, so we recommend seeking the help of a professional.
In terms of wear resistance, it is important to consider the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) classification, which measures the resistance of ceramic floor tiles using a special device with abrasive rollers.
Therefore, the choice of floor tiles depends on the wear and tear it will be subjected to, which depends on the space where it will be installed:
PEI I – for areas with light traffic (bathroom, bedroom)
PEI II – for areas with moderate traffic
PEI III – for living areas with heavy traffic (kitchens, hallways, stairs, terraces, pavements in yards, pathways)
PEI IV – for commercial areas with medium traffic, such as offices or hotel rooms
PEI V – for commercial areas with heavy traffic, such as shops, pedestrian roads in cities, etc.
According to the Porcelain Enamel Institute evaluations, there are five classes of hardness:
Class I: No foot traffic. Suitable for wall applications only.
Class II: Light traffic applications or interior walls. Suitable for areas where traffic is made with soft shoes, without dirt. For example, bathrooms and bedrooms without exterior access.
Class III: Light to moderate traffic, as well as countertops and walls. Suitable for spaces with normal traffic and few sources of scratches. Suitable for all rooms in the house, except for kitchens, entrances, and other areas with heavy traffic.
Class IV: Moderate to heavy traffic. Can be installed in all areas of the house, including kitchens, hallways, entrances. These are the best floor tiles to use, as they perfectly combine beauty and function.
Class V: Heavy to very heavy traffic, as well as exposure to scratches. Works well in any room of the house, as well as in commercial spaces.
The best floor tiles for outdoor use
Firstly, if you are looking for floor tiles for an outdoor space, it is recommended to choose porcelain floor tiles. Outdoor floor tiles are produced to withstand high temperatures in summer, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Other advantages of porcelain or outdoor floor tiles are that they are more resistant to shocks, traffic, scratches, and have a very advantageous price-quality ratio.
To choose the best outdoor floor tiles that suit your needs, it is essential to know that they are available on the Romanian market in a very wide range of colors, textures, and finishes.
Choosing floor tiles for interior use
Firstly, if the interior space you need to finish has underfloor heating or is in an area with high humidity, then it is mandatory to use porcelain floor tiles. If you do not have underfloor heating, then you can use indoor floor tiles. If the space is commercial, where traffic is more intense than in residential areas, then we recommend using porcelain floor tiles with abrasion resistance: PEI4 or PEI5.
When it comes to renovating a home, redoing the floor is an aspect that can have the most dramatic impact. And no other material offers a better return on your investment than the increased value provided by installing ceramic tiles. Regardless of your plans, the natural appearance of interior floor tiles models will enhance the appearance of your home, in addition to preventing moisture and some substances from causing damage to the floor.
Floor Tiles are available in many color varieties, textures, and sizes. From clean glossy white to sage green with linen texture, from rustic to modern, tiles are one of the most diverse decorative elements available. Perfect for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or living room or moisture-affected areas such as the bathroom, tiles remain one of the best options for decorating these rooms.
The best floor tiles for the kitchen
Floor Tiles are the ideal choice for the kitchen. They are durable, water-resistant, and stain resistant. On the floor, they can withstand heavy traffic. They can visually tie a kitchen together.
But choosing the best floor and wall tiles for your kitchen floors and walls is not easy, especially given the wide range of materials and colors available today.
Ceramic tiles for flooring, whether porcelain or non-porcelain, are easy to clean and maintain. Tile cleaning materials are the usual ones and incomparably cheaper than maintenance materials for other types of flooring such as wood, stone, or any other natural material.
Natural stone is not as hard and durable as ceramic tile. The costs of natural stone flooring, material costs, and maintenance costs are 2-3 times higher than the costs of tiling and maintaining tiled floors. Travertine, slate, granite, limestone, and marble are all natural rocks. Although they look impressive in a kitchen, they usually come at a high price and require regular maintenance.
The best tiles for your kitchen floor will depend on several factors. Your choice should also take into account the size of your kitchen. Since dark colors can make a kitchen appear smaller, it is recommended to use lighter colors if you do not have much space.