Changing floor tiles can be a challenging task, both in terms of investment and time. When deciding to change them, it is essential to choose wisely in order to be satisfied with the results. Therefore, it is crucial to be careful with the materials used and make sure they are suitable for your home.
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in a house, and porcelain floor tiles are ideal for it, especially due to the processing method of the material. Porcelain floor tiles are extremely resistant, whether we are talking about residential or commercial spaces. Porcelain floor tiles are ideal for those who prefer a natural-looking aspect, such as wood.
Most people choose floor tiles based on several factors, such as color, texture, decor, or gloss. It is also crucial to understand that floor tiles come in two types:
· Glazed floor tiles: these have two layers, a thick and a superficial one. The superficial layer carries the gloss and decor of the tile.
· Porcelain floor tiles: these are colored throughout the material and are made from the same material. The texture of porcelain floor tiles is obtained through pressing.
The difference between the two types of tiles is given by the finish. Porcelain floor tiles can be matte or semi-matte, while glazed tiles are shiny.
In general, porcelain floor tiles are chosen based on the location where they will be installed. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, in industrial, commercial, or other spaces, depending on the needs. Moreover, the design of the space plays an essential role when deciding what type and model of tile to use.
Practical aspects are also crucial: it is necessary to consider the level of roughness (anti-slip) of the tile, as well as its resistance to wear, depending on the needs.
Black porcelain floor tiles
Black porcelain floor tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Designers associate black with depth, luxury, mystery, and magic, but also with power, stability, and protection. Black can be used as a contrasting element, a delimitation, or even as a background for other colors. For example, black porcelain floor tiles can be used on a balcony.
Rectification is a finishing process for ceramic tiles that involves cutting the edges of the tiles and is performed using special machines with diamond discs. The purpose of rectification is to obtain fixed calibers and eliminate the marginal contour of the tile.
White porcelain floor tiles
White porcelain tiles can also be used indoors and outdoors, but any change in appearance will be very noticeable.
Grey porcelain floor tiles
Grey porcelain tiles are sought after because they have a significant visual impact and are easier to maintain from a cleanliness perspective.
Porcelain floor tiles for exterior
Glazed floor tiles are the best option for the kitchen and bathroom as they are resistant to interior traffic, easy to clean, and cost-effective.
However, for exterior tiling, porcelain floor tiles are the best option because they are resistant to freezing and thawing, are durable over time, and easy to install. Porcelain floor tiles are more resistant to mechanical shocks, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
It is recommended to avoid using glazed tiles on the outside, as there are high chances that it will break and lose its properties. Porcelain floor tiles can be installed both indoors and outdoors. However, for the interior, it is best to use all the glazed floor tiles.
Porcelain floor tiles for interior
Many people avoid installing porcelain floor tiles in indoor spaces because they believe that porcelain floor tiles are only suitable when it comes to outdoor spaces.
However, porcelain floor tiles can be mounted on the outside and/or inside. You just need to know how to do it.
The color palette for interior tiles is much wider because this ceramic is baked at lower temperatures (about 900 °C).
Porcelain floor tiles for bathrooms
When it comes to decorating a bathroom, simplicity and attention to detail are essential. The tiles, carpets, sink, and countertop should have neutral colors. Still, it is essential to personalize the space with a few details that represent you.
Porcelain floor tiles are durable and resistant to abrasion and chemicals, making them a perfect finish for bathrooms. They can resist mechanical shocks, heavy traffic, staining, and temperature variations, which is why they are recommended for both indoor and outdoor flooring, including swimming pools.
Porcelain tiles for living room flooring
In recent times, more and more clients choose to use porcelain floor tiles for underfloor heating, because this type of heating offers increased comfort, has minimal aesthetic impact and offers, more than that, financial advantages.
Heat transmission varies depending on two factors: the thickness of the material and its thermal conductivity. The thinner the floor, the higher its thermal conductivity, therefore the capacity to transmit heat through the material with which it is covered is greater.
With a high thermal inertia, porcelain floor tiles are ideal for underfloor heating. Being thin, this type of tile allows heat to radiate evenly and constantly.
In conclusion, as a result of the manufacturing technology, glazed floor tiles, often seen as the opposite of porcelain floor tiles, can, due to the way they are manufactured, be available in a greater number of colors and/or decorations.
However, glazed floor tiles cannot be used for exterior arrangements, but only for interior ones, given the fact that they wear out much faster.
Glazed floor tiles chip easily due to mechanical shocks, are not very resistant to abrasion, their surface mattes, and the print fades. Moreover, glazed floor tiles do not withstand too many freeze-thaw cycles.
In comparison, porcelain models are more expensive than glazed ones. However, the price difference is reflected in durability and resistance, i.e. long-term savings.