The best floor tiles have two valuable features: they are both functional and decorative. Modern tiles can be a beautiful decoration for our home and ensure that we feel comfortable in it. Explore with us the valuable features of the best floor tiles.
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Floor tiles – classification
Tiles that are very popular with consumers are proven ceramic and stone tiles. Why? Thanks to their technical parameters, they are resistant to damage, chemicals, and stubborn dirt. Among ceramic floor tiles, terracotta and porcelain tiles are most commonly used.
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Terracotta
These are ceramic tiles with a pleasant, smooth surface. Therefore, dirt can be easily removed. The surface of terracotta is diverse: it can be matte, glossy, or semi-matte. Due to its low absorbency, terracotta is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. If you want to use this tile type in your garden or on the terrace, be sure to choose the frost-resistant version to avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of unsightly cracks.
Porcelain stoneware
Also known as fireclay ceramics, it has two very important advantages: it is hard and extremely resistant to wear. When choosing porcelain mosaics, we can be sure they will remain with us for many years. In stores, we can find both unglazed (natural) and glazed porcelain. Unglazed porcelain stoneware still looks appealing even when damaged – which can happen with such durable tiles. How is this possible? The secret of the appearance of unglazed porcelain lies in its uniform structure. As a result, the tiles retain their color and texture even if they are damaged.
What do porcelain tiles have in common with diamonds?
Porcelain belongs to the hardest tiles. On the Mohs hardness scale, it reaches up to 9 out of 10 points, a rating only diamonds can achieve. Another advantage is its low absorbency, which is about 0.1%. Compared to glazes, whose absorbency often exceeds 15%, this is a truly impressive result!
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What about stone floors?
If you want a stone floor, choose granite, onyx, and hard sandstones. Why? Because, unlike other stone tiles, they have low absorbency and high resistance to wear. Don’t forget: not every stone is suitable for the floor.
Aesthetic properties of tiles
Technical parameters are one thing, but the appearance of floor tiles is also very important. Here we have both good and bad news for you: Good news: In stores, you will find countless tiles in various colors, patterns, and textures. Bad news: Which tiles should you choose? You can opt for traditional tile formats, but also larger tiles: large-format tiles, which are very trendy these days and look original both on the walls and the floor. You can also choose a charming mosaic, whose decorative qualities have been appreciated since ancient Rome. Colorful mosaic tiles bring life to any interior. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your home and choose tiles that suit your taste. To conclude, here is a small tip: Floor tiles can be used both on the walls and the floor. However, this rule only applies in one direction: If you also place the best wall tiles on the floor, you will experience an unpleasant disappointment. Wall tiles simply do not perform well on the floor.
