Selecting the right high-quality tiles for your home or commercial space can significantly impact the durability and aesthetic of your floors and walls. With so many options available, knowing what to look for regarding grading, wear resistance, slip resistance, and other factors will help ensure you make the best choice.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing tiles, including tips for selecting the right tiles for each room in your home.
Let’s get straight to the point
Choosing high-quality tiles involves understanding key factors like tile grading, wear resistance, water absorption, and slip resistance to ensure durability and safety. Grade 1 tiles offer the most strength for high-traffic areas.
In contrast, lower grades are ideal for walls or less-used spaces. Consider the PEI rating for hardness, water absorption levels for wet areas, and the coefficient of friction (COF) for slip resistance.
Porcelain tiles are versatile, durable, and great for high-moisture and high-traffic areas. Tailor your tile choices to each room’s specific needs for the best results.
What To Look For When Choosing High-Quality Tiles?
1. Tile Grading: A Key Indicator Of Quality
One of the first things to consider when choosing tiles is their grade, which is a reliable indicator of the tile’s quality and suitability for various applications. Tiles are assigned a grade based on thickness and imperfections, allowing you to choose tiles that are ideal for their intended use.
- Grade 1: These high-quality tiles are about three-quarters of an inch thick and suitable for installation on floors and walls in residential and commercial spaces.
- Grade 2: These tiles have minor flaws but are still excellent for walls and floors. They tend to be slightly thinner, around half an inch.
- Grade 3: These are the thinnest tiles, typically around a quarter of an inch thick. They should be used exclusively for walls as they are too fragile for floors.
Choosing the correct tile grade is essential. Grade 1 tiles are the most durable for high-traffic areas, while Grade 2 or 3 may be perfect for spaces like bathrooms or feature walls that experience less wear and tear.
2. Wear Rating And Scratch Resistance
Tiles are rated for their appearance and how well they withstand daily wear and tear.
- PEI I & II: These tiles are unsuitable for floor use and should only be used on walls.
- PEI III: Suitable for residential floors with moderate foot traffic, like living rooms and kitchens.
- PEI IV: Ideal for residential and commercial spaces that experience heavy foot traffic.
In addition to the PEI wear rating, tiles are tested for scratch resistance using the Mohs hardness test, which measures hardness on a scale of 1 to 10. A higher Mohs rating indicates greater resistance to scratching:
- For residential use, a rating of 5 or above is ideal.
- A rating of 7 or higher is recommended for commercial spaces with higher traffic.
Tiles with higher wear and scratch resistance ratings will maintain their appearance and functionality for longer, making them a wise investment.
3. Water Absorption And Frost Resistance
When choosing tiles for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces, you must consider their water absorption rating. This rating indicates how much water the tile can absorb, which impacts its suitability for different environments.
Tiles are classified into four main categories:
- Non-vitreous: These tiles absorb over 7% of their weight in water, making them unsuitable for wet environments.
- Semi-vitreous: Absorb 3% to 7% of their weight in water.
- Vitreous: Absorb 0.5% to 3% of their weight in water, making them ideal for moist areas like kitchens.
- Impervious: Absorb less than 0.5% of their weight in water, making them the best option for wet areas like bathrooms or outdoor patios.
In addition to water absorption, frost resistance is another crucial factor for outdoor tiles. Frost-resistant tiles do not absorb enough water to crack in freezing conditions, making them a durable choice for areas exposed to the elements.
4. Coefficient Of Friction (COF): Ensuring Slip Resistance
The coefficient of friction (COF) rating measures how slippery a tile surface is, particularly when wet. This rating is especially important for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways—where water or spills could increase the risk of slipping. The higher the COF, the more slip-resistant the tile is:
- For residential installations, a COF of 0.50 or higher is recommended.
- For commercial buildings, a COF of 0.60 or higher is required.
Always pay close attention to the COF rating when selecting tiles, especially in spaces where safety is a top priority.
5. Tile Hardness: A Vital Consideration
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing floor tiles is their hardness. This is measured using the PEI scale, which helps you select tiles based on their resistance to foot traffic and scratches.
- Class I: No foot traffic; suitable for wall use only.
- Class II: Ideal for areas with light foot traffic, like residential bathrooms or walls.
- Class III: Suitable for areas with moderate foot traffic, such as kitchens and living rooms.
- Class IV: Perfect for high-traffic areas, including hallways, kitchens, and commercial spaces.
- Class V: This is the highest rating, ideal for spaces with very heavy foot traffic, including public buildings and busy commercial areas.
When selecting tiles for different rooms, consider the PEI rating to ensure you choose tiles that will hold up well under the foot traffic they’ll experience.
Best Tiles For Different Rooms In Your Home
Different rooms have different tile requirements. Here’s a breakdown of different tile options for each space.
Kitchen Tile Options
Kitchen tiles must be durable, easy to clean, and aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain tiles are popular for kitchen floors due to their strength and various designs. They are available in various colours and finishes, including wood-look and stone-look options.
Consider using checkerboard tiles in a black-and-white pattern for a more modern and creative approach. Alternatively, you can go for terrazzo tiles, which add a graphic and eye-catching element to the kitchen floor.
Encaustic tiles are another bold option that can be a design focal point in an otherwise neutral space.
Living Room Tile Choices
Though not as common as carpet or hardwood, tiles in the living room can add a stylish and durable touch. Porcelain tiles that mimic the look of natural wood or stone can give your living room a warm and inviting feel while still providing the benefits of easy maintenance and long-lasting durability.
Living room tiles are particularly useful in areas with high heat and humidity, as they stay cool underfoot. They are also great for homes with pets, as tiles are scratch-resistant and easy to clean compared to carpets.
If your living room is part of an open floor plan, consider using the same tile throughout the connected spaces to create a cohesive look. Alternatively, you can use mosaic tiles or tiles in bold colours to create visual interest and break up large areas.
Bathroom And Shower Tile Options
Slip resistance is a top priority when selecting tiles for bathrooms and showers. Porcelain or ceramic tiles with a high coefficient of friction (COF) are the best choice to minimise the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.
Smaller tiles, like those measuring 4×4 inches or less, are ideal for shower floors, as the additional grout lines help improve traction. For a stylish yet safe option, consider textured or matte-finished tiles, which provide extra grip.
Conclusion
Choosing high-quality tiles is an essential step in ensuring your space’s durability and aesthetic appeal. By understanding key factors like tile grading, wear resistance, water absorption, and slip resistance, you can select the most appropriate tiles for each room in your home.
Whether tiling a bathroom, kitchen, or living room, making informed decisions based on these criteria will help you achieve a beautiful and long-lasting result. With the right tile choices, you can enhance the functionality and style of your space for years to come.
FAQs
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing High-Quality Tiles?
When selecting tiles, consider the following factors: durability, slip resistance, water absorption rate, design preferences, intended use (e.g., floor, wall, or outdoor), and the type of material (e.g., ceramic, porcelain, natural stone).
How Do I Determine If A Tile Is Durable?
Tile durability is determined by its PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating, which ranges from 1 to 5. Higher PEI ratings indicate greater durability, suitable for high-traffic areas. Additionally, consider tiles with low porosity for durability in areas exposed to moisture.
What’s The Difference Between Ceramic And Porcelain Tiles?
Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous, and more durable than ceramic tiles, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor use. Ceramic tiles are typically lighter, easier to cut, and more cost-effective, often used for walls and low-traffic areas.
How Do I Select The Right Size And Design For My Space?
Large tiles make small spaces feel more open, while smaller tiles are ideal for intricate patterns or uneven surfaces. Choose a design that complements your room’s style and colour scheme. Neutral colours offer timeless appeal, while bold patterns can serve as statement pieces.
How Can I Ensure The Tiles Are Slip-Resistant And Safe?
Check the tile’s COF (Coefficient of Friction) rating; tiles with a higher COF are less slippery. For wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, choose tiles with a matte or textured finish to improve grip and safety.
