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When you move into a new property, very often you are not satisfied with the choice of colours and patterns of flooring selected by the former occupants. But when you start the process of choosing new floor covering corresponding to your own desires, it becomes difficult to identify and choose from all the patterns, colours and categories available.

Among the options available includes XXL tiles, mosaic tiles, imitation parquet tiles, wood effect tiles, ceramic tiles. It's a whole new challenge, through this article, we will give you some clues to better understand the sizes and colours of tiles available on how to choose the ones best suited for you.

Tiles all dimensions

Among the range of tiles available on the flooring market, there are different categories that can be grouped by size. We find particular :

THE SMALL TILES

Long used in our homes, especially in buildings and houses of the 80s, it is still present in many bathrooms and kitchens . It is particularly appreciated for its ease of installation and its playful side. Depending on the desired visual effect, we can opt for a classic pose, plain or patterned.

MEDIUM SIZED TILES

For this model, we will start talking when larger sized tiles between 30 cm and 40 cm x 30 cm x 40 cm. Both lightweight and easy to cut, it will bring finesse and simplicity in your living spaces . In addition, it will give an additional volume area for use of patterns on your tiles.

TILE LARGE SIZE XXL OR TILES

We start talking size XXL when these exceed the dimensions 40 X 40 cm. This model is particularly suitable for renovation because it can be placed directly on the old surface . It therefore reduce investment costs.

TILING FOR LARGE SPACES

Although this range is still considered by some industry professionals as tiling XXL, one sees a change in user behaviour. Once for large public spaces , these tiles gradually invade our homes with more dimensions being offered

The choice of colours for the tiles

Now that the different dimensions of existing tiles are known, it becomes even more difficult to navigate given the wide range of colours . Finally succeed in making his choice among the colours, give two basic advice as may be good to follow:

CUSTOMIZE YOUR COLORS ACCORDING TO YOUR ROOMS SIZE

Indeed, if the internal volume is large, it will be wise to choose a colour with bright tiles . Conversely we choose dark colours for a small space.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR COLORS TO SUIT YOUR ROOM

For a bathroom, choose sober colours and modern textures . For a kitchen or other living areas, do not hesitate to choose vibrant colours and linear patterns.

When all is said and done the tile choice will be dependent on your tastes and preferences, if you are looking for expert help why not complete our simple online enquiry form and one of our nationwide tilers will be happy to talk to you about your tiling needs.

Types of tiles

Ceramic tiles have a millennia-old history dating back to the year 9000 BC. Ceramic wall coverings were found in ancient times in Persia, Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Moors brought them to Europe, where they spread, especially in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.

Advantages of ceramic tiles

They are easy to clean and are resistant to bacteria, fungal spores and other pathogens. The antistatic property help you breathe easy as dust and dust mites are easy to remove. In addition, ceramic is environmentally friendly and ecologically valuable. Since these types of tiles usually have a long life, the environment wins, too. Tiles are an ideal floor covering along with underfloor heating because the heat from the heater easily passes through stone and ceramic floors.

Disadvantages of ceramic tiles

If you don`t have under floor heated floors, ceramic tiles can feel cold. Another disadvantage compared to other floor coverings is that tiles are not flexible; severe impact, falling objects may break the tiles. However, broken tiles usually be exchanged easily that is replaced, unless you have a small supply of the same tiles left.

Abrasion resistance and scratch hardness

The suitability for specific locations or applications can be determined by the division into classes abrasion or stress groups. Floor tiles subject to a certain amount of wear - although tiles are generally extremely durable. Ceramic tiles often have groups that: 1 to 5 for very light to very heavy wear. Abrasion group 1, for example, one would possibly use on the wall, as in the bathroom, because the tiles are too sensitive to the ground. For the floor area is tiled recommend the abrasion groups 4 and 5

The resistance to scratching is divided into 7 groups of standards: the suitability for light duty, such as a wall covering, to the extremely high stress, for example, the floor covering.

The individual types of tiles

The most obvious difference you can see in the tiles include glazed or unglazed. In the construction markets is generally limited distinction between floor and wall tiles, floor tiles which are suitable for higher loads. The diversity is far greater. Here is an overview:

Stoneware Tiles

Quality and usability are primarily determined by the nature and structure of the so-called ceramic body, so the actual tile. Due to the high porosity and water absorption earthenware is only suitable for indoor use.

This fine ceramics receive their high strength and low porosity due to the extremely high firing temperature. Key benefits are frost resistance and abrasion resistance. Stoneware offers glazed and unglazed finishes.

Porcelain stoneware

Porcelain has a very solid structure and an extremely low water absorption even better performance characteristics. The unglazed ceramic meets the highest requirements.

Natural stone

There are three groups of natural stone: igneous rock such as basalt and granite are highly resistant. Sediment or sedimentary rock such as limestone or metamorphic rock such as marble.

Terracotta

A breathable product which consists of a red clay material. The surface has not been treated and in most cases has been treated after being installed.

Glass Tiles

Glass tiles come in many colours that offers new ways to play in interior design with colours. Glass tiles have high mechanical and chemical resistance to, however, are relatively expensive and require special adhesives to be used.

Room size and tile size

By opting for a large or small tile can affect the optical spatial effect of your rooms interior. Although you would not believe it at first: Large tiles can help small rooms appear larger! This is connected with the joints. For small rooms, you should use formats such as 30 x 30 cm. Large rooms, however, allow for a greater range of formats.