A mosaic of choices

DECOR

Choosing the right flooring material can cast a big impression on the overall outcome of your home renovation.

It is important that your choice of flooring material does not only look good but is capable of enduring rough and tough usage especially in areas such as bathrooms and entryways. You needn’t settle for good old marble.

There is plenty to choose from today, ceramic tiles, vinyl flooring, hardwood, sandstone, granite, etc.

However, before you get overwhelmed by the choices available in the market, keep a list of items ready in mind - household activities, floor usage and of course, the budget.  It is important to have a basic knowledge about tiles in order to make an informed decision.

Colour – If you already have a colour in mind, explore the options that are available in that particular colour. You will have to choose between ceramic and porcelain tiles. You also have the option to choose natural products such as marble, granite and quartz.

When you are selecting a colour, start by determining if you want a solid colour with no variation or a colour that has variations across the surface of the tile. Also it is important to think whether your room accessories will subdue or highlight the tiles. For instance, mosaic black and white or solid colour sandstone would kill the looks if your set-up is in beige and subdued colours.

Size – If you are installing tiles in large areas such as a living room, bedroom, or a kitchen, you need to get a large tile. A large tile makes a room look large as it does not fragment the overall view of the flooring. A 12x12-inch tile would be a good choice for such spaces. For bathrooms and entryways, 8x8-inch sizes can be considered.

Tile grade – Keep in mind the area where your tile will be installed. Tiles are rated based on their durability (1 is least durable). Use grade one in areas with very light foot traffic or bathroom walls and backsplash to avoid breakage. The highest tile grade is 5, it is the most durable and recommended for heavy commercial use. If you cannot get the tiles that are rated 5, at least get the tiles that are rated no less than 3 or 4 for your home. A1 grades offer a variety of sizes, textures and colours.

Lighting – Factor in the natural and artificial light falling in your room.  This will help you decide on the colour easily. If the room is dark and sparingly gets lit with artificial light, go for light coloured tiles.

Price – Tile prices vary greatly, anywhere between Rs 25 and Rs 200 per sq ft, depending on designs, colours and materials. However, also factor in the cost of other installation materials and the mason cost so as to figure out the correct costing. At the store, ask for any recommendations based on your room size, lighting and usage.

Tile options
Ceramic tiles are the most popular. They’re durable, their glazed surface makes them highly resistant to germs, they’re usually very easy to keep clean, and come in styles to suit every taste. If you opt for ceramics, the most important thing to be aware of is that they do tend to vary from one lot to the other lot, so make sure all the boxes you buy are stamped with the same lot number.

If you would rather try something different, then go for glazed terracotta tiles. These are hugely popular with the trend for Mediterranean style bathrooms.  Good quality terracotta is not only gorgeously rustic, it’ll last virtually forever, but can be hard to find. So the cheapest option might not be the best.

Natural stone tiles like granite, slate, marble and even terrazzo (composed of marble chips imbedded in concrete and polished smooth) are beautiful, distinctive, and luxurious. They’ll cost more though. And these materials tend to be porous, so you may need to apply a seal to stop the tiles absorbing water. Make sure you discuss this with the supplier and the mason.

Glass, metal, and porcelain tiles look brilliant if installed properly so pay attention to the laying out.  Some brands to choose from are Kajaria, Hindware, H&R Johnson, Nitco, SPL, Asian, Vermora and Somany.

What you should look for?
* Anti-skid tiles for bathrooms and kids’s play area.
* Easy to clean tiles for kitchen floors and walls
* Joint-free porcelain tiles for living area and vitrified tiles in large formats for cleaner look.
* Joint-free water repellent tiles for wet areas  
* Acid and alkali resistant tiles for industrial floorings  

Tile care: Tiles are a great product, however they won’t stay clean by themselves. You need to scrub them once in a while to maintain that sheen.

Ceramic tiles are essentially a practical, low-maintenance flooring material. It is important to clean the tiles regularly so that dirt doesn't build up. Your number one enemy is dirt. Always keep your tiles clean - trapped dirt can be very abrasive, and this sand and gritty dirt is likely to damage any tiled surface. Always use a mat or rug at the entrance to doorways. In most instances, cleaning ceramic tiled floors is relatively easy.  Cleaning should always begin with the gentlest means possible, which may be as simple as warm water.

Regular maintenance should include sweeping, or preferably dry or damp mopping or vacuuming to reduce grit. Tiles can usually be cleaned with a non-soap-based household floor cleaner, such as one of the domestic products intended for cleaning ceramic tile floors available in the market.

Or something as simple as a little vinegar added to your water when cleaning.  Although heavily soiled areas may be difficult to clean completely, all cleaning and stain-removal products should always be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before using on the entire tiled surface.

Do not use abrasive cleaners (including powdered cleansers and even “mildly” abrasive creams) and mechanical equipment can damage and wear away the protective surface, as well as the design on tiles.