Tile Matters

AS AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE IN HOMES AND PUBLIC SPACES, THERE’S MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE TO THE VARIETY AND AESTHETICS OF TILES. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ITS COUNTLESS SELECTIONS AND ITS ATTRIBUTES.

When it comes to tile, technological improvements and lifestyle preferences have brought forth pivotal changes in its design themes, and characterised many imaginations. Tiles are akin to apparel, they have become a defining element in ultimately expressing who we are.

Wide Expression of Styles

The choice of texture, color, materiality and design are some of the myriad options available. They share a common ability to reflect one’s individualistic style; complementary or contrasting, bold or muted, colorful or monotone. Right selections can be transformed into light Scandinavian, Contemporary, Industrial, Victorian, or Resort styled beauties to name a few.

Understanding the Nature of Tiles

Faced with plentiful choices, it is advisable to understand the properties and nature of tiles in form or functionality, incorrect selection could lead to grievances on issues ranging from perceived pattern differences, tile spacing, slip resistance, warpage, prone to staining and scratch marks, hairline cracks and many more.

Negative ion and Anti-Bacterial Tile

Central to the COVID-19 pandemic was the search for cure and prevention. The physical and mental well-being of occupants in building takes precedence. In searching for the right material to tile, more emphasis are now placed on tiles that exhibit functional and holistic abilities. The advent of Negative Ion tiles and Anti-Bacterial tiles that promotes wellness and protects are now extra considerations creating demand for such functional tiles.

Types of Tiles

Expounding on this topic to reduce misconception, tiles can be classified into ceramic, half/colored body printed porcelain and full body homogeneous porcelain.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles have higher porosity which means their low density body is not suited for newly constructed walls where contraction may subject them to stress cracking. Overlaying ceramic on existing tile is also not advisable unless proper back substrate and curing is done. Their myriad design patterns, light weight and lower cost means they remain immensely popular to both tradesman and buyers.

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles have low water absorption and with high density body, can withstand higher stress and heavier loading. Porcelain tiles which if termed Homogenous are full bodied and comprised of the same composition throughout. In this regard the patterns are not that varied as compared to half/ colored body digital printed Porcelain tiles.

Matt Porcelain tile can be smooth satin finish or textured/ treated achieving the desired anti-slip effect. Depending on usage needs, selection of tile finish should follow its functional and design requirements. Anti-slip tiles need higher maintenance as its crevices and pores trap dirt, user’s habit on dry-mopping or wet scrubbing play a part in determining they should be used for kitchen or toilet flooring.

Polish Porcelain tiles can be further sub-divided in composition and production technique: half homogenous body polish porcelain with less vivid design pattern could be re-polished to achieve the seamless marble feel; however high gloss Glazed Polish Porcelain with digital printed lifelike marble, woodgrain or any conceivable designs are not polish-able.

Attributes & Maintenance

Tiles are fired under high temperature and their body density more or less determines their functionality and usage. It is mindful to note tiles are not 100% in flatness or sizing, tolerance has to be accepted. Caution is advised on this aspect as minimal tile spacing enhances feeling of unevenness and likelihood of de-bonding due to contraction and expansion of tile and substrate.

Like apparel, tiles need to be properly maintained. Cleaning with light detergent will ensure they remain like new. If strong detergent is needed, do consult with Tile Supplier on its suitability.