Things to Consider When Choosing Tiles

Groom Property Maintenance Things to Consider When Choosing Tiles

Things to Consider When Choosing Tiles

Practical, highly durable and hygienic, tiles are a great surface solution for any property. A well-tiled wall or floor can last for generations, protect underlying structures from moisture and is easier to keep clean than more porous surfaces like plaster, wood or carpet. But there are a few things to consider when choosing the best tiling solutions for your specific project.

What surface are you tiling?

Indoors or outdoors? Floors or walls? You need to match your tiles with the surface you want to cover. For example, wall tiles are generally lighter and less robust than the load-bearing floor variety. While you can’t use wall tiles on a floor, you can use floor tiles on a wall – as long as you take the extra weight into account. Porcelain tiles are harder, stronger, less porous and more frost-resistant than ceramic ones which means they’re more suitable for outdoor use or on high-traffic floors. So, think carefully about the weight and composition in relation to the surface you’re renovating.

How is the space used?

Think about the ‘who and how’ when it comes to the people who will be using the space. Is it an area that will get wet and needs more slip resistant or waterproof tiles – like a bathroom, kitchen or busy entrance? Is it a high traffic area with heavy footfall that requires stronger tiles that are less likely to be damaged? Is it an area that needs to be cleaned frequently? Could very shiny floor surfaces or bold patterns pose a problem for people who have certain medical conditions like visual problems or dementia. In short, you need to make sure you’re using tiles that suit the way the space is used.

Do the tiles make the space look good?

Just because it has to be practical, doesn’t mean it can’t look good too. With all the variations out there to choose from, tiles are a great way to introduce colour and pattern into the decor. Think about how you want people to feel when they’re in the property. For example, lots of small, dark tiles in a tiny room will make the space feel very different than having larger, lighter ones that reflect more light. Good tiling can create a great first impression. Done badly, it could give occupants, maintenance staff and your cleaning crew a big headache.

Using a professional tiling contractor

If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly. A professional tiling contractor can give you advice on the most cost-effective way to tile an area and suggest the right materials for the job, ensuring your tiled surfaces are fit for purpose, look great and stand the test of time.

If you’d like to know more about our commercial tiling services in West Wales, the West Country, Southern England and the South East, get in touch for a chat with our property maintenance team.