Tiles are made from a mixture of natural materials such as clay and sand. The mixture is given the desired shape and then fired at a very high temperature. Compared to natural stone, tiles are a lot less expensive and easy to install. In fact, they are a lot easier to maintain too. However, given the wide variety of options available in floor tiles, it can be difficult to choose one that best suits your needs. Here is a low-down on the latest trends in floor tiles to help make the decision a little easier for you.
Trends in floor tiles: Imitation tiles
Imitation floor tiles are the hottest trend right now. They imitate natural materials such as wood and natural stone. A lot of people prefer these floor tiles since they give them the aesthetics of natural material without the maintenance costs that come with it. For instance, natural wood is prone to damage by moisture. If you are living in an area that experiences substantial rain at any time of the year, wooden flooring is probably not the best choice for you.
However, you can go for floor tiles that are made to look like wood. They are much more water resistant and can last a long time. These kinds of tiles are best suited for the bedroom or living room.
Abrasion resistant tiles
In areas such as the lobby of your house, which will see a lot of foot traffic, you want something that can withstand constant movement. Porcelain tiles are best in this regard since they are a lot less porous than ceramic tiles. They are also abrasion-resistant. If you have kids or aged people in your family, avoid going for glazed tiles. They can be slippery. Instead, opt for tiles in a matte finish. They are a lot safer.
Mix and match
If you want your home to stand out, this is a trend you could look at. You could mix and match different tiles to make your own custom tiles from ceramic or porcelain. For instance, you could play around with the border, or create custom shapes using more than one type of floor tile.
Go big
If you want to give your space an opulent, luxurious feel, go for large floor tiles. You can perhaps go for irregular shapes too, which are often available in slate, to give your home a contemporary look.
Slip-resistant for the bathroom
Functionality trumps form when it comes to bathrooms or even kitchens. It is best not to go for glazed tiles in either of these areas. Glazed tiles can be hard to clean too. Thus, having them in the kitchen would mean a lot of grease that will be hard to get rid of.
Maintenance tips for floor tiles:
1. Regularly vacuuming your floor, and sweeping it with clean water should get rid of most debris and dirt. All you need is a clean cloth and some water to do so. 2. If your floor is a little cloudy, it is likely that it has been cleaned with dirty water, which has left soapy residue behind. To get rid of it, use a mild all-purpose cleaner. Never use abrasive cleaners on your floor tiles. Abrasive materials strip your tiles of their protective film, making them more likely to absorb stains. 3. If it is a stain that is hard to remove, simply make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it on the floor and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash it with clean water, and you will get a floor as good as new.
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