Floor and Wall Tiles
Tiles that can be used on the floors or on the walls come in a variety of shapes and colors. They can give your bathroom, shower, kitchen, and other areas in the home a unique look. Adding vinyl, white stone, marble, or ceramic tiles to your kitchen backsplash, shower, or floors can also protect surfaces from water and debris.
What is the difference between wall tiles and floor tiles?
Although it can be difficult to tell the difference between wall and floor tiles just by looking at them, there are several ways to determine what they can be used for.
- Porcelain Enamel Institute classification system: The PEI classification system ranges from Class 1 for no foot traffic to Class 5 for heavy foot traffic and commercial use.
- Coefficient of Friction rating: The COF rating indicates how much friction the tile provides. Floor tiles should have a COF rating of at least 0.5 for safety reasons.
- Water-absorption rating: This indicator states how well the tile interacts with water. The four grades range from non-vitreous for materials not suited for bathrooms, showers, or other wet areas to impervious, meaning they can handle moisture.
What types of tiling should be used in the bathroom?
Bathroom tile has an important purpose in that it needs to be able to keep water and moisture from getting into the homes structure. Even though it has this important role, you can still choose floor and wall tiles that match your personal aesthetic and turn your bathroom into a sanctuary.
- Bathroom floor: Porcelain is particularly suited for bathrooms as this type of tile is less porous and harder than other options. They also come in a variety of shapes, including hexagonal that fit together to create a mosaic style.
- Backsplash: Adding a backsplash is important for keeping moisture and water at bay. Linear glass tiles are popular for backsplashes, though metallic, natural stone, and ceramic tiles can also be used.
- Shower or spa: While porcelain is again a popular choice, some like the look of granite or marble. This can make the shower or spa feel more open. Others like the look of mosaic tiles as they can add interest to the bathroom.
Whats the difference between adhesive tiles and grout tiles?
Tiling grout is designed to fill missing space. They also help secure the wall or floor materials into place. Tiling grout is made from a cement base and is particularly strong. Grout comes in a variety of colors and is used on all types of ceramic, stone, and mosaic tiles.
Adhesive tiles just stick to your wall or other surface, making them good choices as a backsplash. They are usually made of vinyl or another durable material for additional ease of use.