Everything you need to know about Floor Tiles

Suitable for using throughout your home, tiles are very versatile and can be put on both walls and floors, with some tiling specifically designed for the former and others, the latter. Meanwhile, some styles are designed for use as a floor or wall tile, so there are lots of options available.

In this blog, we’ll be looking at floor tiles in particular, providing an overview of the different materials available for these, as well as factors to consider before purchasing. There’ll also be tips on installation and maintenance, along with some examples of floor tiles, if you need any inspiration for your interiors.

So, to discover more about floor tiles, read to the end of the blog to find out everything you need to know.

There are various factors to consider before choosing floor tiles for your home.

Different types of floor tiles

There are lots of options when it comes to floor tiles so, if you’re looking for new flooring for your home, then here’s the lowdown on the main materials you’re likely to come across.

Porcelain Often described as the best tile material for bathrooms, porcelain is very dense and non-porous, making it ideal for humid environments, as these features mean that it’s more water-resistant than other materials. It’s also very robust and hard-wearing, as well as being easy to clean, so is a great all-round choice.

The Tempo Mix Matt Rectified Porcelain Tile is a large-format porcelain floor tile with a striking terrazzo-style pattern which will add a contemporary look to your bathroom. The terrazzo design also incorporates a mixture of tones, making this tile easy to match with a variety of décor, while it also adds depth and texture. With a modern matt finish, this is an eye-catching tile which will add elegance and charisma to any space. It’s also rectified, so has more precise edges and can be laid more closely together to minimise grout lines and create a more flowing, seamless aesthetic.

The Tempo Mix Matt Rectified Porcelain Tile has a modern matt finish and large-format size, with a terrazzo-style pattern.

Ceramic: More porous than porcelain, ceramic is still a robust material and another popular choice for bathrooms, although it isn’t as water-resistant as porcelain and can chip and crack more easily under pressure. It is, however, usually a more affordable option than porcelain and comes in a wide range of styles and colours.

Natural stone: This offers a very durable option for your flooring, as natural stone is incredibly dense and will last for many years. It’s also suitable for indoor and outdoor use and will give you that natural aesthetic. Stone is also naturally moisture and stain-resistant and is ideal for use in high-traffic areas. If you can’t afford real stone, however, then stone-effect tiling is ideal.

Marble: For an elegant and luxurious aesthetic, marble is scratch-resistant and very durable, making it another great choice for flooring. It does require maintenance and is a more expensive option, but if you want the marble look without the high price tag then opting for a marble-effect porcelain tile is a good compromise.

The Dortmund Carrara Herringbone Porcelain Tile features a marble-effect design and has a modern plank shape which can be laid in an eye-catching chevron pattern. With a white background overlaid with subtle grey marble veining detail, this is a tile which will complement a range of décor, so is very versatile. It’s also made of hard-wearing porcelain so is very robust and a great floor tile if you want to achieve a high-end look for less, giving you all the benefits of tiling with that luxury marble look. As this tile is also suitable for walls you can subsequently use it throughout your bathroom if you want to create a cohesive aesthetic.

The matt finish further gives it a contemporary style, with all of these features working together to deliver an elegant aesthetic.

The Dortmund Carrara Herringbone Porcelain Tile can be laid in a variety of ways, including a chevron-style pattern as pictured above.

Granite: Durable and resistant to scratches and stains, granite is another strong material which makes it a good choice for floor tiles. Again, it can be a more expensive investment but will last long into the future and it has that natural appearance.

Vinyl and laminate flooring: Another great option for floor tiles is vinyl and laminate, which are both cost-effective options and perfect if you’re on a budget. They’re also very versatile in that you can have wood-effect and other designs which give you the appearance of different materials but in vinyl or laminate form.

The Tomahawk Oak Laminate Flooring features a versatille grey tone and authentic wood-effect design.

For example, the Tomahawk Oak Laminate Flooring has a wood-effect design in a stunning grey tone which will go well with a range of décor, as this is a very versatile shade. With authentic graining detail which gives it the look of real timber, you can enjoy the more cost-effective price of laminate and the benefits of this material while still achieving that wood look.

Anti-static, with antibacterial coating, the Tomahawk Flooring also has a ‘1clictogo’ profile, which means the end joints can simply be dropped in, making laying this floor a breeze.

Things to consider when choosing floor tiles

When choosing your floor tiles, key things to bear in mind include their durability, maintenance and design. Depending on where you want to use them - and what your style preferences are - will also influence what you ultimately decide upon.

• Durability: As already mentioned, porcelain tiles are extremely durable, although ceramic is another good choice for your tiles.
• Water-resistance: Porcelain tiles are highly water-resistant, making them especially suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Maintenance: Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are easy to clean, while materials such as natural stone may require more specific cleaning methods.
• Design and style: With tiles available in a wide range of sizes, colours, patterns and finishes, there’s lots of choice, so it all comes down to personal preference and what will look best in the space you want to use them in.
• Installation: Fitting your floor tiles properly will help to ensure their longevity and protect them from cracks and damage. While you can do some DIY tile installation, it’s always best to hire a professional tiler if you aren’t used to it or have a tricky area to tile.
• Cost: If you have a specific budget – and most people do – then this will influence the type of tiles you go for. For example, you might want marble tiles but if they’re out of your price range then considering marble-effect porcelain tiles is a great alternative. Prices will vary based on a variety of factors, including the type of tile, size, quality and brand.

The Hex Frisia Silver Non-slip Pattern Mosaic Sheet is a designer glass floor tile.

Floor tile installation and maintenance tips

Making sure your flooring is properly installed and cared for will help to keep it in tip-top condition, so here are some tips which will get you off to a good start.

• Sub-floor preparation: Always ensure a smooth and clean sub-floor before fitting your tiles as any bumps or dirt can result in an uneven surface after they’re laid.
• Grout selection: Choose a high-quality grout which complements your floor tiles – or contrast it with the tile tone to create a more dramatic look.
• Sealing: Some natural stone tiles require periodic sealing to prevent stains and damage, so be aware of this extra effort and cost before you purchase.
• Regular cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your floor tiles regularly to remove surface dirt and debris.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage certain types of tiles, such as those with matt or satin finishes, so only use cleaners recommended by the manufacturer and, if in doubt, soap and water is always best.
• Repair cracked tiles promptly: Replace or repair damaged tiles as soon as possible to prevent further issues.
• Furniture pads: Use furniture pads to prevent scratches on the surface of your tiles.

The Star Blue Pattern Tile is a robust Super Ceramic tile with a vibrant design.

Find your perfect floor tiles at Tileshack

Whether you're looking for porcelain, ceramic or vinyl flooring, when it comes to tiles, you'll find a great selection with a wide range of styles and colour palettes at Tileshack. From marble wood-effect tiling to large-format styles, mosaic tiles, metro styles and more, we have something to suit all tastes and are always happy to advise you, should you have any queries.

When it comes to tiling your new home or renovation property, we have lots of tiles at great-value prices which we're sure you'll love.

To view our full range of tiles, visit Tileshack.com and if you have any queries, just email us at info@bathshack.com, call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.