Deciding to buy a tile design that attracts you sounds relatively simple. The simplicity of buying tiles isn’t always that easy, so beware to check the quality of the tiles before purchasing. Purchasing the right design for the right area is very important.g. am I looking at bathroom designs, kitchen designs, floor etc.

The modification over the years done by manufacturers means that there are tiles out there that suit the needs of every buyer. Making our floors and walls beautiful is not such a difficult task but choosing the right colour design and texture is. Some of the types of tiles that we can find in the markets include ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, terracotta tiles, stone tiles, granite tiles and slate tiles.

Ceramic Tiles: These are made out of clay, other natural elements and water for creating the basic tile structure. The upper layer of this tile body is then coated with ceramic and baked in a kiln for it to get fused to the body frame of the tile and this gives it its final finish and colour. Ceramic tiles have so many advantages that make them a popular buy; these include durability, easy maintenance, waterproof, fire resistant, versatile, scratchproof and environmentally friendly. It’s suitability for therefore making.g a bathroom tile.

The difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles is that porcelain are made out of a finer clay and are baked at a higher range of heat; this gives them a greater density. If you are looking for tiles which are suitable for exterior walls, then you should consider porcelain tiles as these have a higher percentage of odour, water, stain and bacteria resistance. Porcelain tiles can withstand excessive foot traffic for several years to come and are therefore an ideal choice.

If you would like an alternative, use natural stone. Unlike ceramic and porcelain tiles these do not contain a glazed coating and can therefore create a different look. Stone tiles include marble, slate and granite tiles and can be found in two textures, the polished tiles that have a glossy finish but can be slippery and the honed tiles that have a dull look but are comparatively less slippery.

Marble Tiles: This timeless classic will add elegance to any interior where it is used. A distinctive look by each piece of marble gives the area a natural sophistication. Honing and polishing gives marble the desired look. These tiles are delicate and attractive and most ideal for interior walls but they must be avoided in areas that are prone to accumulation of water and grease. Bathroom tiles are therefore not normally made of this.

If you are looking for hard wearing tiles, then you need to invest in granite tiles. Whilst quartz, mica, feldspar gives granite it’s distinctive character it’s the volcanic reaction that actually creates granite. Like marble each tile is different from the other and forms an intriguing pattern when laid on the floor. These tiles are suitable for both inside and outside walls and can be shapened and polished to your liking. The suitability however, of granite tiles with a polished finish on areas where there is grease and water retention is not advisable.

The slow formation in the earth’s surface mean that slate tiles have fine metamorphic rocks with bits of metal in them. There ability to withstand harsh abrasions, chemicals, fading and the freeze and thaw tests, makes natural stone tiles the tiles to buy if you want something that lasts a long time. The tiles that are suitable for both interior and exterior walls are slate tiles. You do however have to be careful as they are not suitable in places where water and grease accululate.