FINDING THE RIGHT TILES FOR YOUR PURPOSE

One of the most important considerations that can sometimes get pushed to the back of the queue when choosing tiles is the type of material in relation to the expected wear and tear. Aesthetics are all good, but let us not lose sight of the fact that in high traffic areas, it goes without saying that more wear will naturally occur over an extended period of time.

In this blog we provide some insight into which tile material is most suited to each space.

THE MOST DURABLE TILE MATERIAL

Granite tiles kitchen

The most durable tile material we offer here at Meraki Ceramics is granite. Granite is a natural stone, and it is the more expensive durable option to buy when compared to glazed porcelain. However, porcelain is almost as good when it comes to lasting the course. Plus, with the simplicity of its (almost non-existent) maintenance requirements and attractive price point, we would usually recommend porcelain as the option of choice for high traffic areas.

BUT DON’T PORCELAIN TILES GET CHIPPED AND CRACKED?

Porcelain Tiles Dubai

Not easily. Porcelain tiles, if in perfect condition prior to fixing, and if installed properly, will pretty much never see and cracking or chipping during the life span of the building. If someone was to drop a really heavy object on to them, there is the possibility a crack or chip could occur, but then there really is no flooring option for which the same can’t be said.

HOW ABOUT CERAMIC TILES RATHER THAN PORCELAIN?

Beautifully textured tiles

As a basic rule, porcelain is for floor, ceramic is for wall. Ceramics have their place on flooring, particularly in a wet room or shower area for example, where footfall is low and usually barefoot. But porcelain is far harder than ceramic, and so it is always first choice for floors. By the same rule, it is also heavier, and so ceramic is sometime the preferred option in many cases when we look at walls.

IS CERAMIC DURABLE?

Yes. But not on the same level as porcelain. If you compare ceramic tiles to options such as wood, laminate or vinyl, they don’t come close. Ceramic is highly resistant to scratches and dents, unlike the aforementioned options.

HOW ABOUT SLATE TILES?

Slate tiles Dubai

A metamorphic rock, slate is fine grained and as such it is easily split into think slabs. This makes it a great tile choice. Once laid and sealed, slate is highly durable and can last hundreds of years. Installing late is not complex. In fact, it is just like any other natural stone. First, one must lay the stone across the space to get the right appearance. As slate can have variations in terms of colour and blend, it is important that the presentation is right before fixing. Once you’re happy with the style, it’s time to fix them to a bead of adhesive, grout it, clean it up and then protectively seal the floor. You can even amplify the variations in colour by adding a colour intensifier prior to the protective sealing.

HOW DURABLE IS A GLASS TILE?

Glass tiles Dubai

Like virtually all tiles, it is all about the installation. Glass tiles are up there among the most durable if they are installed properly. The intricacies of fixing glass tiles differ quite substantially from those you might see on ceramic or porcelain tile options, and those that are not familiar with this will often then see cracks appear within the glass due to poor installation. Anyone who knows about glass will know that it doesn’t break unless it is on the receiving end of a decent level of impact. But glass also expands and contracts if exposed to different temperatures and moisture levels. This needs to be accommodated in the installation process.

STYLING GRANITE TILES

Granite tiles Dubai

Granite is notable for its top-level durability, but that’s not to take away from the striking aesthetics one can achieve with its incorporation. These days, there’s a lot of designers with a real passion for fusing indoors and outdoors, and granite is a really great option for this. You can run granite through an indoor living space and then continue it outdoors. It provides a unique texture and appearance, and is really easy to maintain. Granite is great.

DESIGNING WITH PORCELAIN

Wood Effect Tiles Dubai

There is no style that you can’t achieve with porcelain, such is its variety. Wood effect is the tile of choice for most right now, especially in homely settings where warmth, depth and an authentic sense of style are required. But from marble and stone effect tile options, through to steel effect and patterned tiles, porcelain has all the answers.

CERAMIC STYLES

Rustic Tiles Dubai

We love ceramic brick options for bathroom feature walls, backsplashes in kitchens. It’s a classic option that will seemingly never go out of style. But there’s more to ceramic tile options than brick. A lot of our Ethereal collection is ceramic, with gold, silver and bronze effect options everywhere. Take a look at those here.

AESTHETICS OF SLATE

Slate Dubai Tiles

The aesthetic quality of slate is most suited a rustic kitchen style – something that recalls old country living from a different, simpler time. But it can be paired with cleaner white tiles on walls to create something more contemporary, yet similarly engaging.

THE USE OF GLASS TILE OPTIONS

Glass tiles Dubai

Glass tiles predominantly are mosaics. Mosaics are time consuming to fix, and also if overused or placed throughout the entirety of a space they can be slightly overbearing, not to mention quite challenging and time consuming to install. For these reasons, less is more when it comes to glass tiles. We would usually use these on feature walls to provide a point of difference and interest within an otherwise quite neutral design.

Contact us today to talk about your tile requirements.