Picking a tile design that you are attracted too you would think, would be a relatively simple task. However it is not that simple because it is necessary to analyse the quality of the tile before you actually purchase it. 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. We can find tiles of various varieties, colours, designs and textures and with an endless choice of tile types there are innumerable ways in which we can use them to beautify our floors and walls. 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.

Clay and water create the basic structure for ceramic tiles. In order to get the tiles final finish and colour, the upper layer of the tile is coated with ceramic and baked in a kiln to fuse it with the body of the frame. There are many advantages which surround the ceramic tile such as easy maintenance, scratchproof, durability, fire resistant, waterproof and environemtally friendly. These make them a popular choice. Therefore suitable for making for e.g a bathroom tile.

Porcelain Tiles: These type of tiles are being preferred more to ceramic tiles today as they are made out of a finer blend of clay and baked at a higher range of heat that gives them a far greater density. The brilliant resistance against bacteria, odour, water and stains makes porcelain tiles the best selection if you are looking to buy tiles for an exterior wall. 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. The area is given a natural cleverness from each piece of marbles’ distinctiveness. Marble can be honed as well as polished to produce the desired look. In areas prone to accumulation of water and grease, these tiles should not be used, as they are delicate, attractive and only ideal for interior walls that do not suffer with these conditions. 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. The most gorgeous patterns are formed when each different marble tile is laid on the floor. These tiles can also be honed and polished to your liking and are suitable for both interior as well as exterior walls. The suitability however, of granite tiles with a polished finish on areas where there is grease and water retention is not advisable.

Slate Tiles: These tiles are fine metamorphic rocks with bits of metal in it that became a part of its years of slow formation in the earth’s surface. This natural stone is extremely long-lasting; this is due to it’s resistance to fight against freezing, thawing, harsh abrasions and chemical fading. 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.