Here at Tiles360, we want to make your tile journey as easy as possible! That’s why on all of our product pages, we have included a ‘suitable for’ section that helps you understand where a tile can be used. You can find this beneath the product description where this also gives you other information on how the tile can be used.
Porcelain
In general, porcelain tiles can go on both walls and floors. They are durable and are suitable for heavy traffic areas. When applying a porcelain tile to a wall, ensure the wall can take the weight of the tile as they are often heavier. Typically, all porcelain tiles also have frost-resistant properties making them ideal for your outdoor space too. We would advise that any tiles fitted above 3 metres high on an outdoor wall should be mechanically fixed. Although there are small format porcelain tiles available, typically, porcelain tiles are larger than ceramic tiles ranging from 600mm x 300mm to 1200mm x 1200mm and vary in thickness. As they are larger, they minimise the amount of grout used therefore making them even easier to maintain. When installed correctly, porcelain tiles will last for many years, this is key so always make sure your tiler is experienced.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles tend to be used on walls as they are lighter and smaller than porcelain. Some ceramic tiles can be used on a floor but always check the durability and the manufacturers' recommendations as some tiles can be too slippery and would not take the weight in a high-traffic area. They are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, with ample designs and colours to choose from. Ceramic tiles are not recommended to be used outdoors as they would crack in cold climates. When taken care of correctly and the correct cleaning products used, ceramic tiles will last many years.
Colours, designs and styles
Choosing the right tiles for your home can sometimes be overwhelming with there being so many options out there. Smaller tiles will lend well in small spaces like bathrooms and kitchens as they can make a room feel more open. Larger tiles can make a large space feel more cohesive. A decorative wall tile can be used to create a focal point and to add style. Patterned floor tiles are always good to add character and elevate your room. Bevelled edge wall tiles are a popular way to add depth and texture. If you want that cosy underfoot feeling, porcelain tiles are a good option with underfloor heating as they heat up quickly and retain heat. Lighter colours can make a room feel bigger, brighter and airy whilst darker colours can make a room feel cosy and snug. You can express your personality through tiles by choosing bright colours adding a vibrant look to your room whether that is with one colour or mixing a matching several colours.
Which Gout and Adhesive
Ultracolor Plus grout is suitable for interior and exterior walls and floors. It is fast setting and great for joint grouts between 2mm and 20mm.
Keracolor FF grout is suitable for indoor walls. As it’s a finer grout, it’s great for glass or smooth glossy tiles up to a 6mm joint.
Keraquick S1 adhesive is fast-setting and flexible suitable for all types of ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles internal or external.
Ultralite D2 is a ready-mixed lightweight adhesive suitable for smaller ceramic internal wall tiles.
Keraflex is a cement-based high-performance flexible adhesive suitable for internal or external walls and floors.
Grouts Colours
When choosing your grout colour this can be as important as choosing the tiles as the grout can affect the overall look. If you want to achieve a seamless look choose a grout colour that is similar to the tile colour. For example, a green grout with a green tile. If you want the grout colour to stand out choose a contrasting colour. For example, a blue grout with a white tile. On floors with a lot of foot traffic like bathrooms, kitchens and hallways you may decide on a darker grout colour as it will hide stains better.
Maintaining Your Tiles and Grout
Maintaining your grout properly is key to keeping discolouration, mould and mildew build-up from appearing. If a grout protector is used when installing your tiles you will not need to worry. However, you can keep your tiles and grout clean by wiping down your grout lines with a cloth or sponge in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, especially around sinks and splashbacks will help reduce stains. Grout cleaners are available but alternatively, you can use products you may already have around your home.