Introduction
When it comes to flooring in commercial and industrial spaces, choosing the right type of tile is crucial. The demands placed on flooring in these environments are significantly different from residential settings. If you would like to know which type of tiles are the best for such spaces, this is the blog for you. So, give this blog a good read before you google tile shop near me or floor tiles dealers near me.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are a versatile and popular flooring and wall covering option made primarily from natural clay mixed with minerals and water. These tiles undergo a manufacturing process involving shaping, drying, firing, and sometimes glazing to create a hard, durable material with a wide range of design possibilities.
Pros of Ceramic Tiles:
- Durability: These tiles are quite sturdy. They are also long-lasting.
- Water Resistance: Ceramic tiles are naturally resistant to water and moisture.
- Low Maintenance: Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are usually sufficient to keep them looking pristine. Some glazed ceramic tiles offer additional stain resistance.
- Design Versatility: They come in a plethora of design options.
- Cost-Effective: Ceramic tiles offer excellent value for the investment, considering their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
Disadvantages:
- Hardness: The hardness of ceramic tiles can be uncomfortable for employees who spend long hours on their feet.
- Grout Maintenance: Grout lines require regular cleaning and sealing to prevent staining.
Porcelain Tiles
These tiles are excellent for commercial and industrial utility purposes.
Pros of Porcelain Tiles:
- Durability: They are less likely to chip or crack compared to standard ceramic tiles.
- Water Resistance: These tiles have very low water absorption rates, making them highly resistant to water damage. This property makes them suitable for areas exposed to moisture, including bathrooms and kitchens.
- Stain Resistance: Their dense composition also makes these tiles highly resistant to staining.
- Versatility: These are available in a plethora of design options.
- Low Maintenance: Cleaning these tiles is a breeze. They require minimal maintenance, typically only needing regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep them looking pristine.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: These tiles can be more expensive than other flooring options.
- Professional Installation: Installing porcelain tiles correctly may require professional expertise.
Vitrified Tiles
Vitrified tiles are a type of ceramic tile that undergoes an additional vitrification process. This process involves high-pressure compaction and baking at higher temperatures, resulting in a denser and less porous tile. Vitrified tiles are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to stains and moisture.
Advantages:
- Exceptional Durability: Vitrified tiles are highly resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for industrial settings.
- Low Porosity: They have low water absorption, making them impervious to moisture and stains.
- Design: These tiles are available in a plethora of design options.
- Easy Maintenance: These tiles require minimal maintenance.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: Vitrified tiles are often more expensive than other ceramic options.
- Professional Installation: Proper installation by experts is crucial for achieving the full benefits of vitrified tiles.
Quarry Tiles
Quarry tiles are made from natural clay and are typically unglazed. They are known for their earthy, rustic appearance and are commonly used in industrial kitchens, outdoor areas, and commercial kitchens due to their slip-resistant properties.
Advantages:
- Slip Resistance: Quarry tiles provide excellent slip resistance, making them suitable for areas prone to spills.
- Durability: They are tough and can withstand heavy traffic and harsh conditions.
- Natural Appearance: Quarry tiles add a warm, rustic look to commercial spaces.
Disadvantages:
- Absorption: Unglazed quarry tiles have higher water absorption rates, making them more susceptible to staining.
- Limited Designs: They come in limited colours and design options compared to other tiles.
Vinyl Composition Tiles (VCT)
Vinyl composition tiles, often referred to as VCT, are a popular choice for commercial and industrial settings. They are made of vinyl resins, fillers, and colour pigments. VCT is known for its durability and versatility.
Advantages:
- Durability: VCT is designed to withstand heavy traffic and is resistant to wear and tear.
- Cost-Effective: It is one of the most budget-friendly options for commercial flooring.
- Versatility: VCT comes in various colours and patterns, allowing for creative design possibilities.
- Low Maintenance: Regular cleaning and occasional waxing keep VCT looking good.
Disadvantages:
- Vulnerability to Chemicals: VCT can be damaged by certain chemicals, so care is needed when selecting cleaning agents.
- Seams: The seams between tiles may require regular maintenance to prevent moisture infiltration.
Rubber Tiles
Rubber tiles are a resilient flooring option commonly used in commercial and industrial settings where comfort and safety are paramount. They are made from synthetic or natural rubber materials.
Advantages:
- Comfort: Rubber tiles provide cushioning and are comfortable to walk and stand on, making them ideal for spaces where employees spend long hours on their feet.
- Slip Resistance: They offer excellent slip resistance, even when wet.
- Sound Absorption: Rubber tiles help reduce noise levels in busy industrial environments.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Aesthetics: Rubber tiles may have limited design options compared to other flooring types.
- Vulnerable to Oils: Certain oils and solvents can damage rubber flooring.
Conclusion
Choosing a perfect tile for your commercial and industrial space is not as easy as googling a tile shop near me or floor tiles dealers near me. You need to make sure that the floor option that you choose will be able to withstand the heavy use and footfall that such spaces normally get. For more details, you can always visit a good tile dealer such as Orientbell Tiles Boutique in Hazaribag.