If you are renovating your home, tiling is almost certainly going to be a consideration. The type, size, colour, and design of tiles is very important. You want to make the most out of your personal space, which is often quite limited in South Africa, especially in places like the City of Johannesburg. Tiling is more than about the interior looking nice. Whether you are a professional builder or DIY fixer-upper, the work done must comply with National Building Regulations and the Building Standards Act as these apply even after your home is built. The purpose of tiling is practical and decorative.
Choosing the Right Type of Tiling
Tiled surfaces are very popular in homes. People often prefer it over carpeting or other surfaces because they’re easy to clean and don’t stain that easily. Tearing is typically not an issue and tiling tends to resist abrasion quite well. The type you choose is often a matter of personal taste, but maintenance requirements and durability can play into your decision. Here are some of the major types picked by homeowners.
• Ceramic: Used for covering floors and walls, ceramic tiling is the most common type. You can have them glazed, but keeping them glaze-free is fine just as well. Ceramic enhances the décor of indoor spaces very well.
• Natural Stone: Marble, limestone, travertine, or granite tiles are perfect for countertops in the kitchen. They can also be installed outdoors. Adding a more natural look, stone tiles are highly versatile and are usually polished to maintain their appeal over time.
• Porcelain: Tiles made of porcelain are also good for indoor and outdoor applications. They can resist water and frost and are generally stronger than ceramic, since the material is a bit harder.
• Mosaic: Mosaic tiling can have a mixture of different materials, including ceramic, natural stone, and glass. Some are made of stainless steel, and you may even find tiles made of sea shells. Also, mosaic tiles can vary in shape, size, and colour. Each design and pattern is therefore unique.
How to Select Quality Tiles
There are a few ways to do this, so your home renovation can go off without a hitch. Look at the grade of a sample tile, checking for inconsistencies in thickness or irregularities in the colour or glaze. Its abrasion resistance is important as well. This characteristic is rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute and tells you how durable the product is; the international standard measures how the surface glaze tolerates wear, which is gauged during an abrasion test.
Tiling should also be chosen based on need during home renovations. You may not need a highly-rated tile for a bathroom or bedroom floor, but stronger surfaces are generally preferred in kitchens, entrance halls, and other high-foot-traffic areas. High-gloss tiles don’t work well here, as they scratch easily and any dampness can make them slippery. Therefore, the strength, quality, look, and type of tiling depends on how you expect to use it, and where it’s to be installed. The professional listings on our website will help you find leading tiling experts in South Africa.