Ceramic Tile Buying Guide Singapore
Table of Contents
Ceramic tile may be the sole type of flooring that may be used in any area of the house. Kitchens and bathrooms, as well as foyers, mudrooms, and other high-traffic areas, are the most common places to find it. However, many homes, particularly in warm regions, use tile in living rooms and bedrooms to excellent advantage. To put it another way, you can’t go wrong with tile. If there are any flaws with this long-lasting, attractive flooring, they are that it can be hard and chilly to walk on and that it can be difficult to install for DIYers.
The firm, solid surface of ceramic tiles does not attract or hold dirt, dust, pollen, or other allergies.
When microscopic particles fall on a ceramic floor, they stand out against the surface, making them easy to clean away with a mop or sponge. This helps to keep the air clean and clear of irritants that can harm asthma and allergy sufferers.
Is Ceramic Tile the Right Flooring for You?
The Cost of Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the more cost-effective flooring options, with budget tile and DIY installation starting at less than $5 per square foot. Tile flooring, on the other hand, can easily cost as much as or more than fine hardwood flooring as you progress to better-looking tile and skilled installation. According to national industry figures, ceramic tile flooring installed properly can cost anywhere from $15 per square foot to more than $60 per square foot. It all depends on the tile’s quality and the installation’s difficulties.
Repair and maintenance
Ceramic flooring is relatively simple to maintain, particularly glazed tiles, which have a hard protective top layer that repels water and most stains. This is why tile is so popular in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Dirt, stains, and liquids settle on the surface, making them easy to remove with a wipe or mop.
To keep the floor clear of dirt and loose debris, routine maintenance consists of little more than sweeping or vacuuming with a light brush attachment. If set-in stains do occur, practically any heavy-duty cleaning product can be used without causing damage to the material.
While the majority of ceramic floor tiles are glazed, some unglazed ceramic tiles, such as classic Saltillo tile, are also available. To protect the surface from liquids and stains, they must be sealed. The grout in between the tiles, which is prone to moisture and stains in all types of tile, should be treated on a regular basis for protection.
Ceramic flooring is extremely resistant to physical harm, but incorrect installation or issues with the tile underlayment can cause cracking. If the floor is well-maintained, a good installation can last for hundreds of years. If a single tile cracks as a result of a severe impact, replacing it is a pretty straightforward task.
Design
Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, ceramic manufacturers may now create materials that can be printed or embossed in a variety of ways. Solid tiles can be combined into patterns or embellished with bespoke designs or motifs. They can also be printed to look like a variety of hardwoods and natural stones. Finally, the tiles can be fashioned into triangles, rectangles, and planks by cutting and shaping them.
Ceramic tile flooring is suitable for any home type, but it is a must-have in any the Mediterranean or Southwest-style residence.
Installation of ceramic tile
Ceramic tile is time-consuming and difficult to install. Tile is not as DIY-friendly as laminate or vinyl, but it can be done by amateurs. The proper installation of floor tile begins with the application of a layer of cement board (or “tile backer”) over wood subfloors (concrete floors do not require tile backer), which adds to the project’s cost, time, and labor. With a cementitious thin-set adhesive, the tiles are then glued to the backer board. Then, grout is used to fill in the gaps between tiles.
Choose tiles that aren’t too difficult to install if you want to do it yourself. These include “rectified” tiles, polished stone tiles, natural clay tiles, and Saltillo tiles, which are all best left to professionals who know how to do them.
Because some ceramic floor tiles are fairly heavy, they require a stiff, robust floor structure to keep them from cracking. This means that tile may not always be ideal for installations on upper floors or floors with poor floor structures.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of installing tiles by yourself then you can hire renovation contractors. Here you can find the best renovation contractors in Singapore and choose the suitable one for you.
Comfort and convenience
Because ceramic is exceedingly durable, it is also simple to clean and maintain. Unfortunately, this can make standing on it difficult and uncomfortable. Hard ceramics, unlike resilient flooring, cannot be softened with padded underlayment. As a result, these materials may not be appropriate for workplaces where individuals are required to stand for long periods of time. In kitchens, the hardness might be a liability because a dropped dish will most likely break against the hard surface. Finally, the hardness of ceramic tile may be an issue in areas used by people who are prone to falling, such as small children or the elderly.
If you put throw rugs or area rugs in places where people are going to be standing for a long time, you can lessen the hardness of ceramic. This is true for places like kitchen work areas.
While certain tiles retain heat effectively, all tiles become cold in cold weather, which can be a rude awakening in the morning or an unpleasant reality when wearing bare feet in the bathroom. In-floor heat, either electric mats under the tile or radiant heating in or under the subfloor, is the only solution to combat chilly tile.
Some FAQs about ceramic tiles
Is it possible to put ceramic tile outside?
To be used outdoors, the tile should be frostproof and unglazed for use on the floor. Make sure the absorbency rate is less than 0.5 percent.
Is it necessary to put a sealant on ceramic tile?
Because glazed tiles are already stain-resistant, there is no need to apply a sealer. Unglazed tiles and grout joints can both benefit from a penetrating sealant. The penetrating sealer is a stain-resistant, invisible barrier that is absorbed into the surface.
What is the difference between "ceramic" and "porcelain" tiles?
Tile jargon can be perplexing. Most types of ceramic tiles are classified as "ceramic tiles" because they are formed of clay or a combination of clay and other materials and then kiln-fired. Porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles are the two types of tiles available. Separate from porcelain tiles, these non-porcelain tiles are usually referred to as ceramic tiles.
- Non-porcelain or "ceramic" tiles are often formed of red or white clay baked in a kiln. They're virtually always glazed with a long-lasting glaze that keeps the color and pattern. These tiles are utilized in both wall and floor applications, are softer and easier to cut than porcelain and have a PEI value of 0 to 3. If you have low to moderate traffic, non-porcelain ceramic tiles are usually the best choice. They have a high water absorption rating, which makes them less frost-resistant and more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles.
- Porcelain tile is a tile that is created from porcelain clay using the dust pressing method, resulting in a tile that is solid, impervious, fine-grained, smooth, and has a sharply shaped face. Porcelain tiles have a lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5 percent) than non-porcelain tiles, making them frost resistant or frost-proof.
- Glazed porcelain tiles are significantly stronger and more resistant to wear and damage than non-porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suited for any application, from low usage to heavy residential and light commercial activity. Full-body porcelain tiles are virtually immune to wear since the color and pattern run the length of the tile. They are appropriate for any use, from residential to high-traffic commercial or industrial. Porcelain tiles come in matte, unglazed, or highly polished finishes.
